The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel on April 23 hosted a symposium to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954-2024), with the participation of members of the Arab council of foreign relations, local scholars, and officials from Vietnamese representative offices in the country.

Delegates were shown documentary footage of the victory and some television reports on the topic produced by the Vietnam News Agency. Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung recounted the history of Vietnam's national building and defence struggle as well as the context of the anti-French resistance campaign, with its climax being the Dien Bien Phu campaign. He also introduced the Southeast Asian nation's current economic and social achievements.

Participants praised the Dien Bien Phu campaign as a magnificent victory of the Vietnamese people and oppressed peoples worldwide and highlighted the decisive leadership roles of President Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap.

Professor Joni Asi of Nablus University, an expert in international law, said the victory had a significant impact on the struggle in Southern Hemisphere countries against imperialism and colonialism for independence and justice. He stressed that the triumph was brought about by various factors, from military communications and the unity between the leaders and the people to the astute leadership of commanders.

Similarly, Khaled Khalafe, president of the Arab council of foreign relations in Israel, shared the view that the 1954 victory was a great achievement for the Vietnamese people, providing other nations with lessons on unity in the struggle for independence and contributing to the end of colonial regimes worldwide./.

Deputy Minister of National Defence Hoang Xuan Chien and his RoK counterpart Kim Seon Ho co-chaired the event.

Chien said that the bilateral ties have been enhanced across areas, including defence, following the upgrade of the Vietnam-RoK relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in December 2022.

He noted that with support from their leaders, the countries’ defence cooperation has reaped practical outcomes regarding delegation exchanges, education-training, dialogue and consultation mechanisms, defence industry, military trade, war aftermath alleviation, cybersecurity, military medicine, and UN peacekeeping. The sides have also consulted and backed each other at related multilateral forums and mechanisms, particularly ASEAN-led mechanisms.

He recommended they continue to foster joint work in these spheres, and affirmed that the Vietnamese defence ministry is willing to host senior officers from the RoK attending training courses at the National Defence Academy and Vietnamese language courses at the Military Science Academy in Vietnam. 

He took the occasion to thank the RoK Government for granting a total of 34 million USD for two projects on tackling wartime bombs in Vietnam.

For his part, Kim stated the RoK wants to expand its defence collaboration with Vietnam and proposed the sides maintain current joint activities and explore new cooperation areas based on their friendship.

At the dialogue, the officials exchanged views on the global and regional situations of mutual concerns.

Regarding the East Sea issue, Chien emphasised that Vietnam remains steadfast in resolving all disputes through peaceful means, based on international law and commitments in the region, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the ASEAN six-point principles on the East Sea, the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the waters (DOC), and the promotion of substantive and effective negotiations on a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). On the situation on the Korean Peninsula, he said Vietnam maintains its stance against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and supports the denuclearisation of the area and the resolution of issues through peaceful dialogue.

The deputy ministers also signed the dialogue’s minutes./.

Prime Minister receives ASEAN Secretary-General

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on April 23 hosted a reception for ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn who is paying a working trip to Vietnam and attending the ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) 2024 from April 21-24.

PM Chinh thanked Kao for his attendance at the forum, which was held at the initiative of Vietnam, and expressed his hope that the AFF will be a venue where initiatives to bolster regional cooperation will be shared, helping to build an ASEAN community of solidarity, resilience and sustainable development.

Speaking highly of the ASEAN Secretariat and Kao’s contributions to the ASEAN Community, the Vietnamese Government leader stressed that the group has made important achievements after nearly six decades of establishment and development.

The bloc needs to maintain its solidarity, independence, self-reliance and adaptation to the regional and global volatility so as to build a community with fast and sustainable growth and in accordance with the trend of the era, he said.

PM Chinh held that ASEAN should boost dialogue relations with its partners, particularly the world’s powers, in the direction of balance, diversification, multilateralisation, harmonising benefits and sharing risks, and reducing disagreements for an environment of peace, cooperation and development in the region, and for a strong, independent, resilient and adaptive ASEAN.

Amidst complicated developments of the region and the world, PM Chinh laid a stress on the significance of maintaining solidarity, unity and central role of ASEAN in promoting the settlement of regional issues.

Regarding the East Sea issue, he affirmed that ASEAN is adopting a rational approach and maintaining its key role in promoting dialogues, handling disagreements via peaceful measures and in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS), preventing the escalation of tensions and conflicts, and ensuring peace, security and freedom of navigation and overflight in the region.

Regarding the situation in Myanmar, PM Chinh affirmed that Vietnam and other ASEAN member states always support humanitarian assistance efforts of the bloc and its partners in Myanmar. He expressed his hope that ASEAN will continue to steadfastly implement the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) to support Myanmar.  

He said that Vietnam supports Laos as the Chair of ASEAN 2024 and the Special Envoy of the Chair on Myanmar, as well as the ASEAN Secretary-General in promoting the implementation of 5PC, especially in mobilising humanitarian assistance from the international community for the people of Myanmar through the Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) to help Myanmar overcome this difficult period.

More than ever, ASEAN needs to unite together, promote more innovative and breakthrough approaches to support Myanmar in seeking feasible and sustainable solutions for the benefit of the people of Myanmar, and for peace, security, and stability in the region, the PM stressed.

For his part, Kao said the AFF is an important initiative, reflecting the strategic vision of PM Chinh and Vietnam in promoting the establishment of a dedicated ASEAN forum on the future of the bloc, contributing to the building of a rapid and sustainable development and people-centered ASEAN Community, which can adapt swiftly to geopolitical fluctuations and competition among major countries in the region.

For the building of the ASEAN Community, Kao reaffirmed that this is a common interest and priority of member nations. He noted that partner countries consistently value the relationship with and central role of ASEAN, and are ready to support the group in implementing its key priorities in each pillar of the Community, especially in trade, investment, human resources training, and people-to-people exchanges.
 
Regarding the Myanmar situation, Kao said ASEAN needs to prompt relevant parties in Myanmar to increase meetings and dialogues for the interest of the Myanmar people and for peace and stability in the region.
 
For the East Sea issue, he welcomed and praised Vietnam's strategic thinking and appropriate approach, expressing his hope that all parties will promote negotiations towards the completion of a practical, effective and suitable Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) based on international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982, and for the benefit of ASEAN.

On this occasion, the two leaders exchanged views on other ASEAN cooperation issues such as promoting Timor Leste's efforts to become a full member of the group and enhancing the capacity of the ASEAN Secretariat by recruiting competent officials from the bloc’s member countries, including Vietnam.
 
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam./.

Ten imprisoned for attempting to overthrow people's administration

The People’s Court of the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai on April 23 announced sentences on a group of individuals engaging in activities aimed at overthrowing the people's administration under provisions 1 and 2, Article 109 of the Criminal Code.

The court imposed the harshest sentences of 13 years in prison on Phan Thi Thao, 67, and Ta Van Trieu, 50.

Three other defendants, Tran Thien (52 years old), Vu Dinh Lan (51 years old) and Huynh Thi Khanh Trang (37 years old) were sentenced to 12 years behind bars.

Cao Thi Ngoc Diem, 55, and Tran Hue Chan Vuong, 53, got nine years in jail.

Two defendants, namely Tran Thi Kim Loan, 62 and Tran Tho, 68, were given eight-year imprisonment sentences, while Cao Cuong, 52, was sentenced to four years in prison.

According to the indictment, they joined a reactionary and terrorist organisation called “Chinh phu quoc gia Viet Nam lam thoi” (Interim National Government of Vietnam) led by Dao Minh Quan. Since 2020, they have been using various websites, such as chinhphuquocgia.com, tcdy.us and vnch3.com, YouTube and Facebook to disseminate the “Hien phap De tam Viet Nam Cong Hoa” (Constitution of the Third Republic of Vietnam), call for and instruct people to conduct a "referendum" and the procedures for registering as members of the organisation.

They also carried out propaganda, enticed people to undermine the country's stability and sustainable development, cause political insecurity, and eventually overthrow the people's administration. They made full use of social networks and internet messaging applications to collect, propagate, and share unfounded and baseless articles of hostile forces./.

NA Standing Committee wraps up 32nd session

The 32nd session of the National Assembly Standing Committee concluded in Hanoi on April 23 after four and a half days of work.

NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue said that the session has completed its agenda, with opinions exchanged on 19 items and written opinions provided on three reports from the Government.

Specifically, the Standing Committee opined on the proposed law-making programme for 2025 and adjustments to the 2024 one. These matters will be presented to the NA at its upcoming 7th session.

Six draft laws were also thoroughly discussed by the committee before they are submitted to the 7th session for debate for the first time. They were the draft laws on cultural heritage (revised), geology and minerals, urban and rural planning, judicial procedures for juveniles, value added tax (revised), and amendments and supplements to certain provisions of the Pharmacy Law.

Thus far, the Standing Committee has provided opinions on 21 out of 24 draft laws to be submitted to the NA's 7th session.

Three items related to legislative work were set to be transferred to the next session of the committee, including the draft law on fire prevention and fighting, rescue, as well as two draft resolutions on mechanisms and policies for Nghe An and Da Nang provinces.

Regarding inspection work, participating legislators heard and opined on four reports of the NA and NA agencies.

They also provided opinions on the Government's proposal and agreed to join the Government to decide investment policy adjustments for the socio-economic development programme in ethnic minority and mountainous areas for 2021-2023, as well as the investment policy for a project on building the Gia Nghia-Chon Thanh section of the north-south expressway-west.

The lawmakers discussed the organisation of the 7th session and the results of the 6th extraordinary session, among other matters./.

PM hosts Chairman of Russian Federal Bar Association

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh spoke highly of cooperation between the Russian Federal Bar Association (RFBA) and the Vietnam Lawyers’ Association (VLA) while receiving RFBA Chairman Sergey Stepashin, who is also former Prime Minister of Russia, in Hanoi on April 23.

PM Chinh affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to and wants to continue deepening and developing its traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, contributing to peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

He proposed the two countries continue strengthening political trust, facilitating high-level visits, removing difficulties and obstacles in economic and investment projects in the spirit of harmonising interests and sharing risks.

The PM also suggested advancing cooperation and sharing experiences among ministries and localities of Vietnam and Russia, especially in education-training, exchange of students in basic science fields, culture-arts, tourism, people-to-people exchanges and aviation connectivity.

To concretise agreements reached by high-ranking leaders, PM Chinh suggested RFBA and VLA, as well as relevant agencies, review and efficiently carry out cooperation deals, build a legal framework for bilateral cooperation and actively step up economic, trade and investment collaboration.

On global and regional issues, he called for continued coordination at multilateral forums for the sake of peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Stepashin, for his part, affirmed that Russia treasures and wants to fortify relations with Vietnam across various fields. He vowed to report the contents of his discussion with the PM to Russian leaders and relevant agencies.

He also personally committed to further promoting the bilateral relationship, especially in the areas and topics recommended by the PM./.

Vietnam attends 26th UN-INTOSAI symposium

A delegation of the State Audit Office of Vietnam (SAV) led by Deputy Auditor General Nguyen Tuan Anh attended the 26th symposium co-organised by the United Nations (UN) and the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) in Vienna, Austria, as part of their working trip from April 15-21.

The biennial event aimed to enhance the capacity of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) in developing countries and economies in transition to address climate action challenges. It took the theme “Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 13 on climate action: role, contribution and experience of SAIs”, with the attendance of representatives from over 60 SAIs and relevant agencies.

Discussions centred on SAI experiences in auditing the impact of climate change, preparing necessary conditions for climate action audits, and enhancing climate actions and the impact of climate change audits.

In recent years, the SAV has focused on thematic, operational and environmental audits that address public concern, and integrated environmental protection and climate change adaptation into its annual audit plan.

Given Vietnam's vulnerability to climate change, the SAV's active participation in international cooperation activities in environmental auditing, climate change and sustainable development goals within the INTOSAI framework presents a valuable opportunity for capacity building. This aligns with the SAV's strategy on development until 2030, contributing to the Government's overall efforts to combat climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve sustainable green development goals.

Alongside the symposium, Deputy Auditor General Nguyen Tuan Anh also had bilateral meetings with leaders of several member SAIs of the Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) to seek the support of SAIs for the SAV’s bid for a seat in the ASOSAI Governing Board for the 2024-2027 tenure.

At a working session with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), he said the SAV has full legal basis and authority to audit cases with signs of corruption in accordance with the provisions of the Anti-Corruption Law and the State Audit Law, adding that enhancing the effectiveness of auditing major thematic areas related to the management and operation of the State budget; issues that are prone to negative practices, corruption, wastefulness and important national issues is one of the key tasks of the SAV’s development strategy till 2030.

Anh expressed his desire for stronger cooperation with UNODC through knowledge exchange and access to international research and publications on anti-corruption. He asked UNODC to suggest potential areas where the SAV could contribute to its initiatives and the UN in general.

Brigitte Strobel-Shaw, Chief of the UNODC Corruption and Economic Branch, expressed her readiness to share existing guidance related to risk management and anti-corruption efforts with the SAV.

With its wide network spanning over 150 countries, UNODC will boost cooperation with the SAV through its regional office in Bangkok, Thailand, she said.

The official hoped that the two agencies will actively develop their partnership on anti-corruption through multilateral cooperation forums within the INTOSAI framework./.

Consultation workshop on Cambodia’s Funan-Techo canal held in Can Tho

The Vietnam National Mekong Committee (VNMC) on April 23 held a consultation workshop on Cambodia’s proposed Funan-Techo canal project which has raised concerns about potential impacts on the Mekong river. 

Attending the workshop in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho, domestic stakeholders and international experts discussed Cambodia’s plan to build the Funan Techo canal, a 180km waterway linking Bassac River (called the Hau River in Vietnam, which is one of the two main branches of Mekong River) with Kep port and onto the Gulf of Thailand.

The participants were informed about the International Mekong River Commission (MRC)’s assessment on impacts of the project, the impacts that Vietnam pays attention to, requirements on the results of impact assessment and measures to minimise and monitor the project’s impacts. 

According to VNMC, Cambodia sent an official notification to the MRC about its plan to build the Funan-Techno canal. Because the canal directly uses the water source of the Bassac River, the main distributary of the Mekong River, the project has raised many concerns regarding its cross-border impact. The development would impact water resources of the Mekong Delta, especially in the context of drought and saltwater intrusion plaguing the region more frequently and more severely. 

The Funan - Techo canal will transfer water from the Bassac River, a tributary of the Mekong River, to Kep port located outside the basin. This will significantly reduce water resources to the Mekong Delta, causing a negative impact on the livelihoods and production of local people and natural ecosystems.

Associate Professor, Dr. Le Anh Tuan, advisor to the Institute of Climate Change Research, Can Tho University, said that when the Funan-Techo canal is formed, it will have a negative impact on the Mekong Delta. However, the level of influence depends on the canal’s scale and usage.

Participants said they hope Cambodia would early share details about the goals, design and operations of the project and engage in joint research on its impacts with a view to reaching appropriate measures to monitor and minimise the impacts.

Chief of the VNMC Office Nguyen Thi Thu Linh said that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the VNMC will continue to coordinate closely with the MRC Secretariat, Cambodia and other MRC member countries to accelerate research over the impacts of the Funan–Techo project and propose mitigation measures and monitor the impact.

The Mekong Delta with an area of about 40,000 sq. km is home to more than 17.4 million people. It is considered the rice, fruit and aquatic product granary of Vietnam as it contributes 50% of the country’s rice production, 65% of aquaculture and 17% of Vietnam's GDP.

The delta has been affected by severe drought and salinity in 2015-2016, 2019 and currently 2023-2024 as El Nino impacts local ocean waters and weather patterns. As the weather is predicted to become increasingly extreme, natural disasters including droughts, floods, and saltwater intrusion will hit the region more frequently with more ferocity./.

Japanese Ambassador receives friendship insignia

The Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) on April 23 held a ceremony to present the “For peace and friendship among nations” insignia to Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio.

Speaking at the ceremony, VUFO President Phan Anh Son said this is a recogition of and an honour to the Japanese diplomat for his contributions to consolidating and promoting the mutual understanding, friendship, solidarity, and cooperation between the people of Vietnam and Japan. 

Son spoke highly of the ambassador’s contributions to the activities held last year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties, highlighting his role in boosting the two countries’ cooperation in COVID-19 prevention and control with the Japanese Government providing Vietnam with about 7.35 million vaccine doses.

The VUFO President said he believes that in the coming time, in any position, the Japanese diplomat will continue positive contributions to strengthening and developing the solidarity and the relations of friendship and cooperation between the two peoples.

For his part, Ambassador Yamada Takio expressed his honour to receive the insignia and affirmed that the Vietnam - Japan friendship will keep growing. He also pledged to do his best to promote the people-to-people exchanges between the two countries./.

Regional workshop highlights cooperation against IUU fishing

 A regional workshop on cooperative mechanisms to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing convened in the central coastal city of Da Nang on April 23, with the participation of over 70 international and regional experts in fisheries law enforcement.

The three-day workshop, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Directorate of Fisheries and the US Mission in Vietnam, are gathering attendants from the US, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Korea, Japan, the UK, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Ryan McKean, Director of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) at the US Embassy in Hanoi, said this workshop comes at a time when countries are facing increasingly complex challenges regarding IUU fishing activities. He recommended cooperating in maritime law enforcement and combating IUU fishing, contributing to the protection and sustainable management of fisheries resources for future generations.

At the event, participants exchanged views on various IUU-related topics as well as updates on global trends in the fight against IUU, challenges in the region’s fisheries development, initiatives to enhance information sharing cooperation, and tools for the monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) of fishing vessels.

The Vietnam Directorate of Fisheries presented on the country’s cooperative mechanism in enforcing MCS, with international experts sharing experiences in addressing IUU violations domestically and internationally through hypothetical scenarios.

Deputy Director of the directorate Duong Van Cuong said that the workshop coincides with Vietnam's heightened efforts in combating IUU fishing.

Currently, the nation’s vessel management has significantly improved, with a national database on fishing vessels put into operation. More than 97.65% of local fishing vessels operating offshore have been equipped with tracking devices. The origin tracing of fisheries has been implemented and controlled along the supply chain, from fishing ports to processing plants and exports. Since 2015, law enforcement at sea has been rigorously conducted, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of vessels violating foreign waters./.

Prime Minister hosts Indonesian Foreign Minister

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception in Hanoi on April 23 for Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, who is now on an official visit to Vietnam and to co-chair the fifth meeting of the Vietnam-Indonesia Joint Committee on Bilateral Cooperation.

The leader conveyed Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's regard to Indonesian President Joko Widodo, congratulated Indonesia on the successful holding of its general elections in February, and expressed his belief that the country will develop further, gain a higher position in the international arena, and achieve its goal of becoming a developed country by 2045.

Speaking highly of the FM's important contributions to the success of the ASEAN Future Forum, the PM assessed that the Vietnam - Indonesia Strategic Partnership is developing strongly in all fields, with economic cooperation being a bright spot. Indonesia is currently Vietnam’s 3rd largest trade partner in ASEAN, while the latter is the former’s 4th biggest. Trade turnover has increased nearly 3-fold 10 years after the establishment of the bilateral strategic partnership.

The two sides agreed to intensify collaboration to soon bring the partnership to a new height, step up delegation exchanges and contacts, effectively implement bilateral cooperation mechanisms and agreements, and organise activities in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic ties in 2025.

They also agreed to work together to bring bilateral trade turnover to 18 billion USD by 2028 and in a balanced direction.

Marsudi said she will forward the Vietnamese side's proposals to relevant Indonesian agencies to study and consider facilitating Vietnamese agricultural and Halal products to access the Indonesian market; soon allow the export of young lobster to Vietnam; and strengthen cooperation in new fields such as green economy, circular economy, renewable energy, semiconductor technology, digital economy, energy transition, and the electric vehicle industry.

Speaking highly of Vietnam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation, diversification, and economic self-reliance, the FM said that Indonesia fully agrees and supports Vietnam's profound vision on the future of ASEAN. She also emphasised her hope to cooperate more closely in implementing the agreement between the two countries on food security.

Both host and guest affirmed to strengthen cooperation in other important fields such as defence, security, and maritime cooperation; and continue intensifying people-to-people exchanges, especially between young generations, and promote tourism collaboration.

They also agreed to back ASEAN’s central role in addressing regional issues, including maintaining the bloc’s common stance on the East Sea issue, and promoting the implementation of ASEAN's five-point consensus on the Myanmar issue./.

Vietnam, Brunei agree to deepen bilateral cooperation

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son met with Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Dato Pehin Erywan Yusof in Hanoi on April 23, as the latter has been in Vietnam to attend the ASEAN Future Forum 2024.

Both officials expressed their delight at the positive development of the Vietnam-Brunei Comprehensive Partnership over the past time and agreed to facilitate all-level visits in the coming time, with a particular focus on preparations for the Vietnam visit by the Sultan of Brunei.

They also concurred on the importance of soon convening the third session of the Vietnam-Brunei Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation to review the overall bilateral relationship, and ensure the effective implementation of the agreements reached during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to Brunei in February 2023, particularly the Action Plan on the implementation of the Vietnam-Brunei Comprehensive Partnership in the 2023-2027 period.

In addition to accelerating the effective implementation of four key areas, including oil and gas, chemicals, Halal products, tourism and people-to-people exchange, Son proposed Brunei work closely on implementing bilateral agreements on food security and promptly finalise new deals in agriculture, fisheries, finance, trade, economy, investment and education.

Agreeing with Son’s proposals, Yusof suggested enhancing cooperation in potential areas such as oil and gas, agriculture, and tourism, including the "6 countries, 1 destination" initiative. Both sides also vowed to strengthen cooperation in other important areas such as national defence, education, increasing the number of scholarships, and short-term student exchanges.

On global and regional issues of shared concern, they affirmed support for Laos as it assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024. They also vowed to hasten the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, fostering ASEAN's solidarity and central role in addressing regional issues, including maintaining its common stance on the East Sea issue and promoting the implementation of ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus on the Myanmar issue.

At a working session with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn on the same day, Son suggested the ASEAN Secretariat further enhance its effectiveness in supporting member countries, increase research and forecasting efforts, improve inter-sectoral and inter-pillar coordination, and pool resources for the Secretariat's activities.

Kao expressed support for Vietnam's stance on strengthening broader and more substantive dialogue relations between ASEAN and its partners.

He also pledged to collaborate with Vietnam to successfully conclude its term as coordinator for ASEAN-Republic of Korea relations and assume its new roles as coordinator for ASEAN-UK and ASEAN-New Zealand relations./.

Party official receives outgoing Japanese ambassador

Politburo member, permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat and Chairwoman of the Party Central Committee’s Organisation Commission Truong Thi Mai on April 23 received outgoing Japanese Ambassador Yamada Takio.

Mai, who is also Chairwoman of the Vietnam – Japan Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group, praised the diplomat’s significant contributions to the comprehensive and strong growth of the countries’ relations over the past four years.

She said during his tenure, the two countries successfully co-organised activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties last year. Among them were high-level phone talks between Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio as well as the upgrade of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world.

Appreciating support from the Vietnamese Party, State, ministries, and organisations, including the friendship parliamentarians’ group, the ambassador expressed his delight at outstanding progress made in the Vietnam-Japan ties across sectors as well as the Party, State, parliamentary, people-to-people, and locality-to-locality channels.

He pledged to make efforts to foster the development of the countries’ friendship and cooperation in any future capacity, contributing to deepening and translating into reality the content of the Japan-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership./.

Youths' efforts yield socio-economic fruits

Many activities were carried out across the nation during the Vietnam’s Youth Month, an annual festivity taking place in March to celebrate the establishment of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU), contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development, heard a conference held by the union's Central Committee in Hanoi on April 23.

Nearly 9,000 activities to support over 136,000 vulnerable adolescents and kids and the lonely elderly, worth some 97 billion VND (3.81 million USD), were carried out in the month, attracting more than 210,000 members.

Over 94,000 youth-initiated works valued more than 400 billion VND were constructed across the nation during the month.

The youths also joined hands to organise nearly 1,700 voluntary blood donation drives which collected over 201,000 units of blood, while arranging over 3,700 career orientation and admissions counselling activities for secondary- and high-school students and those of centres for vocational training and continuing education.

The youth unions at all levels paid due attention to supporting Vietnamese youths’ startups, with more than 8,800 activities carried out for nearly 51,000 members, and focused on assisting ethnic minority groups.

On the occasion, the committee presented certificates of merit to 22 youth unions, five organisations and 14 individuals with standout achievements during the Youth Month.

2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the designation of March as the Youth Month. Over the past years, more than 100 million youth union members have participated in activities, collectively spearheading nearly 700,000 projects and initiatives across the country. Their efforts have helped improve the lives of millions./.

Golf: Faldo Series Asia 2024 commences in Thua Thien-Hue

The 15th Faldo Series Asia Grand Final kicked off in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue on April 24, the Vietnam Golf Association announced.

The final, the culmination of the Asia leg of the world’s most celebrated junior golf circuit, will see the best golfers aged from 12 to 21 years from 12 countries and territories battle it out at Laguna Golf Lang Co for the crown of Faldo Series Asia champion.

The four-day event will see the presence of Vietnamese junior golf stars, notably Nguyen Bao Chau, the youngest elite junior golfer who ranks first on the U13 VGA Junior Tour.

Inaugurated by Sir Nick Faldo after his victory at the 1996 US Masters, the Faldo Series is recognised as the only global amateur series for boys and girls. Competitors from ages 7 to 25 can test themselves against the very best juniors around the world.

The Series has been a proven success as a pathway for players to reach the top levels of the game, with over 70 Faldo Series competitors now playing on professional tours.

The global junior series expanded into Asia in 2006, recognising the huge potential on the Asian junior golf circuit. Since then, Laguna Lang Co has played a central role in the initiative as the host venue for the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final: a reflection of its status as a Sir Nick Faldo Signature course, an elite category among Faldo Designs.

The golf course is part of Asia’s most far-reaching integrated resorts, one that also encompasses award-winning hotels Banyan Tree Lang Co and Angsana Lang Co. The course is also an integral part of the Vietnam Golf Coast, a destination marketing effort linking signature golf courses in Central Vietnam./.

Vietnamese artist puts on impressive performance at Spanish football game

Do Kim Phuc put on a special performance in a La Liga match on April 22 following an invitation by Spanish football club Deportivo Alavés, leaving a positive impression on international friends. 

When the first half ended, Do Kim Phuc donned the Vietnamese national flag and entered the stadium amid cheers from spectators.

He transformed into a farmer and performed with the song “Tiến lên Việt Nam” by Vietnamese singer Son Tung M-TP. His performance with a ball and non la (palm-leaf conical hat) helped to promote images of the nation to international friends.

The local artist then presented a non la (palm-leaf conical hat) featuring the Vietnamese national flag to a child fan at the Mendizorrotza stadium.

This comes after Do Kim Phuc won the Asian Freestyle Football Championship 2013, which was held in Vietnam for the first time.

La Liga is the top men's professional football division of the Spanish football league system, drawing the participation of 20 teams over a 38-matchday period.

Hanoi sees first measles case this year

Hanoi has diagnosed a 10-year-old girl as the capital’s first measles patient this year.

The patient is said to have already received three doses of the measles vaccine. The transmission source of the case remains unclear.

After undergoing nearly three weeks of treatment, the patient was subsequently discharged from a local hospital.

According to the Ministry of Health, the country has reported a total of 42 cases of measles and suspected measles in 13 provinces and cities nationwide since early this year. No concentrated outbreaks have been seen so far.

The Ministry has recommended that local authorities strengthen supervision in a bid to swiftly diagnose infection cases in the community and immediately curb outbreaks after cases are detected.

Health experts shared that measles was a highly infectious respiratory disease and often infected children under five or unvaccinated adults.

Symptoms include fever, coughing, runny nose, inflamed eyes, along with red and flat rashes breaking on the skin. It can spread very fast, particularly in crowded places.

Ministry of Health requires urgent emergency for patients during coming holiday

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has asked hospitals nationwide to ensure they are ready for emergency care, medical examinations and treatment of patients in time for the upcoming holiday.

The five-day break for Reunification Day April 30 and Labour Day May 1 will fall next week.

In a letter sent to hospitals, provinces and cities, Deputy Minister of Health Trần Văn Thuấn told all medical facilities must perform their duties in full at a number of levels: leadership duty, professional duty, administrative – logistics duty and security – self-defence duty.

This follows the Prime Minister’s Official Dispatch No 36/CĐ-TTg issued on April 11 about ensuring social order and safety for the people during the holiday April 30 - May 1 and the summer period.

If hospital transfers are needed, the hospital which received the patient must give him/her first aid before moving.

The MoH also requested hospitals to assign permanent out-of-hospital emergency services, to be ready and urgently respond in case of mass accidents, serious traffic accidents, or other disasters involving a large number of people.

At the same time, they must ensure food safety and hygiene, prevent food poisoning, drowning and give warning of accidents at crowded tourism locations.

Also in the letter, the MoH also demanded an 24-hour hotline to be ready to direct, coordinate, provide support and rescue.

In case of special disasters occur such as mass accidents, or food poisoning with many victims, hospitals must report to the management agency via the hotline.

They should also report in documents for necessary resolution.

Medical examination and treatment facilities report daily data on their medical examination and treatment situation on cdc.kcb.vn at 8am from April 27 to May 2.

The MoH emphasised that if no problem happens, a report must still be submitted.

Provincial and municipal departments of health must send an overall report on the entire holiday at 8am on May 2 on the online reporting page cdc.kcb.vn.

The MoH requests all units to enhance their sense of responsibility and proactively fully implement the above contents to ensure medical work during the holiday for the people. 

Hà Nội Open Championship lures best golfers for big bonus

The Hà Nội Open Championship - Herbalife Cup 2024 began on April 23 with nearly 500 golfers at the Long Biên Golf Course.

It is one of the oldest competitions of the capital city, having debuted in 2010.

Athletes will compete in the Professional and Amateur categories. More than 60 pro competitors will vie for a purse of VNĐ500 million.

National strong players such as Nguyễn Anh Minh, Nguyễn Tuấn Anh, Nguyễn Đức Sơn, Phạm Nam, Lê Chúc An and Nguyễn Viết Gia Hân will compete in the two-day event.

Last year, Nguyễn Huy Minh won the top podium with a best gross of 75.

The event is jointly organised by the Hà Nội Golf Association and the Vietnam Golf Association Tour. Players who won bonuses from the Open will also receive points for their ranking of the VGA. 

Senior golfers to compete for national championship in May

The Vietnam Senior Championship - Nam A Bank Cup 2024 will be held on May 7-8 in the Central Highlands city of Đà Lạt.

The tournament is part of the Vietnam Amateur Series. In its 16th edition, about 120 athletes will compete in 36 holes in two rounds at the Đà Lạt Palace golf course.

They will tee off in four categories for men's over-50 and over-60, and women's over-45 and over-55. 

Among the title candidates are Andrew Hung Pham who won five times, in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2021; Nguyễn Tuấn Anh, champion of the 2018 season and Nguyễn Thị Tố Uyên, female winner of 2019.

The best-gross golfer will walk away with the winning trophy.

Carrying the message “Beyond Age, Beyond Limits”, the Vietnam Senior Championship is to confirm the mentality and ability of senior amateur players. Age will not prevent them from overcoming challenges and winning.

The organisers also expect to push the development in the community, especially focusing on people of middle-age, who will inspire young people to practise golf and spread dynamic lifestyles and the sports spirit.

Last year, Nguyễn Văn Tám won the men's over-50 category while Hoàng Mai took the title of the men's over-60 group. Ngô Thị An Trinh and Bùi Thị Hồng Thanh finished on top of the women's over-45 and over-55, respectively. 

The tournament is organised by the Sports Authority of Việt Nam, Vietnam Golf Association and VG Events, a unit of the VG Corp's ecosystem.

National beach handball draws 100 players for trophies

The National Beach Handball Championship kicked off on April 22 in Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu Province.

The tournament features more than 100 athletes of eight men's and women's teams from Hà Nội, Đà Nẵng, Bình Định and HCM City.

They compete in a round robin format in both categories.

On the first day of competition, HCM City A beat HCM City B 2-0 while Hà Nội defeated Đà Nẵng 2-1 in men's action.

In the women's fixtures, HCM City A won HCM B 2-0 and Bình Định lost 2-0 to Hà Nội.

The top team will play the fourth-placed one while the second-placed squad will meet the third-placed side in the semi-finals.

The finals will be organised on April 27.

Đào Đức Kiên, official of the Sports Authority of Việt Nam, said the championship was the most important event for the sport of the year. It was time for the Việt Nam Handball Federation to select high-quality players for the national team who will compete in the world championship in June in China and the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand in 2025.

He said all national team players would take part in matches, promising competitive games for supporters.

Huỳnh Đức Dũng, deputy director of the Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu's Culture and Sports Department, said it was the second time that the province hosted the championship.

Handball has been strongly developing recently as it is an attractive, powerful and highly competitive sport, suitable for the agility and dexterity of Vietnamese people.

He hoped that the tournament would stimulate the handball movement in Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu and in the near future, and the province would have teams to join the national championship.

Last year, HCM City took the men's title while Hà Nội walked away with the trophy for women. 

Source: VNA/SGT/VNS/VOV/Dtinews/SGGP/VGP/Hanoitimes