Vietnam-Russia relations discussed

A conference on Vietnamese-Russian relations and methodological issues was held in Hanoi on February 10.

This is the first conference discussing the State-level research findings on how news for foreign services can boost the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, hosted by the National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED).

Dr. Pham Van Linh, Vice Chief of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Popularisation and Education highlighted that the findings have made significant contributions to the Party and Government’s foreign policies and strategy on news for foreign services.

During the event, participants focused on five relevant issues: politics and foreign affairs; economy and law; security and defence; culture and information; and science and education.

They also stressed the inheritance of the bilateral relationship from the former Soviet Union.

Government, VFF coordination effective in 2014: PM

The Government and the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee organised a joint session in Hanoi on February 11 to review what Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung declared “practical and effective coordination” in 2014.

According to the 2013 Constitution, the VFF is responsible for creating social consensus; contributing to building a strong Party and administration through social supervision and criticism; and developing relations between the people of Vietnam and other nations around the world. It acts as an umbrella organisation for Vietnamese socio-political organisations and forms the political base of the people’s power.

Participants highlighted that the Government enhanced mechanisms and policies relating to ethnic, religious, and overseas Vietnamese affairs, helping consolidate national solidarity. It also provided favourable conditions for the VFF to enhance Vietnam’s relationships with people around the world.

Last year, the two sides worked closely to intensify communication on the seas, islands, and national sovereignty. They jointly implemented an array of practical measures to support fishermen working at sea and ensure social stability, security, and order.

VFF President Nguyen Thien Nhan said thanks to their coordination, the VFF has nearly completed its supervision of the implementation of policies to support those who rendered services to their country. It also surveyed the public opinion on administrative reform and monitored the settlement of complaints.

He asked for continued coordination between the two in carrying out a strategy to preserve Vietnam’s cultural identities in overseas Vietnamese communities.

At the event, PM Nguyen Tan Dung said the Cabinet and the VFF should coordinate further in promoting democracy and increasing public engagement in improving the State apparatus.

He also agreed on the VFF’s proposal to enhance supervision and feedback mechanisms.

Vietnam, Cambodia provinces boost ties

Leaders of the Cambodian province of Mondulkiri, headed by Governor Eng Buol Hieng, paid a visit to the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong on February 11 to wish local leaders a happy New Year.

Dak Nong provincial leaders lauded the visit of the Cambodian delegation for helping to fortify and boost ties between the two provinces as well as their nations as a whole.

In return, Hieng expressed his appreciation to the Party Committee, authorities, and people of Dak Nong province for supporting his province in agricultural production, hunger reduction, and infrastructure development.

In recent years, collaborative relations between the two provinces have made significant achievements, particularly the cooperative agreement phase from 2010-2015 in land border demarcation, border security, anti-crime, and the protection and development of forestry along the border.-

Nghe An urged to accelerate economic restructuring

President Truong Tan Sang urged the authorities in the central province of Nghe An to accelerate its economic restructuring to generate additional jobs and improve local incomes.

The President hailed the efforts of the locality in promptly providing rice and assistance for its disadvantaged residents during a working session with the local Party Committee, authorities, and armed forces on February 11 during his tour to the locality in honour of the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet).

He also spoke highly of the endeavours of local armed forces in cultivating political awareness for soldiers and officers and proactively contributing to new-style rural area development.

Along with the leadership of the Party and State, the armed forces made remarkable contributions to realising the country’s socio-economic development goals, President Sang stressed.

Nghe An’s armed forces should step up its vigilance, remain prepared to handle social disorders, and promote external defence relations, he said.

On the occasion, President Sang presented Tet gifts to poor families and Agent Orange/dioxin victims in the My Son and Nhan Son communes of Do Luong district.

To ensure an enjoyable Tet festival, district authorities also presented 80 tonnes of rice and other gifts to welfare beneficiaries, needy families and disadvantaged children in the locality.-