Vietnam News Today (Apr. 16): Vietnam, Italy Agree On New Cooperation Directions
	Vietnam News Today (Apr. 17): Vietnamese Prime Minister Holds Phone Talks with Singaporean Counterpart

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man speaks at the general debate of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Istanbul on April 16, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Deputy FM highlights parliamentary diplomacy gains from IPU-152, European trips

Regarding bilateral engagements in Italy and Türkiye, the deputy minister said the trips marked a meaningful step in implementing Vietnam’s foreign policy following the 14th National Party Congress, helping deepen relations with European and Middle Eastern partners while mobilizing external resources for national development.

Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang has underscored the substantive outcomes of National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s recent working trip, noting that it strengthened Vietnam’s parliamentary diplomacy profile and advanced ties with key partners.

The Vietnamese delegation, led by Chairman Man, attended the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-152) in Istanbul at the invitation of IPU President Tulia Ackson and Secretary General Martin Chungong, conducted bilateral activities in Türkiye, and paid an official visit to Italy from April 11 to 17.

Speaking in an interview givent to the press, Giang said that the IPU-152 achieved significant results amid a complex global landscape. The Vietnamese delegation made active, constructive, and responsible participation in, and practical contributions to the Assembly’s outcomes.

In his address at the general debate, Chairman Man highlighted unprecedented global challenges but expressed confidence in the future through strengthened international solidarity, adherence to the rule of law, and concrete national actions. He put forward three proposals to enhance inter-parliamentary cooperation, including promoting dialogue and trust-building, improving legal frameworks and supervision over the implementation of international commitments, and ensuring fair and equitable law enforcement.

The delegation also engaged actively across IPU mechanisms, including the Governing Council, standing committees, the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, the Forum of Young Parliamentarians, the Association of Secretaries General of Parliaments, and regional groupings such as the Asia-Pacific Group and ASEAN+3. Notably, Vietnam will assume the rotating chairmanship of the ASEAN+3 group for the upcoming IPU-153. The delegation also proposed an initiative focused on strengthening economic resilience and strategic autonomy, with an emphasis on the role of parliaments in perfecting legal frameworks, supporting businesses and placing citizens at the center of policies.

Giang noted that Vietnam’s messages and proposals were well received, reinforcing its image as a proactive and responsible partner in multilateral parliamentary cooperation and multilateralisation consolidation.

Chairman Man also held numerous bilateral meetings with parliamentary leaders, helping to enhance political trust and cooperation across various areas including trade, investment, science – technology, innovation, digital transformation, and defense – security.

Regarding bilateral engagements in Italy and Türkiye, the deputy minister said the trips marked a meaningful step in implementing Vietnam’s foreign policy following the 14th National Party Congress. It helped deepen relations with important partners, including those in Europe and the Middle East, while mobilizing external resources for national development.

Political trust was notably strengthened, with both Italy and Türkiye expressing strong regard for Vietnam. Italy reaffirmed Vietnam as a reliable partner with great cooperation potential and pledged continued support in enhancing Vietnam's ties with the European Union. Meanwhile, Türkiye signalled its intention to elevate bilateral relations and identified Vietnam as an important partner in the Asia-Pacific.

Following the visits, the official noted, cooperation between legislative bodies has gained greater depth and substance. The top legislators of Vietnam and parliamentary leaders of Italy and Türkiye agreed on maintaining regular exchanges of delegations to reinforce mutual understanding, facilitate the sharing of legislative experience, support institutional refinement, and strengthen coordinated supervision over the implementation of agreements and commitments across all areas of cooperation.

Economic, trade, and investment cooperation emerged as a central focus. Italy agreed that both sides should make better use of the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to further strengthen connectivity between Vietnam and the EU. It also reaffirmed its support for EU member states to ratify the EU – Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and for efforts to remove the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning imposed on Vietnamese seafood. With regard to Türkiye, the two sides agreed to expand bilateral trade in a more balanced manner, and explore the possibility of launching negotiations on a free trade deal.

The trips also generated new momentum in emerging areas such as innovation, artificial intelligence, green transition, and energy transformation, alongside traditional sectors like education, culture, and defense – security, Giang went on.

He also described the meetings between the NA Chairman and Pope Leo XIV and the Vatican's Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin as particularly meaningful engagements, with both sides agreeing to continue fostering mutual trust and understanding, toward the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Holy See, as well as facilitating a future visit to Vietnam by the Pope at the invitation of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam.

In the period ahead, Vietnam’s ministries, sectors and relevant agencies will closely coordinate with partners to effectively implement the agreements reached, while stepping up exchanges of delegations at all levels and making full use of existing cooperation mechanisms.

At the same time, efforts will focus on advancing collaboration in new and strategic areas such as green transition, digital transformation, science – technology, and innovation. The relevant sides will also foster coordination at regional and international forums, thereby developing Vietnam's relations with partners in an increasingly substantive, effective, and sustainable manner, the deputy minister added.

South Korea’s top chaebol leaders set to visit Vietnam

Leaders of South Korea’s four largest conglomerates - Samsung, SK, Hyundai Motor and LG - are expected to visit India and Vietnam next week as part of a business delegation accompanying President Lee Jae Myung.

According to sources cited by The Korea Herald, the lists of delegation members for both India and Vietnam have been finalized. The Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) will oversee the India leg, while the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) will manage the delegation to Vietnam. Each delegation is expected to include around 200 business leaders.

From left: Samsung Chairman Lee Jae Yong, Hyundai Executive Chairman Chung Eui Sun, and LG Chairman Koo Kwang Mo at the Korea–China Economic Forum held in Beijing on January 5. Photo: Newsis

The delegations are scheduled to attend business forums in India on Monday, April 20, and in Vietnam on Tuesday, April 21. They are also expected to meet with senior government officials in both countries.

Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo are expected to participate in both legs of the trip, reflecting their extensive business interests in the two markets.

Vietnam has become a key production hub for Samsung, particularly in smartphones and electronic devices. LG has also expanded its footprint in the country, including in automotive components and research and development, VNN reported.

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, who also serves as Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is expected to lead the delegation to Vietnam while skipping the India leg.

Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor Group will be represented in Vietnam by President Sung Kim, a veteran diplomat overseeing external and governmental affairs.

Given the significant presence of South Korean businesses in both countries, industry officials say the trip could pave the way for follow-up investment plans or new partnerships in sectors such as semiconductors, automotive, electronics and energy.

Top legislator’s overseas trip reinforces Vietnam’s proactive role in multilateral diplomacy

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s working trip to Italy and Türkiye from April 11 – 17 and participation in the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-152) marked by important diplomatic outcomes, contributing to deeper parliamentary cooperation and expanded international engagement.

Speaking to the press, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang noted that IPU-152 took place amid an international landscape that remains “complex and unpredictable,” yet achieved important substantive results.

Themed “Nurturing hope, securing peace and ensuring justice for future generations,” the Assembly reaffirmed the Inter-Parliamentary Union as a key platform for parliamentary dialogue, consensus-building and cooperation in strengthening peace, the rule of law and multilateralism.

According to the Deputy Minister, member parliaments discussed and adopted a range of important resolutions focusing on the role of parliaments in conflict prevention and resolution, promoting fair trade, combating protectionism, and enhancing financial transparency. The Assembly also addressed urgent global issues, including measures to reinforce ceasefires and advance peace-building efforts.

These outcomes, he stressed, further underscore the growing importance of parliamentary diplomacy.

Within this overall success, the Vietnamese delegation, led by Chairman Tran Thanh Man, participated in a proactive, constructive and highly substantive manner. In his address to the general debate, the Chairman provided a comprehensive assessment of an international environment marked by unprecedented and complex developments, while affirming that the global community still has grounds for confidence in the future through strengthened cooperation, solidarity and concrete action based on respect for international law.

Notably, the Chairman proposed three key orientations to enhance inter-parliamentary cooperation, including strengthening dialogue and trust-building, improving legal frameworks and oversight of international commitments, and ensuring fair and equitable enforcement of laws.

Deputy Minister Giang noted, these proposals received positive attention and broad support from many member parliaments, contributing to Vietnam’s growing profile as an active and responsible partner in promoting parliamentary cooperation and multilateralism, VOV reported.

Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and other parliament speakers at the opening ceremony of IPU-152 in Istanbul

Beyond its engagement at plenary sessions, the Vietnamese delegation also made substantive contributions across key IPU mechanisms.

Vietnam also assumed the rotating Chairmanship of the ASEAN+3 Group within IPU for IPU-153. In this capacity, Vietnam introduced an initiative on enhancing economic resilience and strategic autonomy, emphasising the role of parliaments in improving legal frameworks, supporting businesses, and placing people at the centre of development. The initiative was regarded as a practical and timely contribution in the context of ongoing global economic uncertainties.

On the sidelines of the Assembly, Chairman Tran Thanh Man held numerous bilateral meetings with parliamentary leaders from various countries, helping to strengthen political trust and promote cooperation across multiple sectors. International partners highly valued Vietnam’s role and contributions within multilateral mechanisms and expressed their desire to further deepen cooperation with Vietnam both bilaterally and through parliamentary channels.

Alongside multilateral engagement, the official visits to Italy and Türkiye delivered substantive results, providing new momentum for bilateral relations. According to Deputy Minister Giang, a key highlight was the growing political trust, as leaders of both countries demonstrated strong appreciation for Vietnam. Italy reaffirmed its view of Vietnam as a trusted partner and its commitment to supporting stronger Vietnam–EU relations, while Türkiye expressed its desire to elevate ties and regard Vietnam as an important partner in the Asia-Pacific region.

Legislative cooperation also saw renewed momentum, with parliamentary leaders agreeing to maintain regular exchanges, enhance legislative experience-sharing, and strengthen oversight of the implementation of bilateral agreements across sectors.

In economic, trade and investment cooperation, a central pillar of the visit, both sides reached notable consensus. With Italy, the two sides agreed to effectively leverage the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), promote the ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and address trade barriers. With Türkiye, they agreed to expand bilateral trade toward greater balance and explore the possibility of negotiating a free trade agreement to better tap complementary economic potential.

Business connectivity activities, involving hundreds of enterprises and the signing of multiple memoranda of understanding, also opened up concrete opportunities for future cooperation.

The visit further generated new momentum in potential areas of cooperation such as defence and security, education and training, culture and people-to-people exchanges, as well as emerging fields including innovation, artificial intelligence, green transition and energy transition. Italy identified science, technology and innovation as priority pillars of cooperation, while Türkiye emphasized industry, infrastructure, logistics and tourism.

A notable highlight of the visit was Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s meeting with the Pope and Vatican Secretary of State. The meeting reflects positive developments in Vietnam–Holy See relations, from high-level contacts to the establishment of a Resident Papal Representative Office in Vietnam. Both sides expressed a shared aspiration toward establishing full diplomatic relations in the future, including the possibility of a papal visit to Vietnam.

Overall, the Deputy Minister said, the working trip contributed meaningfully to the implementation of the foreign policy set out at the 14th National Party Congress, deepened relations with key partners, and enhanced Vietnam’s standing in multilateral forums.

As the senior diplomat emphasized, relevant ministries and agencies will continue close coordination with partners to effectively implement the outcomes achieved, while promoting cooperation in strategic areas such as green transition, digital transformation, science and technology, and innovation.

The results of the working trip have not only strengthened Vietnam’s relations with its partners, but also made practical contributions to peace, stability and sustainable development in the region and beyond.

Vietnam, Singapore promote green economic cooperation, sustainable trade

The Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore, together with the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) and partners, hosted a Vietnam – Singapore business networking program on April 17, attracting more than 200 representatives from Singaporean regulatory bodies and industry associations.

The program not only facilitated direct connections between businesses and investors from both countries, but also aimed to support the development of long-term trade infrastructure.

As part of the event, a Vietnamese online agricultural wholesale market platform was officially launched in Singapore. The system directly links Vietnamese producers with importers and distributors in Singapore and the wider region. It aggregates standardised supply sources, ensures stable output, enables traceability, and optimises pricing through pooled orders, thereby shortening intermediary chains and improving cross-border trade efficiency.

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Trade Counsellor Cao Xuan Thang highlighted the country’s potential within global supply chains, particularly in high-quality agricultural products. He also underscored the role of digital platforms such as the online wholesale market in enhancing export capacity, ensuring transparency, and improving responsiveness to the Singaporean and regional markets.

Also speaking at the program, SMF President Lennon Tan commended the initiative’s practical approach, particularly its combination of in-person networking and digital integration.

He noted that models such as the online agricultural wholesale market will play a key role in optimising supply chains, reducing intermediary costs, and improving access to high-quality goods from Vietnam, while opening up broader opportunities for deeper cooperation between the two business communities, cited VNA.

The Vietnam – Singapore business networking program held in Singapore on April 17. (Photo: VNA)

Tan further observed that Singapore and Vietnam hold considerable potential for collaboration in green energy, as well as in alternative packaging materials and production methods that could help reduce carbon emissions.

Participating Vietnamese enterprises showcased a range of projects focused on sustainable agriculture, community health care, and technology solutions serving society, with the dual aim of generating positive social impact and economic value. These initiatives drew interest from investment funds, sponsors, and strategic partners, paving the way for expanded cooperation and future deployment.

Vietnam strengthens cultural diplomacy, outreach at Denmark showcase

The Vietnamese Embassy in Denmark held an event titled “Vietnam Today: Development, Culture and People,” on April 17, aimed at promoting the country’s image to Danish and international audiences, while outlining plans to mark the 55th anniversary of Vietnam–Denmark diplomatic relations in 2026.

The event was attended by the President and members of the International Women’s Club in Copenhagen, including journalists and reporters based in Denmark, as well as school principals, education leaders, and representatives of Danish agencies and organizations.

In his opening remarks, Vietnamese Ambassador to Denmark Nguyen Le Thanh stressed that the event aimed to “bring Vietnam closer to Danish and international friends,” not only in geographical terms but more importantly through deeper people-to-people understanding and connection.

He highlighted Vietnam as a dynamic, innovative, and fast-developing country pursuing sustainable growth, and expressed hope that cultural, educational, and multi-sector exchanges would further strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation, particularly in innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development, reported VOV.

Overview of the event. (Photo: Embassy of Vietnam in Denmark)

Writer Soren Davidsen, vice chairman of Davidsen-K Group and a long-time Vietnam resident, shared his perspective on Vietnamese culture and society from a Danish viewpoint.

He praised Vietnam’s spirit of independence and resilience, its foreign policy and international integration, and its strong development achievements, highlighting traits such as hospitality, dynamism, adaptability, and ambition. He also noted that Vietnam–Denmark relations are increasingly evolving into an equal and trusted partnership with shared interests and vision amid deeper international cooperation.

Participants engaged in lively discussions, sharing personal impressions and experiences of Vietnam. Many expressed admiration for the country’s natural beauty, rich culture, and especially the warmth and hospitality of its people. Several recounted memorable travel experiences in Vietnam and voiced respect for the country’s history of resilience and struggle.

Guests also welcomed the embassy’s planned activities commemorating the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Denmark, showing interest in attending and affirming their intention to visit Vietnam with family and friends.

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