Review on external affairs from Sept.11-18: New chapter in Vietnam-US ties, PM’s attendance at CAEXPO, CABIS; 9th Young Parliamentarians Conference
WVR - Review on a number of news headlines on external affairs from Sept.11-18 by The World and Vietnam Report.
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| General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong chaired the official welcoming ceremony for US President Joe Biden. (Photo: WVR/Nguyen Hong) |
Leaders’ activities
From September 10-11, at the invitation of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, US President Joe Biden paid a state visit to Vietnam. The most outstanding outcome of the visit is the upgrading of the Vietnam-US relationship to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which brings long-term and immediate benefits to both sides. During the visit, President Joe Biden held talks with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong; had meetings with President Vo Van Thuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, attended Vietnam-US High-level Conference on Investment and Innovation in Hanoi.
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| On September 10, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong holds talks with visiting US President Joe Biden in Hanoi. (Photo: WVR/Nguyen Hong) |
Welcoming the US President's visit on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Partnership, the Party Secretary General said that the visit carries a special meaning, providing a chance for the two sides to discuss the bilateral relations and international issues for the interest of the two peoples, contributing to peace, cooperation and sustainable development in the region and the world. Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and US President Joseph Biden announced that the two sides had adopted a Joint Statement on elevating the Vietnam-US relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development at a press conference following their talks in Hanoi on September 10 evening. On September 11, US President Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. successfully concluded his two-day state visit to Vietnam.
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| President Vo Van Thuong chaired a state banquet to welcome President Joe Biden and the US high-ranking delegation. (Photo: WVR/Nguyen Hong) |
On September 13, President Vo Van Thuong sent a message of condolences to Chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya Mohammed Yunus Al-Menfi over significant human and property losses caused by Storm Daniel in Derna, Libya on September 10, 2023. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also sent condolences to Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh. On the same day, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son also conveyed sympathy with acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Fathallah al-Zani.
On September 15, leaders of Laos, Venezuela, and Kazakhstan sent condolences to Vietnamese leaders over a tragic fire incident, which occurred in the late hours of September 12 night in Khuong Dinh ward, Thanh Xuan district, Hanoi, causing significant loss of life and property.
On September 14, President Vo Van Thuong sent a letter of congratulations to Tharman Shanmugaratnam as he has taken office as President of Singapore.
From September 16-17, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh led the Vietnamese delegation to attend the 20th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) in Nanning city, Guangxi province (China). Within 27 hours, the Prime Minister had nearly 10 activities, such as talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang; received Liu Ning, member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Secretary of Guangxi Party Committee, and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, attended and delivered speech at the opening ceremony of CAEXPO and CABIS; attending the opening of Vietnam's Pavilion; welcoming leading Chinese enterprises to promote investment, production and business cooperation, etc. On September 17 noon, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh arrived in Hanoi, concluding his trip to China.
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| Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Heads of Delegation attended the opening ceremony of the 20th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) . (Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac) |
On September 14, in Hanoi, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception for outgoing Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Sengphet Houngboungnuang. Prime Minister Chinh congratulated Houngboungnuang on his excellent performance during the tenure and the honour of being awarded Vietnam’s first-class Labour Order in recognition of his important contributions to fostering Vietnam-Laos great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation.
On September 14, receiving Lao Minister of Planning and Investment Khamchen Vongphosy, who is also Head of the Committee for Laos-Vietnam Cooperation, Prime Minister Chinh asked the two Ministries of Planning and Investment and the two cooperation committees to work more closely together and urge other ministries, sectors and localities to actively promote their collaboration mechanisms, while strengthening the efficiency of the cooperation committee mechanism.
On September 12, receiving Mongolian Minister of Justice and Home Affairs Khishgee Nyambaatar, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh noted that the bilateral relationship has continuously been reinforced and developed despite fluctuations in the world and regional situation. The two sides should continue to increase delegation exchanges, promoting security-defence cooperation, developing their roles in issues of common interest, including maintaining peace, stability and development in the region and the world, and continuing to beefing up cooperation in economy, trade, and investment. Vietnam and Mongolia should re-negotiate an air transport agreement, and expand the Vietnam-China-Mongolia railway route, while promoting people-to-people exchanges and tourism cooperation, said the Government leader.
On September 12, received the Minister- President of the Government of the Belgian region of Flanders, Jan Jambon, who was on a working visit to Vietnam from September 12-16, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to and wishes to enhance comprehensive cooperation with Belgium, as well as regions and communities of the European country. The Prime Minister asked the Minister-President of Flanders to continue paying attention to the development of ties with Vietnam, particularly in economy, trade and investment, so as to help consolidate the Vietnam-Belgium relations.
On September 15, the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians, themed “The Role of Young People in Promoting the Realisation of Sustainable Development Goals via Digital Transformation and Innovations”, was opened in Hanoi. After 2 working days of excitement, urgency, friendship, solidarity and with a high sense of responsibility, the 9th Global Young Parliamentarians Conference was a great success.
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| At the opening ceremony of the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians in Hanoi on September 15. (Photo: WVR/Thanh Chau) |
On September 16, at closing session, the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians adopted a statement highlighting the role of young people in accelerating the realisation of sustainable development goals through digital transformation and innovation, and promoted respect for cultural diversity in support of sustainable development.
During the conference, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue delivered opening speech; received Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, Vice President of the National Assembly of People's Power Ana Maria Machado; Vice President of the Algerian National Assembly Monder Bouden; Speaker of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Tonga Lord Fakafanua; met 20 outstanding Vietnamese youth attending the Conference.
On September 14, receiving President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Duarte Pacheco, IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong, Chairman of the IPU Young Parliamentarians Forum Dan Carden, Chairman of the IPU Women Parliamentarians Forum Cynthia López Castro, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue affirmed that the Vietnamese National Assembly always strives to actively and responsibly participate in IPU activities.
From September 10-17, at the invitation of Mozambican Prime Minister Adriano Maleiane and South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan paid official visits to Mozambique and South Africa.
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| Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan (L) shakes hands with Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi (Photo: VNA) |
In Mozambique, Vice President Xuan held talks with Prime Minister Adriano Afonso Maleiane, paid courtesy visits to President Filipe Nyusi and President of the Assembly of Mozambique Esperanca Bias, meet with the President of the Maputo Municipal Council, General Secretary of the Frelimo Party Roque Silva, the President of the Confederation of Mozambique Economic Associations (CTA) and several Mozambican enterprises. She also had a meeting with the Vietnamese Embassy’s staff and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Mozambique and have a working session with Movitel telecommunications joint venture in the nation.
In South Africa, the Vice President held talks with South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, had a meeting with Secretary General of South Africa’s ruling party African National Congress (ANC) Fikile Mbalula, attended the Vietnam Da yin South Africa; meeting the Vietnamese community in South Africa.
From September 13-20, at the invitation of the Cuban Government, the President of the Group of 77 developing and China (G77+China) Summit in 2023, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha led the Vietnamese delegation to attend the G77 and China Summit and paid a working visit to Cuba.
On September 16, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha met with Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz as part of the Vietnamese official’s visit to Cuba for the G77+China Summit. Deputy Prime Minister Ha affirmed that the Vietnamese Party, State, Government, National Assembly and people always remember the whole-hearted support of Cuba, and treasure and stay resolved to deepen the traditional solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.
On September 11, the Vietnam-Saudi Arabia Business Forum took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office, jointly held by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Embassy of Saudi Arabia and the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Saudi Arabia. The Business Forum brought together more than 750 representatives from ministries, agencies, investments funds and businesses, including a delegation of more than 70 Saudi Arabian businesses.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang attended and spoke at the Forum. In his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang called the Forum a vivid demonstration of the determination of the two sides to elevate the Vietnam-Saudi Arabia relationship to a new height.
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| Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang attends Vietnam - Saudi Arabia Business Forum. (Photo: WVR) |
Activities of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
On September 15, Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan sent his deep condolences to Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son over the tragic fire incident in Khuong Dinh ward, Thanh Xuan district, Hanoi.
On September 13, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son sent a congratulatory message to Ms. Kamikawa Yoko on the occasion of her appointment as Foreign Minister of Japan.
On September 12, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son hosted a reception for Jan Jambon, visiting Minister-President of the Government of the Belgian region of Flanders. Foreign Minister Son welcomed the Flanders leader and a delegation of 30 large Belgian firms to Vietnam on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations and 5-year bilateral strategic partnership in agriculture. The Foreign Minister affirmed that Vietnam always values and is keen on bolstering the comprehensive partnership with Belgium and its regions. Foreign Minister Son held that economic cooperation is an important pillar in the Vietnam-Belgium partnership, and thanked Flanders for ratifying the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). The Minister proposed that Flanders hasten the Belgian Federal Parliament to approve the EVIPA at an earlier date.
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| Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son invited the US Secretary of State to enjoy coffee in Hanoi's old quarter. (Photo: WVR/Nguyen Hong) |
On September 11, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken drank coffee and talked together in an old house at 55 Hang Bun, Hanoi before starting a busy working day.
Bilateral activities
On September 18, speaking to the press on Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to attend the 20th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) in Nanning city, China's Guangxi province, Standing Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu said the visit was successful and effective. It is a high-level foreign activity with a great significance, he stressed. Within about 27 hours in Nanning, Prime Minister Chinh and his entourage had many effective high-level contacts such as holding talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang; receiving member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Secretary of Guangxi Party Committee, and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Liu Ning; attending and delivering his speech at the opening ceremony of CAEXPO and CABIS 20; touring the Vietnam Trade pavilion and booths at the expo; and receiving representatives of Chinese leading enterprises in the fields of railways, electricity, telecommunications, and construction.
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| Standing Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu at the interview. (Photo: WVR/Duc Khai) |
On September 14, Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc granted an interview to the World and Vietnam Report on the outcomes of the state visit to Vietnam by US President Joe Biden. He stressed that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership "opens a new era" in Vietnam-US relations. The two sides issued a joint statement upgrading the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and setting out major directions for cooperation in the next ten years and beyond. This is a very important document with ten pillars, covering all areas of cooperation in the two countries' relations. This shows that cooperation between the two countries has not only expanded but also deepened and become more substantive; not only on bilateral cooperation but also on regional and global issues.
On September 18, in an interview granted to the Vietnamese media on the visit of Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan to Mozambique and South Africa from September 10-17, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang stressed that these official visits have contributed to speeding up the implementation of the project "Developing relations between Vietnam and countries in the Middle East - Africa region in 2016-2025”. The Deputy Foreign Minister underlined the significance of the visits, saying that they holds importance to Vietnam and the two African nations. The visits were steps to strongly implement the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, and diversification and multilateralisation of foreign relations set forth by the 13th Party Congress, Deputy Foreign Minister Hang said.
On September 12, at the Fidel Castro Ruz Center in Havana, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of Cuban Miguel Mario Díaz-Canel chaired a ceremony to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro's first visit to Vietnam and the liberated zone in Southern Vietnam (September 1973-2023). Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Thanh Tung said that President Fidel Castro's visit to Vietnam in 1973 was an important milestone in the bilateral relations. President Fidel Castro became the first and only foreign head of state to visit the newly-liberated region and hold aloft the flag of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam.
On September 12, receiving Mr. Katoma Leevi Shiimi, President of Foreign Affairs, Defense and Security Committee of the Parliament of Namibia, Deputy Minister Ha Kim Ngoc affirmed that Vietnam and Namibia still have much room for cooperation, especially in the fields of mining, agriculture and tourism.
On September 11, speaking at the celebration of the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the UK, Standing Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu affirmed the establishment of the bilateral strategic partnership in 2010 and the Joint Declaration on the Vietnam-UK strategic partnership in 2020 demonstrated the strong commitment and vision of both governments. The UK is now one of Vietnam's most important strategic partners, and the two countries have maintained regular high-level dialogues and exchanges.
Multilateral activities
On September 13, Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet received Mr. Matthew David Jackson, Chief Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Vietnam, to present his Letter of Credentials. The Deputy Minister affirmed that the Government of Vietnam always pays attention to social policy issues, including issues of population, reproductive health, adolescents and women... and requested UNFPA to strengthen cooperate with Vietnam in these areas to support Vietnam in implementing socio-economic development goals and related international commitments.
On September 11, the Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Do Thanh Trung attended the Russia-ASEAN dialogue session at the Eastern International Economic Forum (EEF 2023) taking place in Vladivostok city, Russia.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
On September 14, at the Ministry's regular press conference, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang informed on the situation of Vietnamese people in Morocco and Libya; cooperation between Vietnam and China within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the realization of Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
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| Foreign Ministry's Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang. (Photo:Vietnamet) |
Regarding the situation of Vietnamese people in Morocco and Libya, Spokesperson Hang informed that the Foreign Ministry has contacted local authorities, and as of now, there have been no reported cases of Vietnamese casualties, she said, adding that the two Vietnamese Embassies in Morocco and Libya are keeping in touch with local authorities and agencies to grasp the situation. The Ministry has been in contact with coordinators of Vietnamese communities in those two countries to get a clearer picture of the situation and is ready to take necessary citizen protection measures.
Responding to reporters’ queries regarding cooperation between Vietnam and China within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative in recent years, Spokesperson Hang informed that Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung attended the 8th Belt and Road Summit held in Hong Kong, China on September 13-14, 2023.
In response to reporters’ queries about the Ministry’s activities to help Vietnamese firms navigate the US market in order to implement the Joint Statement, Spokesperson Hang said the Joint Statement has outlined major orientations for Vietnam-US cooperation over the next 10 years and beyond, which covers 10 key areas in both bilateral cooperation and global and regional issues, including economic, trade and investment collaboration. The Foreign Ministry will partner closely with ministries, agencies and localities to work with the US’s agencies and localities to specify cooperation areas mentioned in the Joint Leaders' Statement on elevating the Vietnam-US ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development, said the Ministry’s Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang.
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Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong
US President Joe Biden
Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
President Vo Van Thuong
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh
NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue
Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son
state visit
CAEXPO
China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS)
9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians
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