Deputy PM affirms Vietnam’s comprehensive integration policy

Vietnam remains proactive in international integration, advocating fair and mutual beneficial cooperation with all partners.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh made the statement at a banquet for diplomatic corps in Hanoi on January 20.

He said Vietnam has performed as a responsible member, making positive contributions to regional and the world’s security and development. The country joined the UN peace-keeping activities, UN Human Rights Council, and International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors.

The Deputy PM said the Government and people of Vietnam will try hard to realise the set goals in 2011-15 period. With regard to external relations, the country will continue to further international integration, together with the international community, to overcome economic difficulties, narrow differences and address issues of global concern.

He and Chairman of the Hanoi municipal People’s Committee Nguyen The Thao thanked the international guests for their precious support and cooperation over the years, believing this will be a profound base to help each other develop in the future.

Moroccan Ambassador to Vietnam El Houcine Fardani, on behalf of the guests, delivered congratulations to Vietnam on its success in socio-economic development and international relations.

He hoped the country will uphold the momentum for 2014 by focusing on economic restructuring to become an industrialised nation by 2020 as planned.

Cambodia affirms no intervention in Vietnam affairs

A senior Cambodia diplomat affirmed on January 21 his country will not intervene in the internal affairs of Vietnam – an independent and sovereign nation.

Ouch Borith, Secretary of State at the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the statement, rejecting the Khmer Campuchea Krom (KKK)’s appeal for the Cambodian government’s intervention to release several Khmer detainees in southern Vietnam.

In an appeal to the Cambodian government, the KKK demanded the government act to help free some Khmer people living in Vietnam’s south-western region who had been detained for Vietnamese law violation.

In a January 17 dispatch to the KKK, Ouch Borith stated those Khmer people living in the aforementioned region are Vietnamese citizens and they must abide by Vietnamese law.

Cambodia and Vietnam are independent and sovereign nations and Cambodia will not intervene in the internal affairs of other countries, he noted. 

Ninh Binh urged to take advantage of tourism assets

Ninh Binh Province should focus on its strengths in tourism, agriculture and industry to boost future development.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made this recommendation at his working session with local leaders yesterday as part of his visit to the northern province.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong visits the poor mountainous commune of Gia Sinh in Gia Vien District yesterday.

He urged the province to take advantage of its position in the south of the Red River Delta - with a number of famous cultural and historical sites and natural landscapes, such as Phat Diem Stone Church, Trang An Eco-resort, Bai Dinh Pagoda and Cuc Phuong National Park, to develop tourism and related services.

In addition, the province needs to pay due attention to agriculture, industry, clean technology and its maritime economy, he said.

In the years ahead, Ninh Binh should focus on administrative reforms, mechanisms, and perfecting policies, as well as infrastructure development and human resource training, he pointed out.

He further urged the province to improve the building of the Party and the political system, in terms of ideology, organisation, personnel and inspections.

The General Secretary also praised the encouraging results Ninh Binh has earned. From a poor agricultural province, Ninh Binh has become an economic success in the Red River Delta, he said.

According to the province's report, Ninh Binh posted an average annual GDP growth of over 12 per cent in the 2011-13 period. Additionally, the material and spiritual lives of the local residents were much improved, while the rate of poor households dropped to 5.56 per cent last year.

It was also named among the top 10 localities nationwide in new-style rural building, with three communes fulfilling all 19 criteria.

On the same day, Party General Secretary Trong visited the poor mountainous commune of Gia Sinh in Gia Vien District.

Viet Nam eyes increased ties with Belgium

Viet Nam wishes to expand diplomatic ties and economic opportunities with Belgium, said Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung while receiving Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Johan Vande Lanotte in Ha Noi yesterday, Jan 20.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung meets Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Johan Vande Lanotte in Ha Noi yesterday.

Dung hailed this year as a key milestone in Viet Nam – Belgium relations as it marks the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

He vowed to offer support to Belgian investors in Viet Nam in order to assist two-way trade.

The Government of Viet Nam has been working to better manage and effectively use official development assistance (ODA) funded by Belgium, Dung said, adding that he hopes for Belgium's continued support in the future.

Dung also suggested the Belgians support negotiations on the Viet Nam-European Union (EU) free trade agreement and recognise Viet Nam as a market economy.

Lanotte made it clear that Belgium wants to improve ties with Viet Nam, particularly in trade and investment. Belgian investors are keen to expand investment in Viet Nam, especially in the Dinh Vu industrial zone in the northern port city of Hai Phong.

He said Belgium is ready to provide Viet Nam with a springboard for European markets and foster joint work in high technology, cosmology, satellites and ODA.

Lanotte also said Belgium is urging the EU to conclude free trade agreement negotiations so it can be signed as soon as possible, which he said will pave the way for development opportunities, especially in logistics, which is a strength of the European nation.

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai and his Belgian counterpart Lanotte witnessed the signing of bidding contract No 1, part of the VN Red Sat 1B satellite project.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai and his Belgian counterpart Lanotte also met in Ha Noi as they agreed to forge bilateral co-operation in various fields, especially transport, environment, education and healthcare. They witnessed the signing of bidding contract No 1, part of the VN Red Sat 1B satellite project.

Nation steps up RoK co-operation

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has said Viet Nam will work with the Republic of Korea (RoK) to further accelerate bilateral co-operation in economics, trade, investment and labour.

He made the remarks during a meeting yesterday with RoK Prime Minister Chung Hong-won, as part of his official visit to the country from January 19-23.

Phuc affirmed that the Party and State of Viet Nam attach much importance to the relationship with the RoK, considering it a priority in the country's external policy.

He also proposed that the RoK Government create more favourable conditions for Vietnamese goods to penetrate the RoK market.

Further, he said Viet Nam would always remain open to RoK enterprises interested in developing their businesses and transfer technology to Viet Nam, to help Viet Nam boost its support industry.

During the meeting, the two sides expressed their pleasure at the growing ties between Viet Nam and the RoK over the past two decades, especially since they set up their strategic partnership in 2009.

They also discussed measures to implement the agreements that leaders of both countries reached during the Viet Nam visit of President Park Geun-hye last September.

They agreed that it is necessary to strengthen political trust and beef up comprehensive cooperation in the years ahead.

PM Chung Hong-won confirmed that his country believes Viet Nam will be a key partner in its development cooperation.

The RoK Government will actively implement agreements between the two countries and speed up joint projects in economics, science and technology, as well as development cooperation.

He suggested that the two sides exert more efforts so the Viet Nam -RoK free trade agreement could be signed this year, fueling two-way trade to reach the goal of US$70 billion by 2020.

The Prime Minister also pledged that his country will continue stepping up measures to gradually reduce Viet Nam's trade deficit with the RoK, to reach a balance in trade between the two countries.

Further, the two sides agreed to strengthen their coordination in regional and international forums, contributing to maintaining peace, stability, along with maritime and airspace freedom and safety in accordance with international law.

Regarding the tense situation in the Korean Peninsula, Phuc affirmed that Viet Nam supports peace, stability and non-nuclearisation on the peninsula.

Phuc also met RoK Ministers of Public Administration and Security, Defence, and Justice, as well as leaders of some enterprises.

Additionally, he visited the staff of the Vietnamese Embassy in Seoul.

Banquet held for international officials

A banquet for diplomatic corps was held in Hanoi on January 20 with the participation of State and Hanoi officials along with ambassadors and representatives from international organisations.

Addressing the dinner, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh briefed the guests on 2013 in review and the fluctuating developments of the world economy.

He noted that Vietnam has remained proactive in international integration, advocating fair and mutual beneficial cooperation with all partners.

At multilateral forums including the United Nations, Vietnam has performed as a responsible member, making positive contributions to regional and the world’s security and development, which are concretised by joining the UN peace-keeping activities, and being active in the UN Human Rights Council, and the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors.

The Deputy PM said the Government and people of Vietnam will try hard to realise the set goals in 2011-15 period. With regard to external relations, the country will continue to further international integration, together with the international community, to overcome economic difficulties, narrow differences and address issues of global concern.

He and Chairman of the Hanoi municipal People’s Committee Nguyen The Thao paid thanks to the international guests for their precious support and cooperation over the years, believing this will be a profound base to help each other develop in the future.

Moroccan Ambassador to Vietnam El Houcine Fardani, on behalf of the guests, delivered congratulations to Vietnam on its success in socio-economic development and international relations.

He hoped the country will uphold the momentum for 2014 by focusing on economic restructuring to become an industrialised nation by 2020 as planned.

Cambodia affirms no intervention in Vietnam affairs

A senior Cambodia diplomat affirmed on January 21 his country will not intervene in the internal affairs of Vietnam – an independent and sovereign nation.

Ouch Borith, Secretary of State at the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the statement, rejecting the Khmer Campuchea Krom (KKK)’s appeal for the Cambodian government’s intervention to release several Khmer detainees in southern Vietnam.

In an appeal to the Cambodian government, the KKK demanded the government act to help free some Khmer people living in Vietnam’s south-western region who had been detained for Vietnamese law violation.

In a January 17 dispatch to the KKK, Ouch Borith stated those Khmer people living in the aforementioned region are Vietnamese citizens and they must abide by Vietnamese law.

Cambodia and Vietnam are independent and sovereign nations and Cambodia will not intervene in the internal affairs of other countries, he noted.     

Politburo member Le Hong Anh visits Can Tho

Politburo member and Permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Le Hong Anh held a working session with leaders of the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on January 20.

Anh affirmed that Can Tho holds an important role in defence, security maintenance and socio-economics and is a key player in the development of both the Mekong Delta and the country.

He asked the city to continue restructuring its economy with more focus on services, high-tech agriculture and industry, ensuring social welfare and maintaining political stability and social safety and order in 2014.

Last year, Can Tho City collected 11 trillion VND (517 million USD) for its budget, exceeding 24.5 percent of the set target.

It strives to reach a trade value of 70.2 trillion VND (almost 3.3 billion USD) in 2014, up 14 percent from 2013.

During the 10-year period, the city has recorded an average annual GDP growth rate of 14.5 percent.

With its GDP per capita increasing sixfold from 10.3 million VND in 2004 to nearly 63 million VND in 2013, many important infrastructure facilities were put into operation, contributing to accelerating socio-economic development in the city and the Mekong Delta region.

President extends New Year greetings to border guards in capital city

President Truong Tan Sang wished the nation's border guards a happy Tet (Lunar New Year) yesterday when visiting the Viet Nam Border Guard High Command's headquarters in Ha Noi.

President Sang also inquired about preparations for the Tet festival in the border areas, while talking with officers from several border posts over the phone.

Further, he reminded officers and soldiers to remain united in defence of their people.

Border guards were also urged to have a thorough grasp of the Party's political guidelines on implementing defence tasks, expanding external relations and to help people with socio-economic development programmes, especially those in border areas, to improve their lives.

Last year, the Border Guard provided consultations for the Defence Ministry on issues related to territorial sovereignty and borders, and coordinated with other forces in addressing problems on the sea, as well as participated in aid relief operations and search and rescue activities.

The force also reformed administrative procedures on entry and exit management, tackled 11,000 law-violation cases and arrested 20,000 offenders involved in drug smuggling, human trafficking and trade fraud.

The Border Guard also asked for assistance from the Party and State to upgrade equipment to serve patrols, manage border markers and control entry and exit activities in the years ahead.

The same day, Sang also met with representatives from the Viet Nam Federation of UNESCO Associations (VFUA), on the occasion of the 20th anniversary since its establishment.

At the meeting, Sang praised the federation for its development and achievements over the past 20 years in the fields of education, culture and science, which contributed to the general development of the country.

Sang requested that the federation continue its activities to promote the image of Viet Nam, its culture and people to international friends to foster a deeper understanding of the strong spirit and the sense of the hospitality of the Vietnamese people.

The Viet Nam Federation of UNESCO Associations, after 20 years of operation, has grown to an official membership of nearly 10,000 people.

President hails Vietnam Union of UNESCO Associations

President Truong Tan Sang has lauded the achievements that the Vietnam Union of UNESCO Associations has achieved over the past two decades in culture, education and science and technology.

Meeting with representatives in charge of people’s diplomacy of the union on January 20 in Hanoi to mark its 20th founding anniversary, he said the results have contributed to the common success of the country.

President Sang asked the union to continue promoting the understanding of Vietnamese history and its people’s friendly and peace-loving spirit.

He said that in the cause of national construction and defence, the Party and State’s guidelines focus on expanding relations with all countries.

In addition to the effort by ministries and sectors, the Union of UNESCO Associations needs to promote people’s diplomacy to further introduce Vietnam’s culture and people to international friends, fostering friendship between nations for peace and development, the president rallied.

With only a dozen initial members, the union now boasts 140,000 nationwide.

After 20 years of operation, the union has become a prestigious organisation. Particularly, leaders of the union have played a leading role in the world non-governmental UNESCO movement.

Int’l investment dispute settlement regulations ratified

An official document regulating the settlement of international investment disputes ratified by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung will come into effect on March 3.

The document’s stakeholders include state-owned agencies, organisations and individuals involved in the settlement of international investment disputes at international arbitration or authorised foreign jurisdiction agencies.

The document stipulates the stakeholders’ rights and offers guidelines for their collaboration in the settlement of possible disputes relating to foreign investors’ complaints.

The processes of hiring lawyers and technical experts and subpoenaing witness have also been laid out clearly.

The Ministry of Justice has been selected by the Government to be responsible for the work.

Indian military training officer visits Vietnam

Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army Lt. Gen. Vo Van Tuan received visiting Director General of Military Training under the Indian Army Lt. Gen. Rajiv Bhalla in Hanoi on January 20.

At the meeting, Tuan said that Vietnam never forgets the material and spiritual support from India’s people and armed forces during its struggle for national liberation.

He affirmed that the visit by the Director General of Military Training will offer a chance for the two armies to exchange experience in combat techniques in forest areas and personnel training.

He said he hopes that the two armies will continue intensifying delegation exchanges and training.

Gen. Bhalla expressed his delight at the achievements gained by Vietnam in its renovation process.

In the time to come, the two armies will realise agreements signed during his visit to Vietnam, he added.

Students hailed for role in Vietnam-Japan ties

Vietnamese Ambassador Doan Xuan Hung has praised the Vietnamese Youth and Student Association in Japan (VYSA) for their contributions to promoting exchanges and cooperation between Vietnam and Japan over the past time.

Speaking at the association’s conference on January 19, the ambassador said its activities have helped enrich the spiritual life of Vietnamese youth and students in the host country, thus encouraging them to study and research.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Japan will pay more attention to the association’s movements and integrate them with events relating to the bilateral ties, the diplomat affirmed.

According to Secretary of the Foreign Office of Japan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry Kyoshi Shimonishi, Vietnam and Japan are experiencing fruitful developments in their relationship which are reflected in the high-ranking visits by the two countries’ Government leaders, especially after the celebration of the 40 th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

Cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries have been deepened, he said, attributing such outcomes to the association’s significant contributions.

He voiced his hope that the association will bring into play its role to make more contributions in the time ahead in order to further develop the Vietnam-Japan relationship.

VYSA President Le Minh Hang said the association aims to enhance cooperation with its branches across Japan while providing more support to overseas Vietnamese students as well as their disadvantaged peers at home in 2014.

Established by the Vietnamese Embassy in 2001, the association has served as a venue for Vietnamese youth and students in Japan to share their hobbies and interests in areas such as sports, culture and art.

VNN/VOV/VNS/VNA