Vietnam News Today (Aug. 1): NA Chairman trips to Senegal, Morocco, Switzerland promote Vietnam's cooperation with Africa, Europe

	Vietnam News Today (Jul. 26): Vietnam, Cuba Commit to Stronger Ties During Eighth Political Consultation
	Vietnam News Today (Jul. 27): Vietnam, Hungary Promote Human Resource Training

Party General Secretary To Lam speaks at the meeting of the Central Military Commission's Standing Committee on July 31 (Photo: VNA)

Party chief orders breakthroughs in military modernisation

Party General Secretary To Lam has called for breakthroughs in military modernisation, innovation, and digital transformation as the Central Military Commission is preparing for the 12th Congress of the Party Organisation of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) for the 2025–2030 term.

Presiding over the meeting of the commission’s Standing Committee in Hanoi on July 31, Party chief Lam, also the commission's Secretary, stressed that the upcoming congress must set clear goals in advancing science – technology and innovation, as well as building each officer and soldier as a “digital warrior.”

He praised the VPA's General Department of Politics and relevant agencies for their proactive and comprehensive preparation for the congress, especially in devising the draft political report, which he described as scientifically structured and concise. The draft, he noted, has successfully highlighted the major achievements of the VPA during the 2020–2025 term while identifying shortcomings, their causes, and lessons learned.

The Party leader urged the drafting team to refine the report by providing deeper analysis of military forecasting to effectively advise the Party and State in responding to emerging challenges, and improving mechanisms for building a revolutionary, regular, elite, and modern army.

He also requested concrete measures on national defence posture adjustments, civil-military coordination for political security and social order, quality training and education, readiness for non-traditional security threats, and breakthroughs in defence industry development towards self-reliance, dual-use capabilities, and modernity.

Furthermore, the Party chief laid stress on the need to improve financial management and restructuring of military enterprises for greater efficiency, while calling for stronger defence diplomacy and international integration, as well as robust policies to attract and retain talent in the armed forces.

Party General Secretary Lam ordered the editorial team to incorporate delegates’ contributions, finalise documents swiftly, and ensure the success of the 12th Congress.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the meeting with representatives of the diplomatic corps in Vietnam on July 31, 2025 in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

PM Pham Minh Chinh updates Diplomatic Corps on local governance reform

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a meeting with representatives of the diplomatic corps in Vietnam on July 31 to brief them on the reorganisation of administrative units and two-tier local administration of the country.

The PM thanked ambassadors, chargés d’affaires, and representatives of countries and international organisations in Vietnam for their sincere support and continued commitment to the country.

He stated that drawing on its 40-year renewal (Doi moi) process, Vietnam aims to become an upper middle-income country with a modern industrial base by 2030; and and a high-income developed nation by 2045.

To realise this vision, Vietnam must adopt innovative thinking and decisive actions, building on three main pillars of socialist democracy, socialist rule-of-law state, and socialist-oriented market economy, with the people placed at the centre, as the subject, motivation, and resources of development, he stated.

Vietnam identifies economic development as a core task, aiming to build an independent and self-reliant economy that actively and effectively integrates into the global economy, he said, adding that the country pursues the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of relations, and being a friend, trustworthy partner, and a responsible member of the international community. It is also steadfast in its “four no's” defence policy.

Vietnam is also committed to ensuring social justice, progress, and welfare, leaving no one behind. It continues to build a clean and strong Party and political system, while intensifying efforts to combat corruption and negativity, he noted

According to the Government leader, despite many challenges, Vietnam has achieved significant socio-economic progress thanks to Party leadership, united political efforts, public and business support, and international backing. The macroeconomy remains stable, inflation is controlled, major balances are ensured, and growth stays strong. Meanwhile, debt levels are well-managed, living standards have improved, and the country’s happiness index has risen by 33 places.

Since the beginning of 2025, Vietnam has undertaken many important initiatives, notably a “revolution in organisational structure,” shifting from a passive administration that merely responds to public demands to a proactive and service-oriented one, he said.

He mentioned the implementation of four strategic pillars - science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation; international integration; breakthroughs in institutional improvement and legal enforcement; and private economic development. He noted that in the near future, new policies will also be introduced in education, healthcare, and culture.

The PM called for continued cooperation and support from international friends, affirming that ambassadors, chargés d'affaires, and representatives of countries and international organisations in Vietnam serve as bridges linking Vietnam with the world. He expressed appreciation for their contributions and support for mutual development and the shared goal of peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

Addressing the event, Moroccan Ambassador Jamale Chouaibi, Deputy Head of the diplomatic corps in Vietnam, praised Vietnam’s efforts to streamline its political apparatus and reorganise the two-tier local government system.

Chouaibi said Vietnam’s recent socio-economic achievements demonstrate the soundness of its strategic vision and policies. He expressed his belief that ongoing reforms will help Vietnam climb global rankings in sustainable development, economic freedom, and innovation, while improving the people’s life and strengthening its role and position in the international arena.

Vietnam’s reforms and development also benefit businesses of countries and international organisations, he said, affirming that countries and international organisations will continue to support Vietnam in realising its goal of becoming a high-income developed nation by 2045.

Ambassadors, chargés d’affaires, and representatives of international organisations in Hanoi expressed their interest and commitment to cooperating with and supporting Vietnam’s reform and development efforts, particularly in green growth, administrative reform, public administration modernisation, improving the quality of human resources, ensuring social welfare, and providing essential services for the people.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and his spouse leave Geneva to return Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

NA Chairman trips to Senegal, Morocco, Switzerland promote Vietnam's cooperation with Africa, Europe

The official visits to Senegal and Morocco by National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and his working trip to attend the sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament and bilateral activities in Switzerland were a great success, contributing to further strengthening the good friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between Vietnam and the three countries.

They helped promote Vietnam’s cooperation with the African and European continents, and demonstrated Vietnam’s role as a responsible member with positive and substantive contributions to the activities of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the United Nations (UN), thus enhancing the role and position of the country and its legislative body in the international arena.

Deepening Vietnam–Senegal relations

NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man became the first high-ranking Vietnamese Party and State leader to pay an official visit to Senegal since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1969.

The two countries’ leaders expressed their determination to further deepen the Vietnam–Senegal relations. Senegal welcomed and pledged to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese technology and service enterprises to invest and do business in the country.

The top Vietnamese legislator proposed the two sides continuously improving the legal framework for trade, industry, and investment; strengthen trade promotion and business connectivity; and boost exports of key products to each other’s markets.

In Dakar, NA Chairman Man and his Senegalese counterpart Malick Ndiaye attended a policy dialogue on promoting Vietnam–Senegal cooperation - a key event aimed at strengthening economic, trade, and investment ties between the two countries.

During the visit, several important documents setting the directions for future bilateral relations were inked, including an agreement to export 100,000 tonnes of rice annually from Vietnam to Senegal.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Vo Van Hung stated that this agreement is just an initial outcome, more importantly, it helps elevate the position of Vietnam's agricultural sector, particularly in high-quality agricultural exports. He noted that Vietnam aims not only to export rice but also to support Senegal in developing agricultural production in the coming time, thereby strengthening mutual trust, cooperation, and sustainable development between the two countries.

Creating momentum to expand Vietnam-Morocco cooperation across sectors

As Vietnam and Morocco approach the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations, NA Chairman Man’s official visit to the African country held a significant importance, marking a new phase of cooperation between the two parliaments and helps advance bilateral ties in key areas such as agriculture, renewable energy, climate change, phosphate, electric vehicles, textiles, electronic components, and tourism.

The two countries’ leaders agreed that greater efforts are needed to elevate economic and trade cooperation to match the strong political ties. They concurred on promoting two-way investment and serving as gateways for each other in expanding cooperation with their respective regions.

Regarding parliamentary cooperation, the two sides agreed to strengthen close coordination at multilateral parliamentary forums, promote exchanges between young and female parliamentarians, and enhance high-level delegation exchange. They also committed to fostering dialogue and sharing lawmaking experience, particularly in building legal frameworks for digital transformation, climate change response, and green economic development. Parliamentary diplomacy will be further promoted to connect ministries, sectors, and businesses. On this occasion, the Vietnamese NA and the Moroccan House of Representatives signed a cooperation agreement.

Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s visit received widespread coverage from Moroccan media, with many positive assessments highlighting the promising future of bilateral relations.

Major Moroccan newspapers such as Le Matin and La Vie Eco published multiple articles and reports covering the top Vietnamese legislator’s visit. Le Matin highlighted the significance of the cooperation agreement between the Vietnamese NA and the Moroccan House of Representatives, calling it an important step in strengthening parliamentary relations, promoting legislative cooperation, and fostering friendship between the two nations. Meanwhile, the news site MCG24 spotlighted the historical depth and shared determination to elevate bilateral ties, noting both countries’ strategic positions as gateways to Africa and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Meanwhile, Al-Omk reported on the conclusion of the visit, calling it a success in parliamentary diplomacy and noting the upcoming celebration of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.

Demonstrating Vietnam’s strong commitment to multilateralism

NA Chairman Man’s attendance at the sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament held great significance, demonstrating Vietnam’s strong commitment to multilateralism amid growing challenges facing the UN and other multilateral mechanisms.

As one of the first heads of delegation to address the conference, the Vietnamese legislative leader delivered a powerful message that aligned closely with the main theme and echoed the positions of key countries - promoting cooperation, parliamentary solidarity, and multilateralism for the benefit of all people worldwide.

He called on all parliaments around the world to seek common ground, rise above differences, and join hands in building a future where all people can live in peace, justice, and prosperity.

His message underscored the irreplaceable role of multilateralism in fostering peace, security, sustainable development, and innovation. It emphasised the importance of parliamentary cooperation, which represents the voice of the people, in upholding the rule of law, complying with international law, fulfilling global commitments, building trust, promoting dialogue, and seeking sustainable solutions to today’s challenges. The message also highlighted core universal values that all parliaments should pursue - peace, justice, equality, and sustainability, thus placing people’s interests at the centre and joining hands to overcome differences and challenges for a better shared future for all.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang noted that the NA Chairman’s address was echoed by subsequent delegation heads and positively received by public opinion, generating a widespread resonance.

On the sidelines of the conference, the top Vietnamese legislator held dozens of meetings with leaders of foreign parliaments and the UN. These engagements helped strengthen mutual understanding and political trust, especially at the high level, contributing to deepening and broadening Vietnam’s cooperation with other countries, particularly through parliamentary channel.

With diverse and substantive activities, NA Chairman Man’s trips to Senegal, Morocco, and Switzerland wrapped up with tangible outcomes, helping promote cooperation across multiple areas, including parliamentary ties with partners in the three nations. It also contributed to mobilising international resources in support of Vietnam’s national development goals in the era of its rise, while enhancing the image and position of Vietnam and its legislature in the international arena.

Politburo member, Party Central Committee Secretary and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Do Van Chien (L) meets with RoK Prime Minister Kim Min Seok on July 31. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, RoK step up partnership across multiple sectors

Politburo member, Party Central Committee Secretary and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Do Van Chien had meetings with high-ranking leaders of the Republic of Korea (RoK) and held working sessions with several organisations and institutes there on July 31 to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation across multiple areas.

The events took place as Chien was leading a high-ranking VFF delegation for a working trip to the RoK.

At the Government Complex Seoul, RoK Prime Minister Kim Min Seok underscored the significance of the visit at a time when Seoul seeks to develop the bilateral cooperation commensurate with the Vietnam – RoK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He praised the remarkable progress in the bilateral relations over the past three decades, and expressed his hopes for deeper collaboration in strategic industries such as nuclear power and high-speed rail.

He highlighted the special relationship between the two nations, noting their shared values and the growing Vietnamese community in the RoK who serve as an important bridge between the countries. He also laid stress on the need to enhance people-to-people exchanges and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring safety for Vietnamese citizens in the country.

The RoK will host the APEC 2025 KOREA this October and hopes to welcome Vietnam’s State President at the high-level event, he added.

Chien, for his part, briefed the host on Vietnam’s recent achievements, highlighting that the country’s GDP growth exceeded 7% in 2024, making it the world’s 32nd-largest economy. Vietnam, he said, has also completed a major restructuring of its central and local administrative apparatus, a historic and strategic move towards building a modern, efficient, people-centred governance system.

At the meeting with Deputy Speaker of the RoK National Assembly Lee Hack Young (Photo: VNA)

He called on the Korean government to enhance high-level exchanges, promote flexible engagement mechanisms at multilateral forums, and boost large-scale infrastructure projects in transportation, energy, digital transformation, and climate change adaptation. He also urged the RoK to expand non-refundable aid, especially in research and development, and innovation, while introducing support policies for the Vietnamese community, helping them better integrate into the Korean society and contribute to its development.

Meeting with Deputy Speaker of the RoK National Assembly Lee Hack Young, Chien highlighted Vietnam’s constitutional reforms and legal modernisation efforts aimed at aligning national legislation with international norms and supporting its development goals of becoming a modern, upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a developed, high-income nation by 2045.

He stressed the importance of stronger parliamentary collaboration, particularly in sharing legislative experiences, expanding youth and friendship exchanges, and supporting policies that protect the legitimate rights of Vietnamese citizens in the RoK, including members of multicultural families.

Vietnam continues implementing its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development, standing ready to cooperate with the RoK National Assembly to promote the Vietnam – RoK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a substantive and effective fashion, he underscored.

Lee hailed the robust development of the bilateral relations, noting that Vietnam is the RoK’s third-largest trading partner, with huge potential for further cooperation. He highlighted the establishment of the RoK–Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Association at the 22nd RoK National Assembly as a platform to foster closer cooperation, making it on par with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The same day, the delegation met with Kwon Gi Seob, Chairman of the Economic, Social and Labour Council (ELSC), during which both sides agreed to finalise a memorandum of understanding by the fourth quarter of 2025 to enhance information sharing on labour issues and ensure the protection of workers’ rights.

On July 30-31, the delegation also held working sessions with Global Knowledge Exchange & Development Centre under the Korea Development Institute, met with the Chairman of Gyeonggi Provincial Council, and visited Pangyo Techno Valley and the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation.

Delegates attend a meeting to review the three-year operation of the Vietnam - Australia Centre in Hanoi on July 31

Vietnam–Australia Centre to enhance role as strategic connector in new phase

Addressing a three-year review meeting of the VAC in Hanoi on July 31, Prof. Dr. Thang , who is also Politburo member, praised the centre’s achievements over the past three years, highlighting its contribution to developing a future leadership cohort and organising valuable research activities and scientific forums.

He emphasised the importance of reviewing implementation outcomes, identifying areas for improvement, and drawing practical lessons to enhance coordination, not only between Vietnamese stakeholders but also in synergy with other Australian-supported projects.

Meanwhile, Australian Ambassador Gillian Bird expressed satisfaction with the strong partnership between Australia and the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, as well as other Vietnamese ministries and agencies. She reaffirmed Australia’s continued commitment to the VAC over the next three years, especially in the context of the recently elevated Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

According to the diplomat, the centre stands as a flagship initiative under the partnership's pillar of “knowledge building and people-to-people links,” reflecting the mutual trust and shared aspirations of both countries.

Vietnam and Australia are navigating a rapidly changing regional and global context, and through joint efforts they both grow stronger, she said, adding Australia is proud to support Vietnam’s goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045.

In her view, the Vietnam–Australia Centre is a vital platform to equip future leaders with the skills and insights to meet emerging challenges.

The Vietnam–Australia Centre was established in 2019 under a Joint Statement between the Prime Ministers of both countries, and was officially inaugurated in June 2022. It is funded by the Australian Government with a budget of AUD28 million for the 2022–2026 period.

To date, the centre has organised 53 events, attracting over 6,000 Vietnamese leaders and officials. Its key focus areas include leadership development, public sector reform, policy research, gender equality, alongside addressing global challenges such as green transition, digital governance, and inclusive growth.

During the meeting, participants reviewed a mid-term report summarising key results, lessons learned, and findings from an independent evaluation. They shared technical insights, updates from partner institutions, and strategic directions for the next phase of implementation.

The meeting was hosted by the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government Office, and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam.

At the press conference (Photo: Hong Quang/tuoitre.vn)

HCM City to host Int'l Fire Safety, Rescue, Security Exhibition 2025

The International Fire Safety, Rescue, Security Exhibition in Vietnam is scheduled to take place from August 14 to 16, 2025, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, according to a press conference on July 31.

Secutech Vietnam 2025 is part of activities to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the People's Public Security Forces and the 20th anniversary of the All People’s Security Safeguard Festival.

Accordingly, the exhibition is expected to attract 480 brands, representing agencies, organisations, manufacturers, and suppliers of firefighting, rescue, and security technologies from 17 countries and territories.

Key international participants include the Singapore Civil Defence Force, the Korea Fire Institute, and Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

Participating units will showcase four main groups of products and technologies - firefighting and rescue technologies, techniques, and equipment; security and safety innovations; smart building solutions; and intelligent parking systems.

Addressing the press briefing, Colonel Nguyen Thanh Diep, deputy director of the Police Department of Fire Prevention and Fighting and Rescue, affirmed that all activities are designed to have real-world impact on fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue operations.

He underscored that the exhibition aims to boost international cooperation in security, safety, and rescue, while also promoting the image of Vietnam’s People's Public Security Forces, particularly the Fire Prevention and Rescue Police.

Alongside the exhibition, a series of forums will be held to facilitate dialogue, exchange knowledge, and propose solutions in fire safety, rescue, and security. These discussions will also focus on advancing digital transformation and integrating cutting-edge technologies in emergency response efforts.

An international seminar dedicated to the digitalisation and technological innovation in firefighting and rescue will also be organised, featuring participation from several countries.

Vietnam News Today (Jul. 28): Time Out Names Vietnam among Best Budget Destinations in Southeast Asia Vietnam News Today (Jul. 28): Vietnam, Tanzania explore local cooperation opportunities; Time Out names Vietnam among best budget destinations in Southeast Asia; Vietnam, UAE sign ...

Vietnam News Today (Jul. 29): Vietnam Makes Strides in Fight against Human Trafficking Vietnam News Today (Jul. 29): NA Chairman’s visit boosts Vietnamese parliamentary diplomacy worldwide; Vietnam–Cuba timeless bond looks towards sustainable future; Five years of EVFTA keep ...