Review on external affairs from July 3-9: Promoting economic diplomacy; strengthening cooperation with ESCAP
WVR - Review on a number of news headlines on external affairs from July 3-9 by The World and Vietnam Report.
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| On July 3, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ virtual conference on promoting the implementation of economic diplomacy, serving socio-economic development in the last half of 2023. (Photo: WVR/Tuan Anh) |
Leaders’ activities
On July 4, President Vo Van Thuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent messages of congratulations to US President Joe Biden on the 247th Independence Day of the United States of America (July 4). National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue also extended his congratulations to President of the Senate Kamala Harris and Speaker of the House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy on this occasion. On the occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son sent greetings to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
On July 3, President Vo Van Thuong received Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti, outgoing Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Vietnam. President Thuong lauded the Ambassador’s significant contributions to promoting the Vietnam-EU relationship, especially the signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the sides' efforts to hasten the early ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) by EU member states.
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| President Vo Van Thuong hosts outgoing Ambassador, Head of EU Delegation to Vietnam: President Vo Van Thuong (R) and Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti, outgoing Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Vietnam, at their meeting in Hanoi on July 3. (Photo: VNA) |
On July 3, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent a message of congratulations to Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao on his taking-office as Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. On the same day, Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue extended his congratulations to Maria Fernanda Lay, who was elected Speaker of Timor-Leste's National Parliament. On this occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son sent a congratulatory message to Bendito dos Santos Freitas on his appointment as Timor-Leste’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.
On July 3, receiving Under-Secretary-General of the UN and Executive Secretary of the ESCAP Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that Vietnam highly values the role of the UN in promoting multilateral cooperation to address global issues, as well as significant contributions by the ESCAP to socio-economic development in Asia-Pacific since its establishment more than 75 years ago. The Prime Minister suggested the United Nations (UN) and its Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in particular carry forward their strengths to support member countries, including Vietnam, in socio-economic development policy making and enforcement.
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| Prime Minister calls for ESCAP support in policy making, enforcement: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Under-Secretary-General of the UN and Executive Secretary of the ESCAP Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana in Hanoi on July 3. (Photo: VNA) |
On July 3, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ virtual conference on promoting the implementation of economic diplomacy serving socio-economic development in the last half of 2023. The event gathered participants from the Ministry’s headquarters in Hanoi and 94 Vietnamese Representative Missions abroad. The Government leader recommended participants focus on discussing specific solutions to boost growth drivers through attracting high-quality investment; diversify markets, products, and supply chains; fully tap traditional markets and expand potential ones; accelerate the signing of free trade agreements (FTAs); and promote Vietnamese goods in Halal markets.
On July 6, receiving outgoing French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said Vietnam always values France's role and voice on the international stage, as well as bilateral cooperation at multilateral forums. In order to bolster bilateral ties, the Prime Minister suggested both sides continue facilitating high-level contacts, exchanges and visits between their leaders, and fully and effectively tap opportunities brought about by the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).
On July 6, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception for the new Ambassador of Brunei to Vietnam Datin Paduka Malai Hajah Halimah Malai Haji Yussof. The Prime Minister proposed the Ambassador will work with relevant agencies of both Vietnam and Brunei to step up the exchange of visits at all levels, strengthen bilateral coordination at multilateral forums and push the implementation of agreements reached by the two countries’ leaders, including the plan of action on the implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership during 2023-2027, with a focus on the four important fields, namely oil and gas, chemicals, Halal food, and tourism and people to people exchange.
On July 3, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan receives a delegation from the Association of Korean People Loving Vietnam (VESAMO) led by VESAMO President Chang Ho Ick. The Vice President called the Vietnam-RoK collaboration a model of international cooperation based on the three pillars of politics, economy and people-to-people exchange, noting that the two countries elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in December 2012, opening up a new development period for their relations.
On July 7, receiving Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha proposed Australia share its experience and collaborate with Vietnam in research and technology transfer involving the production of green hydrogen and green ammonia from renewable energy at appropriate costs; the management of smart grids and energy transmission systems; and settlement of the financial resource challenge for transition from fossil energy to renewables, among many others.
On July 4, receiving Executive Director of the Office Executive Director of the World Bank (WB) Group of Southeast Asia Wempi Saputra, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang highly appreciated the fruitful cooperation between Vietnam and the WB which has helped the country promote socio-economic development and improve people's life quality. The Deputy Prime Minister thanked the WB and the Office for helping Vietnam receive a grant worth 263.9 million USD from the WVB Group's International Development Association (IDA) to carry out sustainable and inclusive recovery and development under the socio-economic recovery and development programme.
On July 5, Head of the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission Tran Tuan Anh hosted separate receptions for Singaporean Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng and Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski.
Activities of the Foreign Minister
On July 7, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son hosted a reception for Egyptian Ambassador to Vietnam Amal Abdel Kader Elmorsi Salama. At the meeting, the Foreign Minister affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to traditional friendship and cooperation with Egypt, one of the first states in the Middle East and Africa to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam.
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| On July 7, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son hosted a reception for Egyptian Ambassador to Vietnam Amal Abdel Kader Elmorsi Salama. (Photo: WVR/Tuan Anh) |
On July 7, receiving outgoing Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Antonio Alessandro, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son asked Italy to support and promote the EU to soon remove the IUU yellow card for Vietnamese seafood exports to the EU, soon complete the ratification of the Vietnam - EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and the two sides fully and effectively implement the EVFTA Agreement.
On the same day, receiving outgoing French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery, Minister Bui Thanh Son emphasized that during the Ambassador's term, the Vietnam-France strategic partnership was constantly developed in all fields.
On July 7, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son was speaking at a virtual ministerial meeting to launch the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drugs hosted by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Addressing representatives from 70 countries and international organisations, Foreign Minister Son shared concerns about the threat posed by synthetic drugs, and emphasized the need to strengthen international cooperation with holistic measures and comprehensive approach to deal with issues related to supply and demand of drugs. He called for joint international efforts to support the implementation of UN conventions on drug prevention and control, and help strengthen the role of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). The Foreign Minister also shared the efforts Vietnam and ASEAN have made to strive for a drug-free environment.
On July 6, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son received Israeli Ambassador to Vietnam Yaron Mayer. The Foreign Minister stressed that the signing of the Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Israel diplomatic relations (1993-2023) is a significant milestone, contributing to improving the effectiveness of bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation.
On July 6, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son received outgoing Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti, Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Vietnam, appreciating his guest’s active role and effective contributions to the Vietnam - EU comprehensive partnership and cooperation. Both host and guest noted with satisfaction that the Vietnam - EU relations have been growing strongly in such areas as politics - diplomacy, defence - security, science - technology, cyber-security, education - training, and climate change response. They agreed to maintain mutual visits and meetings at all levels, especially high levels.
On July 6, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son received Mr. Firmin Edouard Matoko, UNESCO Assistant Director-General. The support of UNESCO and other United Nations organizations has greatly contributed to Vietnam’s sustainable socio-economic development and promoted the cultural values, image, and people of Vietnam, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son said. In recognition of his contributions to the comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and UNESCO, Foreign Minister Son presented Mr. Firmin Edouard Matoko with a Certificate of Merit.
On July 3, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son welcomed and held talks with United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana. Foreign Minister Son affirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance to cooperation with the United Nations (UN) in general and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in particular. Foreign Minister Son proposed the UN and the ESCAP in particular accompany and provide technical support for Vietnam in sustainable development and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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| Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son holds talks with UN Under Secretary-General, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana in Hanoi, on July 3, 2023. (Photo; WVR/Tuan Anh) |
On July 3, receiving outgoing Irish Ambassador to Vietnam John McCullagh, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed that Ireland is one of Vietnam's important partners in Europe and suggested the two sides maintain high-level delegation exchanges and continue to cooperate effectively at multilateral forums.
Bilateral activities
On July 3, receiving Ambassador Jean Christophe Peaucelle, Advisor to the European and French Foreign Ministers on Religious issues, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang affirmed that religion plays an important role in social life of Vietnam. Vietnam's socio-political organizations and the State of Vietnam always create favorable conditions for all people to exercise their right to freedom of religion and belief.
Multilateral activities
On the occasion of Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son leading the Vietnamese delegation to the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-56) and related meetings in Jakarta, Indonesia from July 10-14, Acting Head of ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) delegation of Vietnam Ambassador Vu Ho stressed the importance of the meetings, which will discuss all issues related to peace, stability and common prosperity of the whole region, not only Southeast Asia but also Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.
Ambassador Nguyen Hai Bang, Head of the Vietnamese Delegation to ASEAN, emphasized Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son’s attendance at AMM-56 is demonstrating the continuation of Vietnam's commitments to and responsibilities for the region and the common work of ASEAN.
From July 5-6, in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Non-Aligned Movement Ministers' Conference themed “Non-Aligned Movement: United and steadfast in confronting emerging challenges", was held under the chairmanship of Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet led the Vietnamese delegation to attend the Conference, together with the participation of more than 80 representatives of NAM member countries, regional and international organisations. The Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister said as the world is divided by geopolitical competition, division and confrontation, it is necessary for NAM to uphold its fundamental values and principles, and resolutely fight against manifestations of power politics, forms of unilateral coercion against its member countries and stay united to solve global challenges, Deputy Foreign Minister Viet said.
From June 30 to July 3, within the framework of the 53rd Regular Session in Geneva, Switzerland, the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) held annual discussions on women’s rights, climate change and a dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty. Assistant to the Vietnamese Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu led the Vietnamese delegation attending the meeting, made important speeches.
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| Vietnam advocates int’l cooperation to ensure human rights: Assistant to the Vietnamese Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu led the Vietnamese delegation attending the meeting, made important speeches. |
Empowering women and girls, as well as enhancing the role of women's organisations at all levels, are crucial orientations of Vietnam to ensure social welfare for women in the future, he said. At the Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty, the Vietnamese delegate underlined the crucial role of ensuring employment and generating income in poverty eradication efforts. He said countries need to guarantee the right to work for their people, especially amid post-pandemic recovery.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
On July 6, at the Ministry's regular press conference, in response to a reporter's questions regarding the information that the organizers (Korea) of BlackPink band's concert in Hanoi publishing a map featuring the "nine-dash line", Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang stressed that Vietnam's position on the "nine-dash line" claim has been clearly clarified many times. The authorities are now verifying the information about the show, she said. Regarding Vietnam's ban on the film "Barbie" in the country due to its image of the "nine-dash line, the Spokesperson has affirmed that the popularisation and use of publications and products with the "nine-dash line" in Vietnam are a violation of the law and are not accepted in the country.
At the press conference, Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang has affirmed that the incident in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak is a serious and organised violation of the law, causing serious disruptions to social security and order, and so will be handled in line with the law, adding that all information related to the incident are regularly updated by the Ministry of Public Security. Currently, the case is still under investigation.
Also at the press conference, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang informed about Vietnam's response to Japan's plan to discharge wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, the situation of Vietnamese in France. No Vietnamese citizens affected by the recent unrest in France have been recorded so far, Spokesperson Hang said.
On July 3, Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang informed about Vietnam's response to the information that said many drones have been spotted flying over Ratanakiri province, Cambodia. Vietnam and Cambodia have always closely cooperation in border management and protection, maintaining security and order, and crime combat in the border area. “We hope to continue cooperating with Cambodia in consolidating the border line of peace, friendship, cooperation and development,” she stressed.
Other activities
From July 2 to July 6, a delegation of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), led by Politburo member and Head of the CPV Central Committee’s Commission for Internal Affairs Phan Dinh Trac paid a working visit to Greece. Politburo member Trac, who is also Secretary of the CPV Central Committee, Standing Vice Chairman of the Central Steering Committee for Prevention and Control of Corruption and Negative Phenomena, and Standing Vice Chairman of the Central Steering Committee for Judicial Reform, informed the hosts of Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements over the past nearly four decades of renewal, goals, and development strategies following the 13th National Party Congress, and the results of anti-corruption work in recent years.
On July 5, in Hanoi, the World & Vietnam Report and the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on cooperation in the external information and communication work. On behalf of the two agencies, Editor-in-Chief of the World & Vietnam Report Nguyen Truong Son and Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City Tran Phuoc Anh signed the Memorandum of Understanding. Attending at the event also were representatives of sessions, divisions of the two agencies.
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| Editor-in-Chief of the World & Vietnam Report Nguyen Truong Son and Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City Tran Phuoc Anh signed the Memorandum of Understanding. (Photo: WVR/Nguyen Hong) |
On July 3, international conference on harnessing the values of UNESCO titles for sustainable development in Vietnam opened at Bai Dinh Pagoda, the northern province of Ninh Binh. The event was co-hosted by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, and the Ninh Binh Provincial People’s Committee. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc said localities with UNESCO-recognised heritage are facing many challenges, the greatest of which is how to reach harmony of economic development and heritage conservation. He proposed that participants shared success stories of localities in harnessing UNESCO titles to serve sustainable development, which will provide valuable lessons for localities in the process of building UNESCO nomination dossiers or seeking additional UNESCO titles.
