National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue will lead a high-ranking delegation to pay an official visit to the People's Republic of China from April 7 to April 12.      

The visit is made at the invitation of Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji, the National Assembly's Committee for External Relations said on April 4.

No Vietnamese casualties reported in Taiwan earthquakes: office

There has not been any information on casualties related to Vietnamese people in strong earthquakes and aftershocks that hit Taiwan (China) on April 3, according to the Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed the office to quickly contact local authorities and representatives of the Vietnamese community  in Taiwan to get information and promptly respond to the situation. At the same time, the ministry has also instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Japan and the Philippines to prepare citizen protection plans as the governments of these countries issued tsunami warnings.

Implementing the ministry's directions, Vietnamese representative agencies in relevant areas will continue to closely follow the situation, keep contact with the Vietnamese communities’ contact persons, and be ready to deploy citizen protection measures if needed.

Vietnamese citizens who need help can contact the Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei at 886 933262836 or the citizen protection hotline of the ministry's Consular Department at 84 981 84 84 84./.

PCC's Inspection Commission decides disciplinary measures against Party organisations, members

The Party Central Committee (PCC)’s Inspection Commission convened its 39th meeting in Hanoi on April 2 and 3, during which it looked into disciplinary measures against the Party Civil Affairs Committee of the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) and some relevant Party organisations and members.

Implementing a decision made at its 37th session, the Inspection Commission decided to remove Nguyen Hong Minh, former Secretary of the Party Committee and former Director General of the MoLISA’s Directorate of Vocational Training, from all of his Party positions.

It also issued warnings against the Party Committee of the Directorate of Vocational Training for the 2010-2015 and 2015-2020 tenures, and Nguyen Ngoc Phi, former member of the Party Civil Affairs Committee and Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs; Duong Duc Lan, former Secretary of the Party Committee and former Director General of the Directorate of Vocational Training; and Pham Quang Phung, Secretary of the Party Cell and Director of the Department of Planning-Finance under the MoLISA.

The Inspection Commission reprimanded the Standing Board of the MoLISA’s Party Committee for the 2015-2020 term, and Truong Anh Dung, Secretary of the Party Committee and Director General of the Directorate of Vocational Training.

It proposed the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee consider and discipline the MoLISA’s Party Civil Affairs Committee for the 2011-2016 and 2016-2021 terms, Dao Ngoc Dung, member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Party Civil Affairs Committee, and Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs; Pham Thi Hai Chuyen, former member of the Party Central Committee, former Secretary of the Party Civil Affairs Committee, and former Minister of  Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs; and Huynh Van Ti, former member of the Party Central Committee, former member of the Party Civil Affairs Committee, and former Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs.

At the meeting, the Inspection Commission also mulled over the case of the Party Civil Affairs Committee of the People’s Court of Kon Tum province, and some concerned Party organisations and members.

It gave a warning against the Party Civil Affairs Committee of the People’s Court of Kon Tum province for the 2020-2025 term, and Do Thi Kim Thu, Secretary of the Party Civil Affairs Committee and Chief Judge of the People’s Court of Kon Tum province.

Nguyen Tien Tang, member of the Party Civil Affairs Committee and Deputy Chief Judge of the provincial People's Court, was reprimanded. The Inspection Commission opined on reports proposing the issuance of disciplinary measures against some members of Party organisations in Quang Ngai, Vinh Phuc, Dak Lak and Binh Phuoc provinces.

It proposed the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee consider and discipline Le Viet Chu, former member of the Party Central Committee, former Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, former Secretary of the Party Civil Affairs Committee and former Chairman of the provincial People's Committee of Quang Ngai province.

The Inspection Commission also suggested the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee consider disciplinary measures against Pham Hoang Anh, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Vinh Phuc province; and Doan Huu Long, former member of the provincial Party Committee, former Secretary of the Party Committee and former Director of the Department of Health of Dak Lak province; and Dang Gia Dung, former member of the provincial Party Committee, former Secretary of the Party Committee and former Director of the Department of Construction of Dak Nong province, as well as Ma Ly Phuoc, member of the provincial Party Committee and Deputy Head of the provincial Party Committee's Board for Mass Mobilisation of Binh Phuoc province for their wrongdoings.

For the cases relating to permanent members of the Party Committees of Cao Bang province and Can Tho City, the Inspection Commission asked them to carry forward their achievements, and seriously review, draw lessons and promptly correct their wrongdoings and shortcomings in leadership as pointed out.

Similar requests were also made for the Standing Board and permanent members of the Party Committee of Quang Tri province./.

Hanoi, Moscow cooperate in transnational, high-tech crime prevention, control

The Department of Public Security of Hanoi and the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Moscow on April 3 held talks and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in many fields.

Accordingly, the two agencies will strengthen cooperation in mutual legal assistance, transnational and high-tech crime prevention and control, and ensuring security and safety of the two countries' embassies in each other's territories.

At the talks, Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Hai Trung, director of the Hanoi Department of Public Security, called on the Moscow delegation to share its experience and assist the Hanoi Department of Public Security, in applying advanced technologies to ensure security and order in the city, firstly the operation of a security surveillance camera system.

He also proposed the guests to share experience in ensuring cyber security and safety; administrative and social order  management; security and order management at metro stations and on urban trains as well as in guaranteeing security and safety of diplomatic representative agencies, businessmen, foreign students, and expatriates in the capital cities of the two countries.

The two sides will continue to implement the cooperation agreements signed by the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, especially those on mutual legal assistance, new types of crimes, and hi-tech crimes. They will devised a plan to deploy the MoU signed by the two agencies.

For his part, Deputy Head of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Moscow Major General Novikov Vladislav Anatolievich said that the MoU signed by the two agencies will open a new period of development for both sides, helping to promote cooperation between the administrations of the two cities.

He emphasised that the Russian side is always ready to support and meet all needs of the Hanoi Department of Public Security.

At the talks, the two sides discussed issues, including cybercrime prevention and control, information security, and the fight against transnational and organised crimes.

Vietnam, China step up cooperation between localities

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Secretary of the Party Committee of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China Liu Ning discussed measures to further promote relations between Vietnamese ministries and agencies, and Guangxi province of China at their meeting in Chongzuo city on April 3.

Son, who is paying an official visit to China, affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State always support and facilitate cooperation between Vietnamese localities and their Chinese counterparts, including Guangxi.

The minister suggested the two sides focus on implementing high-level common perceptions and major outcomes gained during the visit to China by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong in October 2022, and the visit to Vietnam by General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping in December 2023.

Vietnamese ministries, agencies and localities, and Guangxi should maintain and raise the efficiency of their existing cooperation mechanisms, step up friendship, conduct theory exchanges and share experience in Party building, social management and economic development, he continued.

Son asked Guangxi province to facilitate customs clearance at border gates, especially for Vietnamese agricultural products, and speed up the construction of border gate infrastructure.

At the same time, the two sides should enhance railway and road connectivity, and work to raise mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries’ people, especially younger generations, he said.

Son stressed the need for the two sides to closely coordinate in land border management in line with three legal documents on the land border and relevant agreements that Vietnam and China had previously signed.

Liu, for his part, expressed his support for Son’s proposals, and affirmed that Guangxi province attaches importance to friendship exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation with Vietnamese ministries, agencies and localities.

The two sides should maximise their potential, strengths and reciprocity in cooperation, he noted./.

Vietnam attends homeland security technology conferences in Singapore

A delegation of the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security led by Deputy Minister Senior Lieutenant General Luong Tam Quang attended the Milipol Asia-Pacific and TechX Summit that opened in Singapore on April 3.

Now in its 10th edition, Milipol Asia-Pacific, themed "Powering Innovation: A Safe & Secure Future", has expanded by 30% and showcases the latest innovations in homeland security. Spanning 14,500 sq.m, the exhibition has attracted the participation of over 350 exhibitors from some 31 countries.

Participating global companies include AREA S.p.A, ClearTrail Technologies, ESRI, Hikvision Technology, Innovatrix, Idemia, Microsoft, NUIX, Swissdrones, Thales Solution Asia, VMI Security and WEY Singapore Technology, to name a few.

The trade exhibition features pavilions from China, Italy, France, Germany, Hungary, Singapore and the US. The HTX Pavilion features innovations by HTX as well as exhibits from HTX's key industry partners, such as ST Engineering, CISCO, DXC Technology and Samsung.

Themed "Artificial Intelligence and Homeland Security", the TechX Summit delves into a spectrum of specialised topics including the deployment of AI in homeland security by governments worldwide; the industrial integration of AI; AI safety and regulation; border security and management; the fight against cybercrimes and scams; and human-centric AI innovation.

The three-day summit is hosted by Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs and the French Interior Ministry./.

NA committees, agencies asked to thoroughly prepare for legislature's 7th session

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue on April 3 asked NA committees and agencies to thoroughly prepare for the upcoming 7th session of the 15th-tenure legislature.

Speaking at a meeting with leaders of the NA committees and agencies to review their performance in the first quarter and discuss important affairs for April and the second quarter, Hue said that priority must be given to the preparation for the NA's upcoming 7th session.

In the second quarter, the NA agencies are planning to complete dossiers and documents relating to nine law projects and one draft resolution to submit to the NA for consideration and approval. In addition, it will complete verification reports on 11 bills to submit to the legislature for discussion.

NA Secretary General and Chairman of the NA Office Bui Van Cuong presented major affairs done in the first quarter of this year, including the organisation of two extraordinary sessions of the NA and eight meetings of the NA Standing Committee. Two laws, four resolutions of the NA, and 66 resolutions of the NA Standing Committee were deliberated, approved and given comments.

A meeting of full-time NA deputies was held to discuss eight bills that are planned to be submitted to the NA for approval at the 7th session.

According to Cuong, the affairs to support law-building activities have continued to be prioritised and focused with its quality being improved. The work closely followed Conclusion 19 of the Politburo, the law and ordinance building programme for 2024, and the NA Standing Committee’s Plan No. 81. In addition, 19 new legislative tasks were added to Plan No. 81 to properly implement the Party’s resolutions and meet reality’s requirements./.

Hanoi, Moscow cooperate in transnational, high-tech crime prevention, control

The Department of Public Security of Hanoi and the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Moscow on April 3 held talks and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in many fields.

Accordingly, the two agencies will strengthen cooperation in mutual legal assistance, transnational and high-tech crime prevention and control, and ensuring security and safety of the two countries' embassies in each other's territories.

At the talks, Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Hai Trung, Director of the Hanoi Department of Public Security, called on the Moscow delegation to share its experience and assist the Hanoi Department of Public Security, in applying advanced technologies to ensure security and order in the city, firstly the operation of a security surveillance camera system.

He also proposed the guests to share experience in ensuring cyber security and safety; administrative and social order  management; security and order management at metro stations and on urban trains as well as in guaranteeing security and safety of diplomatic representative agencies, businessmen, foreign students, and expatriates in the capital cities of the two countries.

The two sides will continue to implement the cooperation agreements signed by the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, especially those on mutual legal assistance, new types of crimes, and hi-tech crimes. They will devised a plan to deploy the MoU signed by the two agencies.

For his part, Deputy Head of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for Moscow Major General Novikov Vladislav Anatolievich said that the MoU signed by the two agencies will open a new period of development for both sides, helping to promote cooperation between the administrations of the two cities.

He emphasised that the Russian side is always ready to support and meet all needs of the Hanoi Department of Public Security.

At the talks, the two sides discussed issues, including cybercrime prevention and control, information security, and the fight against transnational and organised crimes./.

Vietnam, China’s Hong Kong promote relations

Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Lee on April 3 hosted a reception for Vietnamese Consul General Pham Binh Dam, who came to bid farewell at the end of his tenure.

Highlighting the fruitful Vietnam - Hong Kong cooperation in recent times, Lee said Vietnam and Hong Kong are currently important trade and investment partners of each other.

He also appreciated the Consul General’s active contributions to the development of the relations over the past time, saying that with his efforts and commitment, many issues that existed for decades between the two sides have been resolved, including the removal of visa restrictions for Vietnamese workers and facilitation of business and tourist visas for Vietnamese citizens. Lee said he believes that it will create momentum for further development of the relationship between Vietnam and Hong Kong in the time to come.

Expressing his pleasure at the positive changes in Vietnam - Hong Kong relations recently, Dam spoke highly of Lee’s efforts to create a breakthrough in Hong Kong's ties with Vietnam.

The diplomat suggested the two sides sign cooperation documents in fields such as finance, human resources, education and tourism to create a framework for government agencies and businesses of both sides to carry out specific collaboration plans. He recommended they enhance the exchange of delegations at all levels to increase understanding and information sharing as well as exchange measures to promote cooperation and resolve existing and arising issues.

Acknowledging Dam’s suggestions, Lee said he believes that the two sides will witness many strong developments in their relations in the coming time, adding that Vietnam and Hong Kong can become a role model in international relations, both coordinating with each other to resolve existing differences and developing together in areas of mutual interest./.

Vietnam calls for greater efforts to further promote gender equality

Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organisation (WTO), and other international organisations in Geneva, on April 3 called for greater efforts to further promote gender equality as well as the role of women and girls in all peace and security processes.

Speaking on behalf of the inter-regional group at Item 10 General Debate - technical cooperation within the framework of the 55th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council, which is taking place in Switzerland from February 26 to April 5, Dung stressed the role and contributions of women and girls to the implementation of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

He presented some proposals such as prioritising the full, effective and meaningful engagement of women and girls, and recognising their contributions to decision-making mechanisms in the fields of politics, economy, culture and social affairs, especially those on poverty reduction, ensuring sustainable livelihoods, startup and innovation, and eliminating gender barriers.

It is necessary to ensure their participation and leadership in science, technology, and digital transformation, the ambassador said.  

Dung also suggested budgeting and enhancing capacity building to achieve gender equality in institutions and policies in all countries, including developing nations, saying experience sharing and cooperation would help countries accelerate the implementation of the SDGs.

As a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 term, Vietnam has identified eight groups of priority matters with specific initiatives, widely supported by other countries.

Among those priorities, promoting gender equality and ensuring human rights in sustainable development demonstrate its long-term commitments and efforts in issues of international concern./.

Deputy PM meets with US Trade Representative

Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai had an online meeting with US Trade Representative Katherine Tai in Boston on April 2 (local time), as part of his US trip for the Vietnam Executive Leadership Programme (VELP).

Khai highlighted Vietnam’s consistent policy of building an independent and self-reliant economy in association with active, extensive, and effective international integration.

He underscored that the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the US in September 2023 has created new spaces and motivations for bilateral cooperation in various areas.

The two sides should continue effectively implementing their comprehensive strategic partnership framework, especially in breakthrough areas of science-technology, innovation, education-training, he said, proposing that Vietnam and the US should continue specifying the partnership, ensuring that bilateral cooperation brings practical benefits to businesses and peoples of the two countries.

For her part, Tai expressed her delight at the development of the Vietnam-US relations since the two sides upgraded their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, and affirmed that she will coordinate with the Vietnamese side in implementing agreed contents in the joint statement on the upgrade, especially in the fields of economy, trade, and investment.

The US Trade Representative expressed her hope to further promote bilateral collaboration through the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and negotiations for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) in the coming time.

The same day, Deputy PM Khai also had a meeting with Vietnamese intellectuals who are lecturers and experts at Harvard University as well as reputable companies and associations in Boston.

The intellectuals hailed Vietnam's socio-economic achievements, holding that its position and prestige has risen in the world arena, and affirming that they always turn their head and mind to the homeland.

They said they hope the Vietnamese National Assembly and Government will provide overseas Vietnamese with more favourable mechanisms and policies, enabling them to make contributions to the Fatherland.

They also voiced a number of proposals and recommendations in the fields of semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and financial market development, and asserted that Vietnam has opportunities to catch up with other countries in terms of science and technology development, especially in the emerging sciences.

Deputy PM Khai briefed the intellectuals on Vietnam’s achievements in socio-economic development and external relations over the years, underscoring that the Government is drastically working for targets in the five-year socio-economic development plan, with priority to science and technology development and innovation, especially in the areas of electronics - semiconductor, artificial intelligence.

He said that the Party, State, and Government always consider the Vietnamese community abroad an inseparable part of the nation, and expressed his hope that the community will continue to conduct specific projects and activities to implement Vietnam’s socio-economic development priorities.

Acknowledging ideas and proposals of the intellectuals, the Deputy PM pledged that ministries and sectors at home will consider them during the design of new policies in the future./.

NA Vice Chairman holds talks with Hungarian counterpart

The Vietnam-Hungary comprehensive partnership has grown soundly across various sectors, with the countries’ parliamentary cooperation thriving on both bilateral and multilateral fronts, stated Vice Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Tran Quang Phuong at his recent talks with Márta Mátrai, First Deputy of the Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, in Budapest.

The Vietnamese legislator took the occasion to propose both sides maintain exchanges of high-level delegations and specialised committees, enhance mutual cooperation and support at multilateral forums, and coordinate the implementation of agreements signed between the two parliaments during the visit of Vietnamese NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue to Hungary in 2022.

The two NA’s joint organisation of legislative workshops is an effective and practical mechanism that needs to be further leveraged, Phuong said.

On the Hungarian side, Mátrai stated Vietnam stands as Hungary's foremost important partner in Southeast Asia.

Hungary, situated at the heart of Europe with flexible legal frameworks, hopes to receive more investment cooperation from Vietnam, she noted.

The senior officials exchanged views on mutual concerns, with Phuong expressing a wish for the Hungarian government to support the recognition of the Vietnamese expat community, which numbers around 6,000, as an ethnic minority of the country.

As part of his trip to Hungary from April 1-3, the NA vice chairman paid a courtesy call to the speaker of the Hungarian NA, László Kövér, who affirmed that the relationship between the two NAs is one of special importance, characterised by frequent and effective delegation exchanges as well as the maintenance of a legislative dialogue mechanism for experience exchanges.

Phuong told Kövér that Vietnam wants to enhance multifaceted cooperation with Hungary, the country’s traditional friend and first and only comprehensive partner in the Central Eastern European region.
 
He expressed his hope for both sides to continue stepping up engagements at all levels through the party, government and parliamentary channels as well as people-to-people exchanges, to further strengthen mutual political trust and understanding.

He also conveyed an invitation from NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue to welcome the Hungarian NA speaker to visit Vietnam at the earliest opportunity.

While in Hungary, Phuong also met with the chairpersons of the Hungary-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group and the Hungary-Vietnam Friendship Association, visited the Vietnamese Embassy, and met with representatives of some prominent associations.

At these meetings, he shared his hope to continue maintaining exchanges between the friendship parliamentarians' groups for better mutual understanding and parliamentary cooperation in the time to come. The NA Vice Chairman also affirmed that people-to-people exchanges are an important diplomatic channel, contributing to fostering bilateral friendship./.

Fireworks to light up Ho Chi Minh City skies to mark Reunification Day

Ho Chi Minh City is set to hold several firework displays across the city between 9 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. on April 30 as part of celebrations to mark 49 years of Southern Liberation and National Reunification Day.

The celebrations are due to take place above the Thu Thiem tunnel which runs across the Saigon river in Thu Duc City, as well as at Dam Sen Cultural Park in District 11.

Furthermore, a wide range of cultural events will get underway specifically for the occasion, including a photo exhibition marking 49 years of Southern Liberation and National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975-April 30, 2024) and the 138th International Labour Day (May 1, 1886 - May 1, 2024), as well as an incense offering ceremony at the President Ho Chi Minh Memorial.

A series of art performances will also be held at cultural centres, amusement parks, and public sites throughout the city to herald the April 30 victory.

As usual State employees will have two days off on April 30 and May 1.

Exhibition in Hanoi brings together artists from across Asia

Artists from Asian countries and territories will gather in Hanoi in April to participate in Art Vogue D' Nation Vietnam 2024, the 14th exhibition of the Asia Art Alliance.

The exhibition features more than 60 paintings and sculptures in a variety of materials, including lacquer, oil paint, silk, prints, synthetic materials, metal and wood.

According to Tan Kay Nguan, Founder and President of Asia Art Alliance, "Since 2005, the Asian Art Alliance International Exchange Exhibition has traveled to many beautiful and unique countries around the world. Such international exchanges bring art and culture together, forge many friendships that live in the artworks, and introduce people to many exciting pieces of contemporary art one after another.

“In April 2024, the exhibition will be held in Vietnam. This amazing land, yet simple and warm, is full of humanity and alluring nature. Its vibrant culture and heritage is captivating where one can truly appreciate the history, and the perfect combination of tradition and modern art in the artistic world, and feel the unique charm of Vietnam,” he said.

Nguan said that the Asian Art Alliance aims to uphold the integration of art into life - where painting accompanies one through sorrow and happiness and allows one to forge ahead and achieve breakthroughs. Art also allows one to be more erudite, polished, and elegant.

"The unwavering love of artists for art, with the immersion of friendship in art, reveals the origins of our love for art. May our passion for art remain vivacious and exuberant to unleash infinite possibilities on this stage of art," he said.

The integration and convergence of cultures through art exhibitions not only brings unique cultural and spiritual values, but also builds bridges of friendship, cooperation, understanding and mutual respect among artists from different countries around the world, said Vietnamese artist and painter Dang Tuan.

According to Tuan, with artists from Vietnam, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia and Taiwan, the exhibition promises to offer diverse and rich perspectives on the art of each participating nation. In addition to the exhibition, the Art Vogue D'Nation event will also provide opportunities for exchange and collaboration among artists.

"It offers art lovers in each country the opportunity to experience unique artworks imbued with the cultural essence of their respective nations, to embark on a journey of exploration, experience and appreciation of the magnificent artworks in this exhibition. Together, let us cultivate a multicultural artistic community where diversity is an endless source of inspiration and empowerment," said Tuan.

"It offers art lovers in each country the opportunity to experience unique artworks imbued with their nations' cultural essence, embarking on a journey to explore, experience and appreciate the magnificent artworks in this exhibition. Together, let us cultivate a multicultural artistic community where diversity serves as an endless source of inspiration and strength," said Mr Tuan.

The exhibition will take place on April 6-30 at Palm Artspace, Ecopark, Hanoi.

Four cases of confiscation, stopping of drones, ultra-light aircraft

The Standing Committee of the National Assembly yesterday voiced their opinions on the draft Law on People's Air Defense.

Deputy Minister of National Defense Nguyen Tan Cuong stressed the necessity of the birth of the Law on People's Air Defense to answer urgent demands of protecting the country in the new context.

The draft Law on People's Air Defense has eight chapters with 55 articles. Section I of Chapter IV stipulates the import, export, temporary import, re-export, design, repair, maintenance, pilot, trading, registration, exploitation, use, suspension, confiscation, and stopping of drones and ultra-light aircraft.

Accordingly, there are four cases where competent authorities are allowed to temporarily or permanently confiscate drones and ultra-light aircraft:

Organizing flight activities without a valid flight license;
Purposedly flying into no-fly or restricted areas that have been warned by competent authorities, except for cases of being formally assigned; entering the area above airports, airfields, or airport neighborhoods and potentially causing unsafety for flight operation;
Organizing flight activities to propagandize or fight against the Party and the State or to carry out illegal activities;
Using ultra-light aircraft to transport flammable substances, explosives, biological weapons, or prohibited substances.
The draft Law clearly states the procedure to temporarily or permanently confiscate and stop drones, ultra-light aircraft breaking the law.

As stated in the report by the Government, the task of managing and protecting the sky at a height of under 5,000m is the focus of many nations. At present, drones are developed and exploited for military purposes, and have become a new combat force with high effectiveness.

In Vietnam, the use of drones and ultra-light aircraft has been quite common in various fields lately. Along with that are an increasing number of law breaking cases using these means, leading to a high threat to national defense, social security and safety, particularly in aviation.

After reviewing this content, Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee for National Defense and Security Le Tan Toi said that the Standing Unit of the Committee agree with the part about confiscation and stopping of drones, ultra-light aircraft as stated in the draft Law.

He proposed more consideration for consistency in legal consequences of the authority and measures to confiscate or stop these means. He also suggested the criteria to permit a person to control drones and ultra-light aircraft, saying that the subject must be from 18 years old and have sufficient aviation knowledge.

U Minh Thượng National Park closed to ensure forest fire prevention

Authorities in Kiên Giang Province have reported that the weather in the province is in the peak period of the dry season, with prolonged hot weather, low water levels in forests and elevated risk of forest fires.

From April 15, the unit will close and temporarily stop welcoming tourists to ensure fire prevention.

Therefore, forest ranger units and local authorities have been actively implementing a plan to prevent fire incidents.

Nguyễn Văn Toàn, deputy head of Vĩnh Thuận-U Minh Thượng district forest rangers, said that the hydro-meteorological agency predicts that this year's dry season will witness the El Nino phenomenon and prolonged heat, leading to more severe water scarcity compared to the same period last year.

To avoid fire incidents, the authority has informed forest managers and related units to proactively build dams to keep the water level over 10 cm higher than the annual level.

According to Nguyễn Văn Sơ, Deputy Head of Forest Protection and Development Management Department, the forest's potential for fire is rated between level 2 and 4.

The unit has arranged 5 fire prevention and fighting teams into on-site forces, on-site vehicles, on-site logistics, and on-site command.

U Minh Thượng National Park covers over 8,500 ha in Minh Thuận and An Minh Bắc communes in U Minh Thượng District.

It is the fifth biosphere reserve in Việt Nam recognised by UNESCO and the eighth Ramsar site in the country. 

Phát, Đăng hunt Olympic points at Kazakhstan International Challenge

Lê Đức Phát and Nguyễn Hải Đăng will compete in the Condensate Kazakhstan International Challenge 2024 in Uralsk.

Both will take part in the men's singles event beginning on April 3.

Phát is No 7 seed and will play Fabio Caponio of Italy while Đăng will face a qualifier No 4 in the first round matches.

The finals are schedule on April 6.

According to the Việt Nam coaching board, the players are to collect points for their world ranking from this event as both are racing to win a place in the Paris Olympics. The duo is expected to have positive results in Uralsk.

Previously, they took part in an international event in Thailand but were eliminated from the early round.

After Kazakhstan, Đăng will join the national No 1 female player Nguyễn Thùy Linh at the Asian championship from April 9-14 in Ningbo, China.

Đăng will play Viren Nettasinghe of Sri Lanka in the first match while Linh will see Japanese Aya Ohori. 

Coach Tuấn names squad for AFC U23 Asian Cup

Hoàng Anh Tuấn, the newly appointed coach of the Việt Nam under 23s, has announced a squad of 28 players to prepare for the 2024 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar.

The selected players mostly consist of individuals who have previously worked with Tuấn at various youth team levels, ranging from U17 to U23, including the recent U23 Việt Nam team that emerged victorious in the 2023 regional event.

These players have also had the opportunity to train with the national senior team on FIFA Days since the second half of 2023. Among them are players who have participated in the 2023 Asian Cup Finals and the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in Asia, such as goalkeeper Nguyễn Văn Việt, defender Phan Tuấn Tài, midfielders Khuất Văn Khang and Nguyễn Thái Sơn, and striker Nguyễn Đình Bắc.

In addition to the familiar faces, Tuấn has also given an opportunity to a promising young talent, defender Nguyễn Thành Khải from SHB Đà Nẵng.

The Việt Nam Football Federation (VFF) has collaborated with the Asian Football Confederation to make additions and replacements to the preliminary registration list, allowing coach Tuấn to have more flexible options for the U23 team.

During the Qatar Asian tournament, which will take place from April 15 to May 3, Việt Nam are placed in Group D alongside Uzbekistan, Kuwait and Malaysia.

Việt Nam's opening match will be against Kuwait on April 17, followed by games against Malaysia on April 20, and U23 Uzbekistan on April 23.

Malaysia, one of Việt Nam's rivals in the tournament, will be without goalkeeper Rahadiazli Rahalim, defender Azam Azmi, midfielder Richard Chin, and striker Ruventhiran, as reported by the New Strait Times.

Among these players, Chin, who was born in England and currently plays for Bath City on loan from Charlton, stands out. The other three players are all part of the Malaysian national team.

The most prominent name on the Malaysia U23 list is striker Luqman Hakim. He is considered a Malaysian football "prodigy" and currently plays for Yokohama SCC in Japan.

Other notable players in the U23 Malaysia squad include defender Harith Haiqal and midfielders Mukhairi Ajmal and Fergus Tierney. Scottish-born player Fergus Tierney played a significant role in the 2023 regional U23 tournament.

The top three teams in the Asian U23 tournament will secure direct qualification to the 2024 Paris Olympics. The fourth-placed team will compete against the fourth-placed team from the African U23 tournament for the remaining spot.

In Group D, defending runner-up Uzbekistan are considered the strongest team and are expected to secure a place in the quarter-finals. The remaining three teams have an equal chance to secure the second qualification spot.

Việt Nam will begin their preparations at the Việt Nam Youth Football Training Centre on April 6 and will depart for Qatar on April 8.

They will face Jordan on April 10 in a final friendly match as part of their preparation for the continental U23 event.

National airgun championship opens in Quảng Ninh

The 2024 National Airgun Championship commenced on Tuesday in Quảng Ninh Province.

The tournament has attracted the participation of 12 teams from across the country, including Hà Nội, HCM City, Hải Phòng, and Hải Dương. Competitors will vie for top honours in various categories, including standard air rifle and air pistol, for both male and female participants.

Nguyễn Thanh Tùng, the deputy director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Quảng Ninh Province, highlighted the province's investment in constructing large-scale, modern cultural and sports facilities. These projects have had a positive impact on society and have positioned the province as a capable host for major cultural and sports events at the provincial, national, and international levels.

The event, co-organised by the provincial Department of Culture and Sports and the Việt Nam Shooting Federation, is scheduled to run until April 10. 

France celebrates wine cultural programme in HCM City

The 14th Tastin France wine cultural programme was organised at Caravelle Hotel Saigon in HCM City on April 2.

The annual event brings together businesses, experts and organisations in the alcoholic beverages industry for tasting wines made in various grape-growing regions in France, and create cooperation and trade opportunities between businesses in the two countries.

The event was organised by Business France Vietnam, a commerce and investment promotion agency affiliated to the French embassy.

The event also attracted 34 French wine suppliers representing renowned regions of France such as Champagne, Burgundy, Loire Valley, Rhône Valley, Languedoc, Bordeaux, and Alsace.

Emmanuelle Pavillon Grosser, the French consul general in HCM City, said despite the downturn in wine and spirits imports due to the economic situation, Việt Nam remains one of the most dynamic in Asia.

In 2022-23 wine imports decreased by 14.5 per cent though imports of spirits saw a 7 per cent increase.

She also said Vietnamese people, especially young ones, are showing increasing interest in wines, presenting opportunities for producers, especially from France, which has a longstanding reputation for quality and sophistication.

Tastin France is part of the Goût de France campaign, which aims to promote French cuisine and beverages in Việt Nam.

The event opened at the Grand Mercure Hotel in Hà Nội on April 1. 

Historical shows target secondary students

IDECAF Theatre will launch new drama shows on Vietnamese history aimed at students from secondary schools around HCM City next week.

Students and teachers will receive free bus tickets offered by the producers to the theatre for entertainment.

The programme’s first show is called Tả Quân Lê Văn Duyệt - Người Mang 9 Án Tử (Field Marshal Lê Văn Duyệt - Nine Death Sentences) and is scheduled to debut on April 10.

The play highlights patriotism and loyalty and will star talented artists Đình Toàn, Đại Nghĩa, Hoàng Trinh and Hoà Hiệp.

The 90-minute drama depicts the life of FM Duyệt, who was the Governor of Gia Định Citadel (later Sài Gòn and now HCM City) under the Nguyễn dynasty in the 19th century.

He instructed southern people to dig the Vĩnh Tế Canal linking the provinces of the Mekong River Delta region. The canal helps local people develop their farms and business.

He died in 1832. Lăng Ông, known as the Tomb of the Field Marshal, is located in HCM City’s Bình Thạnh District near the Bà Chiểu Market.

The tomb is recognised as a national historical and cultural heritage and a famous tourist site in the city.

“Our play combines drama, music and cải lương (reformed opera), a traditional form of Vietnamese theatre which began 100 years ago in the South,” said Duẩn, who has 20 years in the industry.

Duẩn decided to spend a large sum on costumes, and light and sound effects. Songs and music pieces based on Vietnamese folk music were composed to highlight the themes of the show.

Other productions of IDECAF are Trần Thủ Độ - Anh Hùng và Gian Hùng (General Trần Thủ Độ - The Hero) and Nữ Đại Đế Mê Linh (The Queen).

The cải lương show Nữ Đại Đế Mê Linh features the lives of Trưng Trắc and her younger sister Trưng Nhị who led the country’s first resistance movement against Chinese occupiers in the first century, around 2,000 years ago.

Trần Thủ Độ - Anh Hùng và Gian Hùng is a musical production of historical events dating back more than 800 years. Love and betrayal are among the themes of the show.

“Through our programme, we want to bring Vietnamese theatre closer to school graders. We hope our quality shows will help young audiences learn more about their history and culture,” said the theatre’s founder and art director Huỳnh Anh Tuấn.

The private IDECAF Theatre features 30 professional artists, along with backstage workers. It offers many experimental shows in drama, musical, cải lương and hát bội, two genres of traditional theatre in southern and central regions, respectively.

The drama Tả Quân Lê Văn Duyệt - Người Mang 9 Án Tử will open at 8pm on April 10 at Thanh Niên Theatre, 4 Phạm Ngọc Thạch Street, District 1.

Experts propose more detailed definition of weapons in draft amended law

Lawmakers on Tuesday discussed the amended Law on Management and Use of Weapons, Explosives and Support Tools as part of the National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee’s legal session.

The discussion was chaired by NA Chairman Vương Đình Huệ.

Presenting the proposed amended law, General Tô Lâm, Member of the Politburo and Minister of Public Security, said that after five years of implementing the Law on Management and Use of Weapons, Explosives and Support Tools, ministries, provinces and cities had followed it strictly and effectively.

Their efforts have made important contributions to national security, social order and safety and socio-economic development.

The management and use of weapons, explosives and support tools was carried out in accordance with regulations, meeting the requirements and tasks of the armed forces and other forces.

Law dissemination is executed regularly, widely and efficiently.

In the past five years, people all over the country have voluntarily handed in more than 99,600 guns of all types as well as many bombs, mines, grenades, explosives, weapons and other support tools.

The Ministry of Public Security has directed police units and localities to fight fiercely against crimes and violations related to weapons, explosives and supporting tools.

Việt Nam has investigated more than 34,100 related cases, arrested 56,027 people and confiscated nearly 5,000 guns of all types.

However, the law implementation had seen a number of inadequacies, limitations and problems, said Lâm.

In particular, the detailed definition of weapons, explosives, and support tools prescribed in the law were not clear enough.

Violators have taken advantage of legal loopholes to manufacture, store, buy, sell, transport and use homemade guns, knives and tools similar to rudimentary weapons and having potential risk for security.

So, Lâm said, it was necessary to amend and supplement the legal definition of weapons, explosives and support tools to address this reality.

The law amendment will also reform and simplify administrative procedures, creating favourable conditions for agencies, organisations, businesses, the people and foreign resources to support Việt Nam in weapons and support tools research, production and use.

The draft amended Law on Management and Use of Weapons, Explosives and Support Tools includes eight chapters and 74 articles.

It has amended and supplemented a number of words to explain concepts, facilitate the law application and efficiently serve State management as well as crime prevention.

Reporting the preliminary examination of the draft amended law, Chairman of the NA's National Defence and Security Committee Lê Tấn Tới said that the committee basically agreed with the amended law.

The draft amended law is eligible to report to the NA Standing Committee for comments and to be presented to the NA at the seventh session.

Tới recommended carefully reviewing legal provisions, especially regulations related on the management, research, production and trading of weapons, explosives and support tools to ensure uniformity in the legal system.

He also proposed reviewing international treaties to which Việt Nam is a member to ensure compatibility.

Speaking at the discussion, NA Chairman Huệ highly appreciated the preparation process for the draft amended law.

The documents and process ensure compliance with regulations, which were elaborately and seriously prepared.

Chairman Huệ asked for further study of a number of contents and continued review to ensure consistency with the legal system, current laws as well as draft laws being compiled such as the Penal Code, Law on Advertising, Law on Enterprises, Chemical Law, and Law on National Defence Industry, Security and Industrial Mobilisation. 

Supreme Court proposes reduced prison sentences for underage offenders

The Supreme People's Court has proposed a draft of the Law on Justice for Minors to protect the rights and rehabilitate individuals under 18 who commit crimes.

The draft suggests reducing maximum prison sentences from 18 to 15 years for ages 16 to under 18, and from 12 to 9 years for ages 14 to under 16.

Under the current regulations of Article 101 of the Criminal Code, individuals aged 16 to under 18, when convicted, face a maximum prison sentence of 18 years if life imprisonment or the death penalty is applicable. For those aged 14 to under 16, the maximum sentence is 12 years under similar circumstances.

The draft law also limits instances in which juvenile offenders are subject to temporary detention.

Juvenile offenders aged 14 to under 16 could be temporarily detained if they commit extremely serious crimes and violate other preventive measures, continue to offend, escape and are captured according to a wanted decision.

Similarly, those aged 16 to under 18 could be detained for very serious crimes and other violations.

Another significant aspect of the draft law concerns redirection measures for juveniles not prosecuted for criminal liability.

The draft introduces 11 redirection measures, including existing ones like reprimand and community education, and new ones such as participation in educational programmes, compulsory treatment, community service and activity restrictions.

Additionally, judicial education at reformatory schools becomes the strictest measure among them. 

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