Romania’s National Day marked in Hanoi

 Romanian Ambassador to Vietnam Valeriu Arteni speaks at the event (Photo: dangcongsan.vn)

The Vietnam-Romania Friendship Association celebrated the 100th anniversary of Romania’s National Day (December 1, 1918 – 2018) in Hanoi on November 25.

At the ceremony, Chairman of the Vietnam-Romania Friendship Association Tong Van Nga praised Romania’s growth to become a modern country that actively integrates in European and global structures for peace and stability in the world.

He said despite the fact that Vietnam and Romania have witnessed the bilateral ties expanding across fields, their economic-trade cooperation still falls short of potential, with bilateral trade reaching just above 200 million USD in 2017.

Nga thanked the Romanian Government’s support and assistance towards Vietnam in its past struggle for national independence and current cause of national development, and toward Vietnamese expatriates living in the country.

He expected that the relations between the two countries and their people will further develop in the coming time.

Romanian Ambassador to Vietnam Valeriu Arteni said based on their historical similarities, the Romanian and Vietnamese people are getting closer and joining hands in boosting the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two nations. 

Lauding the role of the Vietnam-Romania Friendship Association, the diplomat said its activities have become a bridge linking the Romanian and Vietnamese people and their nations. 

Vietnam and Romania officially set up diplomatic relations in February 1950.

Vietnam condemns use of chemical weapons

Headquarters of Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in The Hague

Vietnam condemns all acts of using chemical weapons regardless of by anyone, at any places and for any purposes, Ngo Thi Hoa, permanent Vietnamese representative at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), has affirmed.

Speaking at the fourth Review Conference for the Convention on Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (CWC), which is taking place in The Hague from November 21-30, Hoa emphasised the country’s support for the comprehensive and verified disarmament of chemical weapons.

Vietnam commits to fully implementing its obligations following the CWC, and intensifying effective cooperation with the OPCW, added Hoa, who is also Vietnamese Ambassador to the Netherlands.

She affirmed Vietnam’s backing for strengthened international collaboration in raising the efficiency of the CWC enforcement and developing the chemical industry for peaceful purposes, and voiced her hope that the OPCW and the international community help developing countries in this field.

The diplomat shared an initiative to build and duplicate regional centres to connect resources to carry out the CWC, including the possibility of setting up an ASEAN Centre on increasing the capacity of the convention’s enforcement.

The review conference is held every five years since the convention took effect in April 1997 to review the implementation of the convention in the past five years and recommend effective policies and measures to improve the efficiency of CWC enforcement in the following year.

The fourth edition attracts the participation of OPCW Director-General Fernando Arias, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu, and representatives from 160 CWC member states, observing nations and international organisations.

With 193 member states, which account for 98 percent of the globe’s population, and the achievement of more than 96 percent of declared chemical weapon stockpiles eliminated, CWC is considered the most successful multilateral treaty in the disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Defence cooperation – a pillar of Vietnam-Thailand ties: officer

Sen. Lieut. Gen. Phan Van Giang (left), Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and Deputy Defence Minister, and Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Thailand 

Sen. Lieut. Gen. Phan Van Giang, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and Deputy Defence Minister, highlighted defence cooperation as one of the important pillars of the Vietnam-Thailand relations. 

At a meeting with Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Thailand, in Bangkok on November 23, Giang applauded Thailand’s important role in maintaining solidarity and development in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). 

The officer noted his belief that Thailand will successfully assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2019 and urged the country to share its experience with Vietnam which will take over the position in 2020. 

Extending greetings of Vietnamese Defence Minister Gen. Ngo Xuan Lich to Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon, Giang said the Vietnamese minister hopes to welcome Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon in Hanoi at an earliest date to discuss issues regarding the bilateral defence ties. 

Giang expressed his belief that Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon will continue to create favourable conditions for collaboration in military and national defence between the two countries. 

In reply, Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon said Giang’s visit will contribute to consolidating and developing the bilateral strategic partnership. 

The host also said he wants to pay an official visit to Vietnam to discuss issues of shared concern. 

While in Thailand, Giang held talks with Gen. Pornpipat Benyasri, Chief of Defence Forces of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, during which the two sides agreed to increase the exchange of delegations, including young officers, and enhance cooperation in training and air and naval forces, while seeking collaboration possibilities between the two armies. 

They believed that with political will and resolve displayed by leaders of the two countries and armies, the bilateral defence ties will make new progress, bringing pragmatic benefits to both sides. 

On this occasion, Giang visited the Counter Terrorism Operations Centre of Thailand and the Vietnamese Defence Attache Office in Bangkok.

VNA presents equipment to Laos’ KPL

At the hand-over ceremony 

The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on November 23 presented technical equipment as gifts to its Lao counterpart KPL. 

The hand-over ceremony was held at the KPL’s new headquarters in Vientiane, in the presence of Lao Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Savankhon Rasamunti, and representatives of the two agencies, among others. 

In his remarks, VNA Deputy General Director Dinh Dang Quang highlighted mutual support between the two agencies over the past half century.

The diverse cooperation, ranging from information and delegation exchange to professional training and technical support between the two agencies, has contributed to developing and consolidating the Vietnam-Laos relations, he said. 

The VNA has provided equipment and machines for its Lao counterpart, helping the KPL meet requirements set for a national news agency in the digital era, he said, stressing the VNA’s assistance to the KPL in upgrading its information system and building a website in Lao, English and French languages. 

Apart from setting up an internet system, the VNA has also helped the Lao agency build a modern studio under its project on supplying equipment to the KPL’s new headquarters, according to Quang.  

The project has significantly contributed to improving operational quality of the KPL, thus consolidating and enhancing cooperation and special friendship between the two agencies in particular, and the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the Vietnamese and Lao Parties, States and people in general, he noted. 

Addressing the ceremony, KPL General Director Sounthone Khanthavong recalled the VNA’s support to his agency in personnel training and equipment over the past half century.  

The KPL will use the gift, especially the studio, effectively in order to cover activities of Lao Party and State leaders and promote the time-honoured friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, he said. 

Sounthon Khanthavong echoed Quang’s views that the two agencies should work as a bridge that helps cultivate and preserve the Vietnam-Laos relationship. 

He used the occasion to thank the valuable support of the Vietnamese Party, State and people, particularly the VNA, to Lao people and the KPL in particular.

Hanoi enhances relations with China’s Sichuan province

President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front – Hanoi chapter Vu Hong Khanh (fourth, right)

President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) – Hanoi chapter Vu Hong Khanh held talks with visiting Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference – Sichuan provincial chapter Zhao Zhenxian in the Vietnamese capital city on November 24.

Informing the guest of Hanoi’s situation and the VFF – Hanoi chapter’s operations and main tasks, Khanh said that the agency acts as a bridge connecting the Communist Party of Vietnam, municipal authorities and people from all walks of life and has the responsibility for orienting public opinion to make people have sound understanding, thus creating a consensus in the society.

He underlined the time-honoured friendship between Vietnam and China, affirming that Hanoi always treasures China’s interest in and support for Vietnam’s revolutionary cause.

Zhao Zhenxian said he is impressed by the efforts made by Vietnam, including Hanoi, during the struggle for national liberation and sovereign protection.

Pointing to similarities in development policies of the two countries, he said that cooperation between their localities will have a foundation to develop further in the time to come.

He expressed his hope that both sides will discuss to seek specific opportunities for development cooperation.

Both host and guest shared the wish that the friendship and collaboration between Hanoi and Sichuan province will grow more sustainably.

Party chief, President meets Hanoi voters

Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong on November 24 met with voters in Hanoi’s Ba Dinh, Tay Ho and Hoan Kiem districts.

Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong on November 24 met with voters in Hanoi’s Ba Dinh, Tay Ho and Hoan Kiem districts to inform them about outcomes of the recent sixth session of the 14th National Assembly.

Most of the voters said the content of the session has reflected democracy and responsibility, adding that reforms in the meeting have helped improve operational quality and efficiency of the legislature. 

Congratulating the Party chief on his election as President, the voters expressed their wish and belief that the leader will successfully fulfil tasks assigned by the Party, the NA and people. 

They suggested conducting votes of confidence at candidate registration and working places, and legislative meetings to ensure objectivity and accuracy of the work. 

NA deputies should meet voters in their residential areas and working places to talk about specific topics in order to understand their aspirations, they said. 

The voters proposed enhancing the inspection of the implementation of the Party’s resolutions, and noted their wish that the Party and State will continue with anti-corruption efforts. 

The recent trials of corruption cases have signaled the resolve of the Party and State in the combat, they said, suggesting tightened inspection of heads of agencies and a comprehensive review of the personnel strategy.

They expressed their concern over the settlement of assets of unclear origin as prescribed in the revised anti-corruption law that was passed by the NA with high votes. 

Regarding the combat against corruption, Party General Secretary and President Trong emphasised the need to turn words into action. 

He also described protecting political security as a crucial and strategic task to spur national development, stressing the Party Central Committee’s attention to preventing “self-evolution” and “self-transformation” within the Party, as well as degradation among officials and Party members. 

The leader agreed with the voters’ opinions on the responsibility for setting examples of officials and explained that the vote of confidence aims to prevent bad deeds among officials. 

Trong echoed their views on the need to step up information work to raise public awareness of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) that was approved during the sixth session. 

It is a must to intensify thematic supervision in socio-economic issues and inspection at different levels to prevent bad deeds, which, the leader said, needs a comprehensive plan. 

At the meeting, the voters also applauded and showed their support for the Government’s drastic and effective solutions to manage the national economy and ensure social welfare. 

They expressed their hope that the Party, State and NA will create breakthroughs in 2019 to make the country develop comprehensively and affirm its role when joining the CPTPP.

Cao Bang urged to seek breakthrough measures for development

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc works with key officials of Cao Bang province. 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc worked with authorities of the northern border province of Cao Bang on November 24, asking them to seek breakthrough solutions to the locality’s development.

The PM asked Cao Bang to focus on agricultural development, processing and high technology application in production as they are main industries of the locals. He suggested expanding agricultural production in three key pillars: organic and clean production, high technology application in processing, and value chain connection and development of brand name to increase local farm produce value.

Besides, the province needs to pay attention to afforestation and wood processing and exports, while promoting investment in logistic services to improve the export value.

Cao Bang should promote its heritage values and natural landscapes, such as the Non Nuoc global geographical park, to develop tourism, he said.

During the session, the PM, his working delegation, including key officials from ministries and sectors, and local authorities focused on specific measures to realise the implementation of an expressway connecting Tra Linh in Cao Bang with Dong Dang in neighbouring Lang Son province.

The PM agreed in principle to implement the important project, saying that once operational, the 115km expressway will facilitate transport, trade and socio-economic development for Cao Bang, which has a high poor household rate.

On the same day, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc visited the Cao Bang police. He praised achievements of the local public security force in recent years and called for ensuring security and social order in the new situation.

Viet Nam-Oman to boost co-operation

There are significant opportunities for co-operation between Oman and Viet Nam, heard attendees at the ceremony to celebrate the 48th anniversary of Oman’s National Day.

Speaking at the ceremony held in Ha Noi on Monday, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam Nguyen Phuong Nga said that Viet Nam highly appreciated the active movement of Oman investors when investing in infrastructure projects in Viet Nam. "The potential for co-operation between the two countries is great, especially in the field of commerce, investment and labour exchange,” she said.

"Thanks to the efforts of the two governments, the bilateral relationship between Oman and Viet Nam has been steadily developing since the two sides established diplomatic relations in 1992. The Viet Nam-Oman Investment Joint Venture (VOI) is considered a typical model for economic relations between the two countries,” Sheikh Sultan Saif Hilal Al-Mahruqi, Ambassador of Oman in Viet Nam said.

The relations between Viet Nam and Oman have made significant progress after the third meeting of the Joint Committee for Economic and Technical Co-operation in Ha Noi in March 22, 2018 – marking 26 years of diplomatic relations.

The two countries have signed a number of bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding in the areas of aviation, trade, human resources, mutual investment protection, and avoiding double taxation. The two sides have also exchanged many business delegations.

Viet Nam and Oman established the Joint Committee for Economic and Technical Co-operation in 2008, resulting in the establishment of the Viet Nam-Oman Investment Corporation (VOI). The joint venture is currently investing in important sectors such as healthcare, services, agriculture, renewable energy and infrastructure such as highways and water treatment plants. Over 10 years of development, VOI has disbursed more than US$200 million so far, becoming a typical investment flow from the Middle East into Viet Nam.

Oman’s Minister of Industry and Trade Dr. Ali Bin Masoud bin Ali al Sunaidy said that one of the solutions to promote bilateral investment is the development of VOI.

“The investment of $200 million in Viet Nam is not enough and we could easily double that," he said. Viet Nam’s agricultural production, especially rice and vegetables, is a promising field for not only in Oman’s market but also in neighbouring countries in the region.

Viet Nam and Oman will continue to explore the possibility and soon expand co-operation in a number of potential and key areas such as oil and gas, finance, banking, labour, transportation, sports and tourism. First of all, negotiations on a visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports would soon be carried out to facilitate delegate exchanges between the two countries. 

PM hopes for 3 billion USD in Vietnam-Belgium trade

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (right) and Belgian Ambassador Paul Jansen (Photo: baochinhphu.vn)

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has suggested Belgian Ambassador Paul Jansen contribute to raising trade turnover between Vietnam and Belgium to 3 billion USD in the time ahead. 

At a reception for the newly-accredited ambassador in Hanoi on November 23, PM Phuc said the Vietnam-Belgium relationship has developed fruitfully across fields. However, the two-way trade at 2.3 billion USD in the first ten months of this year has yet to match potential and strength of each side. 

Recalling his official visit to Belgium last October, the PM said outcomes of the visit will create a firm foundation for strengthening the bilateral relations. 

He expressed his hope to welcome the Belgian Prime Minister in Vietnam as soon as possible. 

He told Ambassador Jansen that Vietnam has actively prepared for the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and called on Belgium to back the signing and ratification of the deal. 

PM Phuc said he believes that with his diplomatic experience, the ambassador will make contributions to the relations between Vietnam and Belgium during his tenure in the Southeast Asian nation. 

For his part, Ambassador Jansen described PM Phuc’s visit to Belgium as a milestone in the bilateral ties, especially in the context of the two countries reaching an agreement on the establishment of a strategic partnership in agriculture, helping promote a quality and high-tech agricultural sector in Vietnam and boost Vietnam’s exports to Belgium. 

Belgian firms want to expand investment and seek new opportunities in Vietnam, he said, suggesting the Vietnamese Government exempt visa for Belgian citizens in order to bolster tourism cooperation and cultural exchange between the two countries. 

The diplomat also voiced his wish that Vietnam and Belgium will provide mutual support and coordinate with each other in such areas as peacekeeping and climate change combat. 

Belgium always supports Vietnam’s participation in the EVFTA, saying this would help Vietnam derive substantial strategic and economic benefits brought about by the deal.