Vietnam and Cuba establish inter-parliamentary cooperation mechanism

Vietnam and Cuba have agreed to officially establish an inter-parliamentary cooperation mechanism between their legislatures.

A document to this effect was signed in Havana on April 20 evening (Cuba time) by Esteban Lazo Hernandez, president of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba, and Vuong Dinh Hue, chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam.

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation, focusing on increasing the exchange of delegations and promoting activities to develop relations in all fields, especially in politics - diplomacy, economy, trade, finance, and socio-culture.

They will increase experience sharing and enhance relations through activities of friendly parliamentary groups, strengthen connections with friendly parliamentary groups in Asia and Latin America, consult and coordinate positions on issues of mutual concern at international parliamentary organizations.

Esteban Lazo Hernandez (R), president of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba, and Vuong Dinh Hue, chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, exchange the signed cooperation document between the two legislatures. (Photo: daibieunhandan.vn)

They will work closely together to supervise the implementation of international treaties and bilateral international agreements that the two countries have signed, periodically exchange information, develop human resources through the exchange of experiences in all possible forms, and promote solidarity among the parties.

The two sides will hold high-level bilateral inter-parliamentary meetings chaired by the heads of deputy heads of their legislatures every two years alternately at the headquarters of each side. They will periodically organize online or face-to-face meetings between their legislative committees, cited VOV.

Before participating in international inter-parliamentary multilateral forums, the two sides will exchange views in order to coordinate activities and discuss issues of mutual concern.

Hue is leading a high-ranking delegation of the National Assembly of Vietnam on an official visit to Cuba.

Vietnamese, Lao Party commissions strengthen cooperation

Truong Thi Mai, Politburo member and permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat, met with Thongsavanh Phomvihane, member of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and head of its Commission for External Relations, in Hanoi on April 20.

Mai congratulated Thongsavanh Phomvihane on being conferred the second-class Independence Order by the Vietnamese President, and lauded significant contributions of the Lao Commission for External Relations to achievements that Laos has recorded.

The host also emphasised the advisory role of the two Commissions for External Relations to the Communist Party of Vietnam and the LPRP in terms of foreign policies and cooperation between the two Parties and countries in all areas and in the international arena.

Vietnamese and Lao Party officials pose for a group photo. (Source: VNA)

She suggested the two sides carry forward their role, closely coordinate with each other, step up the exchange of information and experience, and accelerate the implementation of high-level agreements, according to VNA.

In reply, Thongsavanh Phomvihane noted his hope that the two sides will enhance the sharing of experience in Party building, and affirmed that Laos always gives the top priority to Vietnam in its foreign policy.

Noting with pleasure the intensive and extensive development of the special solidarity between the two countries, the official used the occasion to thank Vietnam for its great support to Laos in the past struggle for national liberation as well as the present cause of reform, according to VNA.

Thongsavanh Phomvihane briefed Mai on cooperation outcomes between the two Commissions for External Relations as well as their collaboration orientations in the coming time.

He pledged to closely coordinate with the Vietnamese side in materialising agreements reached by the two commissions as well as senior Party leaders, thus contributing to promoting the Vietnam-Laos special solidarity intensively, effectively and substantively in all fields.

Da Nang to host array of exciting activities during upcoming holiday

The central city of Da Nang is planning a myriad of cultural activities aimed at attracting tourists during National Reunification Day (April 30) and International Labour Day (May 1) holiday.

A street music programme is set to be held at the square of the Asia Park on Nhu Nguyet street in Hai Chau district on April 22.

Photo: VOV

Local artists will also perform Bai Choi, a type of folk singing which was recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, on Tran Hung Dao street from April 29 to April 30.

The highlight of the event will be an art performance and a street parade jointly organised by the Da Nang cinema culture center and the Ministry of Public Security's Mobile Police High Command, VOV reported.

At 8 p.m. on April 29, 100 officers of the Mobile Police High Command will perform trumpets and dances during a street parade held on Bach Dang street.

Da Nang is aiming to welcome 1.5 million arrivals this year, with the vast amount of cultural activities taking place throughout upcoming holiday set to greatly contribute to reviving the local tourism industry.

Vietnam highly aware of early epidemic preparedness: Ambassador

Vietnam has been aware of the significance of the early epidemic preparedness and response through the strengthening of the health care system from the central to local levels, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN has affirmed.

Giang was addressing the launching ceremony of the World Disasters Report 2022, themed “Trust, equality and local action – Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic to avert the next global crisis” in New York on April 19.

The report was jointly introduced by the Vietnamese and Australian Permanent Missions to the UN, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

The ambassador said that at UN forums, Vietnam pushed for the UN General Assembly to choose December 27 every year as the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, thereby enhancing the international community's readiness to respond early and fully to possible future epidemics.

Together with Australia and other countries, Vietnam has persuaded the UN General Assembly to adopt a resolution on holding a high-level meeting on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response and will continue to actively participate in the preparation process for the meeting.

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN addresses the event (Photo: VNA)

Ambassador Giang held that the IFRC's recommendations are worth considering, which can contribute to strengthening the global health structure to better respond to future health risks. People need to be at the centre of policies on epidemic preparedness and response and play an important role in implementing these policies, he said, adding that handling fake news and providing timely and accurate information to the public about epidemics and government efforts are also important to this effort.

The Vietnamese representative said that the international community should focus on dealing with inequality in access to vaccines, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, cited VNA.

Vietnam appreciates the support of the UN and international partners during the COVID-19 pandemic, underlining the need to provide developing countries with easier access to advanced medical technology through technology transfer.

Vietnam believes that strengthening national health capacity at the grassroots level will play a core role in responding to future epidemics, which can be achieved through increased investment in infrastructure, equipment and personnel training. Policies to ensure socio-economic development, social security and people's lives also effectively support epidemic prevention and control efforts, he added.

The World Disasters Report 2022 underscores that the world’s preparedness ahead of the COVID-19 was inadequate, underlining the need to build people's confidence in the ability to respond to disasters, address inequalities in access to medicines and health care among countries as well as different regions within a country, and strengthen capacity and role of local communities in handling health challenges.

It noted that the coronavirus pandemic has been the biggest disaster in living memory, by almost any measure. Over 6.5 million people are confirmed to have died in less than 3 years – or about 1 in 1,000 people by the most conservative estimates – an order of magnitude larger than that of any recorded earthquake, drought or hurricane.

Participants at the event hailed the efforts of Vietnam, Australia and the IFRC, holding that recommendations in the report are helpful for UN member states in engaging in and promoting major process this year, especially the mid-term review of the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response.

Thai tiktoker falls in love with Vietnam

The 26-year-old has pledged to make monthly trips to the country, drawn back by the lure of its delectable cuisine and fascinating culture.

Enchanted by the hospitality and warmth of the Vietnamese people, @Turkdyk, a Thai TikToker, was smitten from the moment he set foot in Vietnam on his birthday, October 31, 2022.

Now, the 26-year-old has pledged to make monthly trips to the country, drawn back by the lure of its delectable cuisine and fascinating culture.

As the proud owner of a TikTok account with 1.4 million followers, Turkdyk's speciality lies in showcasing the best food and travel experiences from around the world. Over the past six months, his channel has been replete with captivating and thrilling footage from HCM City, Da Lat, Hoi An and Hanoi.

With a keen eye for Vietnamese delicacies such as bún riêu (crab vermicelli soup), nem nuong (grilled sausage), hu tiu (thin rice-noodle soup), banh my (bread) or banh trang tron (rice paper salad), Turkdyk has learned to greet his followers with a charming "Toi yeu Viet Nam" (I love Vietnam) at the start of every video.

"I often make mukbang (live-streamed videos where viewers watch the host eat) on my Tiktok channel and have received many comments and appraisals from Vietnamese viewers who also invited me to Việt Nam to eat many delicious dishes," said Turkdyk, also known as Turk. "I became curious and decided to book a ticket to Hanoi on my birthday."

On his first time travelling abroad alone, he was worried due to his limited English and Vietnamese. Fortunately, he was enthusiastically supported by a friend in HCM City who helped him book hotels and visit the city’s attractions.

He said: "I felt the friendliness of Vietnamese people from the first minute I came here. That night, I visited the cafe where my friend works. The people there ate, drank and talked with me. After that, I offered to pay for the meal, but they didn't accept, saying that it was my birthday present and then sang the Happy Birthdaysong for me.

“I was so moved that I burst into tears. That is the memory that I remember the most when I'm in Vietnam".

Thai TikToker Turkdyk introduces Vietnamese food in his new videos. — Photo courtesy of Turkdyk

In 11 days, Turk travelled from north to south and enjoyed delicious dishes in different regions. He admired the ancient beauty of Hoi An Town, and loved the cold of Da Lat City and the bustle and dynamism of HCM City. Five months after the first trip, Turk has returned to Việt Nam five times, as he has promised himself that he would spend his youth exploring all the beauty of the S-shaped land.

According to Turk, Thai people used to feel hesitant to travel to Vietnam, particularly those with limited English or travel experience. They were concerned that they might be overcharged or have difficulty finding reasonably priced accommodation and transportation.

Returning to his hometown, he has proved to his family and friends that Vietnam is in fact a great destination, according to VNS.

He stayed in the country for nearly half a month, travelling safely to several provinces and cities with reasonable spending.

"The special thing that makes me always want to return to Vietnam is the locals’ kindness.

“One day, I was buying fruits in Da Nang City. The seller charged me an extra VND20,000, more expensive than normal.

“Immediately, the local people ‘defended’ me, demanding the seller to charge me the right amount of money paid for the fruit. I am very grateful for that.

“Vietnamese people have always helped me to cross the streets, explained what I don't understand or recommended delicious dishes to me,” Turk said.

Turk admitted that he was "heads over heels in love" with Vietnam and always wanted to make many videos there to share with international friends. In response to the love of Vietnamese fans, the Thai TikToker has even hired an interpreter to teach him to speak Vietnamese to introduce local food and tourist attractions in his videos.

Turk can easily roll grilled sausage, enjoy banh can (custard cake) with shumai, mix rice paper or pour fish sauce over banh cuon (steamed rolled pancakes) like locals to show everyone the unique experience of Vietnamese cuisine.

"Every time I come to Vietnam, I feel closeness and warmth in my heart. I have received much affection and support from Vietnamese people, so I always want to bring good things back to them,” he said.

In love with the country, Turk considered every Vietnamese like his acquaintance and treated them well.

He invited a scrap collector to eat with him at Ben Thanh Market in HCM City. On Christmas 2022, together with some Vietnamese friends, he delivered gifts to the homeless and poor workers. Whenever a gift was given away, he always bowed his head and said: “I love Vietnam very much.”

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