| Viet Nam News Today (Oct. 14) notable headlines Defense, security cooperation is an important pillar of Vietnam–Laos ties: PM Vietnam, Cambodia sign defense cooperation plan for 2027 HCM City expands economic cooperation with Eastern Europe Russia grants Vietnamese citizens visa-free entry for stays of up to 30 days Strong El Nino may bring early end to rains, extreme heat in southern Vietnam Vietnamese entrepreneurs drive national prosperity Vietnam, Georgia look to more business opportunities PM’s visit injects fresh momentum into Vietnam-Laos special relations Tuyen Quang teams up with China's Wenshan to draw tourists |
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| Prime Minister Le Minh Hung (right) and Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense General Khamlieng Outhakaisone at their meeting on October 13 (Photo: VNA) |
Defense, security cooperation is an important pillar of Vietnam–Laos ties: PM
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung hosted a reception in Hanoi on October 13 for Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense General Khamlieng Outhakaisone, affirming that defense and security cooperation is an important pillar of bilateral relations.
The meeting took place during Outhakaysone’s official visit to Vietnam to attend the 10th annual meeting of the defense ministers of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia and witness the 5th joint civil defense exercise among the three countries’ militaries.
PM Hung congratulated the Lao Party, State and people on their major and comprehensive achievements in recent years, expressing his confidence that Laos will successfully fulfill its socio-economic development goals and build an increasingly stable, prosperous and developed country.
Expressing his pleasure at the positive development of the special relationship between Vietnam and Laos, the PM highlighted defense and security cooperation as an important pillar of the bilateral ties. He praised the two defense ministries and armies for implementing high-level agreements, strengthening mutual trust and helping maintain a peaceful and stable environment conducive to socio-economic development.
He also expressed his belief that Khamlieng's visit will further concretise the substance of “strategic cohesion” between the two defense ministries and armies.
Appreciating the practical cooperation results in recent years, PM Hung called on both sides to effectively implement existing cooperation mechanisms and agreements, consolidate political and strategic trust, and enhance information sharing and the protection of each other’s legitimate interests, cited VNA.
He also urged closer coordination in strengthening defense capabilities, promoting cooperation in defense industry and personnel training, and expanding partnership in political work and military building, ensuring that the two countries’ armies remain absolutely loyal and reliable forces of their respective parties, states and people.
For his part, Khamlieng noted that Vietnam–Laos relations have continued to deepen and become more effective, with defense cooperation remaining an important pillar. He also expressed gratitude to the Vietnamese Party, State, armies and people for their valuable and consistent support for Laos in national construction, defense and development, helping to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities and self-reliance.
He affirmed that the Lao Ministry of National Defense would continue working closely with its Vietnamese counterpart to effectively implement high-level agreements and agreements between the two ministries, contributing to the consolidation of the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Laos and Vietnam.
Despite complex developments in the regional and global situation, the special relationship between the two countries would remain strong and sustainable, nurtured by their two parties, states, armies and people, the Lao official stressed.
On this spirit, the two sides will coordinate closely in preparing for and organising activities during the "Year of Vietnam–Laos Friendship and Solidarity” 2027, marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between the two countries. These activities are expected to help preserve their shared traditions and raise public awareness, particularly among younger generations, of the special friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, he added.
Vietnam, Cambodia sign defense cooperation plan for 2027
Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Gen. Phan Van Giang hosted an official welcome ceremony for his Cambodian counterpart, General Tea Seiha, in Hanoi on October 13.
In accordance with this year's cooperation plan between the two defense ministries, Tea Seiha is leading a delegation on an official visit to Vietnam from October 12-15 to attend the annual meeting of the three defense ministers and witness a joint exercise by the armed forces of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
At the talks following the ceremony, Giang noted that since the beginning of 2026, senior leaders of the two countries have made visits and held meetings to provide orientations for bilateral cooperation, reaffirming the priority attached to Vietnam-Cambodia relations. The two sides have also promoted cooperation in defense and security, trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, education and training, people-to-people exchanges, and upheld complementary strengths of their economies.
He affirmed that alongside the continuous development of bilateral ties, defense cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia has achieved comprehensive results and become increasingly substantive, serving as one of the important pillars of relations between the two countries.
The two defense ministries successfully carried out their 2026 cooperation plan, focusing on high-level delegation exchanges, personnel training, border management and protection, education and communication, the search for and repatriation of fallen soldiers' remains, defense industry, logistics, and mutual coordination and support at multilateral forums, according to VNA.
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| Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Gen. Phan Van Giang (left) and his Cambodian counterpart General Tea Seiha review the Honor Guard of the Vietnam People's Army (Photo: VNA) |
Giang called on agencies and units of the two defense ministries to implement agreed cooperation programmes, focusing on political and ideological education to strengthen political trust, and cooperation between military services and arms. The two sides should step up coordination in border management and protection to build a Vietnam-Cambodia border of peace, cooperation and development, he said.
Giang suggested the two sides join hands to effectively implement a memorandum of understanding between the two governments on protecting and promoting the Vietnam-Cambodia friendship monuments in Cambodia, and focus on cooperation in human resources development, defense industry, logistics, military supplies, military-economic affairs, consultation and mutual support at multilateral forums and tripartite cooperation among the armies of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
Emphasising the longstanding traditional friendship between Cambodia and Vietnam, Tea Seiha expressed his pleasure at the new progress in the bilateral relations. He said the visit provided an opportunity to deepen bilateral defense cooperation in particular and strengthen the good-neighborliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-term sustainability between the two nations in general.
He spoke highly of the effective cooperation between the two defense ministries in recent years and proposed the two sides continue implementing delegation exchanges, training, and the management of land and maritime borders, with the aim of consolidating defense cooperation as an important pillar of the bilateral relations.
Vietnam and Cambodia will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027. Giang proposed that agencies from both sides coordinate plans for anniversary activities organised by the two defense ministries and armed forces, ensuring broad public awareness of the solidarity and friendship between the two countries.
At the end of the talks, Giang and Tea Seiha signed the Vietnam-Cambodia defense cooperation plan for 2027.
HCM City expands economic cooperation with Eastern Europe
Ho Chi Minh City is strengthening economic, trade, investment, and tourism cooperation with Eastern European partners, representatives emphasized at a business gathering organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations on October 13 to mark Vietnam Entrepreneurs' Day.
Opening the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Thai Lan, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam-Bulgaria Friendship Association, noted that amidst global economic fluctuations, the business community has made efforts to maintain production, preserve jobs, and elevate the status of Vietnamese brands. Strengthening cooperation with Eastern European partners opens up further development opportunities in the new context.
Ho Xuan Lam, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations, praised business leaders for their contributions to economic development, state budget revenue, job creation, and social welfare programs. He expressed expectations that the corporate community will continue to reinforce solidarity, accelerate digital transformation, advance sustainable development, and raise competitiveness in the international market.
Representing foreign diplomatic missions, Alexander D. Sidoruk, Consul General of Belarus in Ho Chi Minh City, outlined the economic potential and cooperation sectors between Vietnam and Belarus, as well as the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
The Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the EAEU, which took effect in 2016, has offered favorable conditions for businesses on both sides to access markets and expand import-export activities, reported VOV.
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| Belarus Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Alexander D. Sidoruk highlights economic potential and areas of cooperation between Vietnam and Belarus. (Photo: sggp.org.vn) |
Vietnam exports rubber, fish fillets, tires, coffee, and vacuum cleaners to Belarus, while importing potassium fertilizers, dairy products, meat by-products, and pharmaceuticals. The two nations also share strong tourism potential thanks to visa-free policies and direct flight connections linking Minsk with Nha Trang and Phu Quoc.
Oleg Marinov, Commercial and Economic Counselor of Bulgaria in Ho Chi Minh City, introduced adjustments in his country's investment attraction policies. Bulgaria has identified eight priority sectors: healthcare and medical tourism, food and agriculture, transport and logistics, machinery and transport equipment, chemical industry, information technology, and electronics and electrical engineering. These sectors serve as a foundation for enterprises from both countries to explore partnerships.
During the gathering, representatives of the Vietnamese business community highlighted the potential of domestic enterprises and held discussions with diplomatic officials from Belarus and Bulgaria to set orientations for trade, economic, and investment cooperation.
Russia grants Vietnamese citizens visa-free entry for stays of up to 30 days
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree allowing Vietnamese citizens to enter Russia without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, from October 15, 2026, through October 15, 2027, for tourism, business, family visits and other specified purposes.
According to Interfax, the decree permits citizens of Vietnam to enter and stay in Russia for up to 30 days without a visa, using an ordinary Vietnamese passport. The policy takes effect on October 15, 2026, and remains in force through October 15, 2027.
Under the decree, visa-free entry is permitted for family visits, business trips, tourism and participation in scientific, cultural, socio-political, economic and sporting events. Travellers may also transit through Russia or leave the country without obtaining a visa.
The exemption does not apply to Vietnamese citizens entering Russia for employment, including journalistic work, education or residence, VOV reported.
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| A group of Vietnamese travellers to Moscow, Russia, in October 2026. (Photo: Postum Travel) |
The measure provides Vietnamese travellers with additional opportunities to visit Russia for tourism and other eligible purposes, while maintaining specific restrictions on entry for work, study and long-term residence.
Tourism ties between Vietnam and Russia have gained momentum, supported by improved air connectivity and joint promotional efforts. Moscow launched a Vietnamese-language version of its official tourism portal, Discover Moscow, in July 2026 to help Vietnamese travellers plan their visits and explore the Russian capital.
According to Moscow’s tourism authorities, the city welcomed around 42,000 Vietnamese visitors in 2025 and a further 9,100 in the first quarter of 2026. Meanwhile, Russia has become an increasingly important source market for Vietnam’s tourism industry, with more than 690,000 Russian visitors recorded in 2025.
Both countries have pledged to expand tourist exchanges through more direct flights, simplified travel procedures and stronger tourism promotion.
Strong El Nino may bring early end to rains, extreme heat in southern Vietnam
A strong El Nino is expected to shorten southern Vietnam's 2026 rainy season and reduce rainfall, with temperatures in Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding areas potentially exceeding 38°C during the peak dry season in 2027.
According to the Southern Regional Hydrometeorological Station, weather patterns across southern Vietnam are expected to undergo significant changes in the final months of 2026 and early 2027 under the influence of El Nino.
Rainy season to end early as rainfall declines
Forecasters predict that the rainy season in southern Vietnam could end around 10-15 days earlier than the long-term average, likely during the first half of November 2026.
In November, the region is expected to experience approximately 7-15 rainy days. This figure could decline to 4-10 days in December, with only 2-7 days of scattered rainfall forecast for January 2027.
Total rainfall over the three-month period is expected to be 5-20% below the long-term average.
Tay Ninh, Ho Chi Minh City and Lam Dong are among the areas facing a particularly significant risk of rainfall shortages, cited VNN.
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| Ho Chi Minh City's rainy season is expected to end earlier than usual this year. Photo: Nguyen Hue. |
The decline in precipitation will not only bring an earlier end to the rainy season but also increase the risk of water shortages during the approaching dry season.
Temperatures could exceed 38°C during peak dry season
Alongside declining rainfall, temperatures across southern Vietnam are forecast to rise in the coming months.
From November 2026 to January 2027, average monthly temperatures could be 0.5-1°C above the long-term average.
However, relatively strong cold air activity is expected to prevent temperatures from rising sharply during this period.
Daily highs will generally range between 31°C and 34°C, although some days could see temperatures climb above 35°C.
From February to April 2027, southern Vietnam will enter the peak of its dry season.
Unseasonal rainfall is expected to become extremely rare, while sunshine will intensify and hot weather will become more frequent.
Notably, March and April 2027 could bring prolonged periods of intense heat, with temperatures commonly reaching 35-38°C and potentially exceeding 38°C in some areas.
The rainfall and temperature forecasts for the coming months are intended to help residents and authorities prepare appropriate response measures, adjust production activities and manage water resources more effectively.
Early planning will be essential to limiting the adverse impacts of the 2026-2027 dry season.
