New Zealand officials welcome Party General Secretary and State President To Lam at Auckland International Airport (Photo: VNA)

Top leader begins NZ visit, receives Acting President of NZ-VN Friendship Society

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam arrived at Auckland International Airport on the evening of August 12 (local time), beginning a state visit to New Zealand from August 12 to 14, at the invitation of Governor-General Cindy Kiro.

The top Vietnamese leader was welcomed at the airport by New Zealand Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Grahame Morton, New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford, and Divisional Manager for South and Southeast Asia at the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Susannah Gordon. On the Vietnamese side were Ambassador to New Zealand Phan Minh Giang, his spouse, and embassy staff.

Over the past 50 years since establishing diplomatic relations, Vietnam and New Zealand have continuously built a solid foundation for bilateral ties. New Zealand holds strong capabilities in breeding, post-harvest technology, value chain management, and low-emission agriculture, while both sides are expanding cooperation in smart agriculture, climate change adaptation, and carbon markets in line with Vietnam’s green growth goals. The state visit underscores Vietnam’s consistent policy of attaching importance to its relations with New Zealand, aiming to strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a more practical and effective manner.

Shortly after his arrival in Auckland, To Lam held his first activity by receiving Steven Joyce, Acting President of the New Zealand - Vietnam Friendship Society, and prominent members of the society, cited VOV.

To Lam expressed his delight at meeting Joyce and the society's members, noting that holding the meeting as his first activity in New Zealand showed the warm sentiments and close ties between the two peoples.

He glowingly spoke of the positive contributions and dedication of the society’s leadership and members in promoting bilateral ties, particularly in education, the economy, agriculture, science, and technology. Their activities have not only spread friendship among New Zealanders and the Vietnamese community in the country, but also strengthened the social foundation for bilateral relations.

Reviewing more than 50 years of diplomatic ties, the top Vietnamese leader hailed the strong, comprehensive, and deepening development of Vietnam - New Zealand relations. The elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025 opened a new development phase, propelling cooperation across politics, foreign affairs, defense, security, trade, culture, education, science, technology, and people-to-people exchanges forward. He added that Vietnam plans to establish a Vietnam - New Zealand Friendship Society as a counterpart to further enhance connections and practical friendship between the two peoples.

Highlighting the vast potential for future cooperation, To Lam expressed hope that the society will continue acting as a bridge to further forge bilateral relations. He urged prioritizing education and training while bolstering cooperation in science, technology, climate change response, trade, and green and clean agriculture. He also asked for continued support for the Vietnamese community in New Zealand to help them stabilize their lives, integrate well, and contribute to both their host and home countries.

In response, Steven Joyce warmly welcomed To Lam and the high-level Vietnamese delegation. He highlighted key society activities in strengthening people-to-people exchanges, educational cooperation, tourism, and support for Vietnamese students in New Zealand.

Expressing appreciation for To Lam’s recognition, the Acting President affirmed the society’s readiness to support the Vietnamese community, enhance its role as a bridge, and make practical contributions to bilateral friendship and cooperation, while wishing To Lam and his high-level delegation a successful state visit.

Singapore remains one of Vietnam’s leading important partners: PM

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung received Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Rajpal Singh in Hanoi on August 12, during which he affirmed that Singapore remains one of Vietnam’s leading important partners in the region.

Highlighting positive outcomes in Vietnam-Singapore cooperation across all areas, particularly since bilateral ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2025, the PM proposed that the two sides maintain and step up high-level visits and exchanges at all levels.

He suggested improving the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including the annual meeting between the two PMs and the Connectivity Ministerial Meeting.

Emphasizing that economic, trade and investment cooperation remains a key pillar and a major driver of bilateral ties, PM Hung called on Singapore to prioritise upgrading the Vietnam–Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP) network, with the goal of reaching 30 VSIPs in 2026.

He also proposed that the two sides actively work towards the early practical connection of Vietnam’s VNeID and Singapore’s SingPass systems; expand cooperation in emerging areas that are priorities for Vietnam and where Singapore has strengths, such as clean energy, including offshore wind power exports from Vietnam to Singapore; carbon credit trading; digital government; smart cities; national data centres; science and technology; and high-quality human resources training. He also called for stronger cultural, educational and people-to-people exchanges.

The leader affirmed that the Vietnamese Government welcomes and stands ready to create favourable conditions for Singaporean businesses to invest and operate in Vietnam.

He stressed the need for the two sides to continue strengthening cooperation, solidarity and ASEAN centrality, and called on Singapore to maintain its strong support for ASEAN’s common position on the East Sea and promote negotiations towards an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The two sides should closely coordinate to successfully organise the first Vietnam–Singapore Strategic Dialogue, as well as major events in 2027, when Singapore will serve as ASEAN Chair and Vietnam will host APEC. He also called for efforts to translate high-level commitments and agreements between the two countries into concrete outcomes, he said.

For his part, Ambassador Singh expressed his honour at taking up his post in Vietnam and affirmed that he would actively serve as a bridge to help further advance Vietnam–Singapore relations.

The diplomat stressed that Singapore attaches great importance to cooperation with Vietnam and stands ready to support Vietnam in its new development phase, noting that the two countries still have considerable potential for cooperation, according to VNA.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung (R) receives Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Rajpal Singh in Hanoi on August 12 (Photo: VNA)

Welcoming the Vietnamese PM's orientations for Vietnam–Singapore cooperation, Singh pledged to work actively to ensure effective implementation of the 2025–2030 Action Plan, bringing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership into greater depth and delivering more tangible results, not only in traditional areas but also in emerging fields such as technology connectivity, the development of second-generation VSIPs with high science and technology content, clean-energy connectivity, sustainable urban development, international financial centres and smart cities.

He said Singapore looks forward to the upcoming first Singapore–Vietnam Strategic Dialogue, describing it as an important step forward in cooperation between the Communist Party of Vietnam and Singapore’s People’s Action Party, as well as between the two countries.

He thanked Vietnam for supporting Singapore in food security and said Singapore wishes to increase imports of clean agricultural and aquatic products from Vietnam.

The diplomat stressed the importance of stronger business connectivity, encouraging Singaporean companies to continue investing and doing business in Vietnam. He pledged to promote bilateral cooperation in strengthening supply-chain resilience, coordinate closely to translate high-level agreements into concrete cooperation, and promote people-to-people exchanges, education, science and technology, and innovation.

He also affirmed Singapore’s continued support for Vietnam in training and developing human resources through cooperation agreements on official training.

Singapore will closely coordinate with Vietnam during Singapore’s ASEAN chairmanship and Vietnam's hosting of APEC, as well as within ASEAN frameworks, while promoting bilateral cooperation on regional and international issues of shared concern, he pledged.

Vietnam, Australia hold 8th Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Canberra

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung and his Australian counterpart Penny Wong co-chaired the 8th Vietnam - Australia Foreign Ministers' Meeting (FMM-8) in Canberra on August 12 within the framework of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam's state visit to Australia.

At the meeting, both ministers compared notes on bilateral ties as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern. They praised the convening of FMM-8 during the state visit, following up on high-level exchanges and major outcomes, including the adoption of three joint statements that demonstrate deep strategic trust, shared interests, and aligned visions between the two nations.

They welcomed the effective implementation of the Action Program for the Vietnam - Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2024-2027), which has yielded notable progress across all six pillars, VOV reported.

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung and his Australian counterpart Penny Wong. (Photo: VNA)

Defense and security cooperation continues to deepen, while two-way trade doubled over the past five years to exceed US$14 billion in 2025. Joint efforts in education, training, development, science, technology, innovation, and people-to-people ties also expanded.

Minister Le Hoai Trung called for turning high-level commitments into concrete outcomes, requesting that both foreign ministries serve as focal points to review progress, set priorities, and resolve obstacles.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong affirmed that Australia attaches great importance to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam. She expressed Australia's desire to better utilize economic complementarities, deepen defense and security ties, and expand cooperation into new areas, particularly supply chain integration, high-quality investment, the green economy, the digital economy, clean energy, future industries, and innovation ecosystems.

On regional and international issues, both sides shared a vision of an open, inclusive, transparent, and rules-based regional structure where all nations contribute to maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity. They emphasized ASEAN centrality and agreed to strengthen coordination within ASEAN, the United Nations, APEC, and other multilateral forums.

Foreign Minister Wong reiterated Australia's commitment to Southeast Asia and supported Vietnam’s hosting of APEC 2027 to promote regional economic integration and sustainable growth.

Regarding the South China Sea (known in Vietnam as the East Sea), both sides highlighted the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation, resolving disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

On this occasion, Minister Le Hoai Trung held a working session with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to exchange experience on applying artificial intelligence (AI) in diplomacy.

Noting that Vietnam is entering a critical development phase aiming to become a developed nation by 2045, Trung emphasized that diplomacy for development serves as a top priority to mobilize resources for national growth. He asked Australia to share expertise in AI governance frameworks, AI integration in foreign policy planning, digital skills training for diplomats, and promoting safe and responsible AI use.

During the working session, DFAT announced three doctoral scholarships in AI for officials from Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both sides consented to enhance policy exchanges and explore making AI a regular topic of discussion within FMM and other inter-ministerial mechanisms.

“Fidel Castro-Ho Chi Minh: A Revolutionary Vision” — an epic tribute to Vietnam-Cuba friendship

The 6th episode of the documentary series “Two Hearts Beating as One”, entitled “Fidel Castro-Ho Chi Minh: A Revolutionary Vision”, officially premiered. The screening was a meaningful event marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro (August 13, 1926-13, 2026).

The documentary series is the result of joint efforts by the defence ministries of the two countries. Notably, the episode was filmed in Cuba at a time when the island nation is striving to overcome severe difficulties caused by an energy crisis and the prolonged blockade and sanctions.

The making of the episode was described as a “command from the heart”, born of the dedication, inspiration and unwavering conviction of Vietnamese filmmakers in the shared revolutionary cause of the two peoples.

The documentary vividly portrays the essence of a “revolutionary vision” — the ability to envision a new order and steadfastly move towards the future. President Ho Chi Minh and Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro both embodied such a vision, transforming their aspirations for national independence into resolute action.

The film’s ideological and historical depth is further enriched by interviews with senior leaders, including General Secretary and President To Lam, leaders of Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defence, and senior Party and State leaders of Cuba, NDO reported.

The episode highlights the resilience of the Cuban people in times of hardship. (Photo: NDO)

The legacy left by the two leaders to their peoples is an enduring body of thought whose values transcend time, providing a source of strength for present and future generations as they continue shaping their nations’ future.

At the premiere, Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes expressed his deep emotion and recalled President Ho Chi Minh’s words: “Vietnam and Cuba are thousands of miles apart, but the hearts of their peoples are as close as those of brothers in one family.”

Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes noted that solidarity between the two nations has been further strengthened through the efforts of Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defence, the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People’s Army, the Military Broadcasting Centre and other participating agencies. Despite the difficulties and challenges facing Cuba, they successfully completed the 6th in a remarkably short period of time.

The Ambassador affirmed that Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro held the Vietnam People’s Army in the highest regard for its heroism, immense sacrifices and steadfast struggle for national independence and sovereignty.

The great ideals of liberation and the aspirations of the Vietnamese and Cuban peoples to contribute to humanity will endure, alongside their shared commitment to the global struggle for justice and righteous causes, against oppression and injustice.

On this occasion, the Cuban Ambassador also praised Vietnam’s “500-Day-and-Night Campaign” to search for, recover and identify the remains of fallen soldiers, describing it as an extraordinary undertaking imbued with profound humanitarian significance and involving the entire Party, armed forces and people of Vietnam.

This sacred journey has inspired deep emotion, admiration and gratitude among international friends towards those carrying out this noble mission.

Recalling history, the Cuban Ambassador cited Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro’s historic visit to the liberated zone of Quang Tri in 1973. Standing on Hill 241, the great Cuban revolutionary leader paid tribute to the courage of the Vietnamese people and their willingness to shed blood and sacrifice their lives for the freedom of their homeland.

According to Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes, the “500-Day-and-Night Campaign” resonates like an enduring refrain in the nation’s heroic epic, embodying Vietnam’s tradition of remembering and honouring those who made sacrifices for the country, as well as the sacred responsibility of today’s generations towards those who laid down their lives for national independence and freedom.

During the ceremony, the Ambassador presented the Military Broadcasting Centre with a reproduction of “Sowing the Seeds of Spring”, a work by Cuban artist René Portocarrero. The gift symbolises the shared hope of the two peoples for ever-renewing “springs” of friendship, whose seeds were painstakingly sown by Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro and President Ho Chi Minh.

The documentary contributes to strengthening friendship between the younger generations of the two countries and deepening their understanding of the fundamental values underpinning the special solidarity between Vietnam and Cuba.

Immediately after the premiere, the episode was sent to Cuba for screening to the Cuban people and armed forces ahead of August 13, 2026. It serves as a treasured gift and an epic continuation of the rhythm of two hearts beating as one in their shared ideals, celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro.

Russian tourist wave hits Vietnam at record pace

Vietnam welcomed a record 690,000 Russian tourists last year and 742,000 in the first half of this year, cementing Russia as its third largest source market after China and the Republic of Korea.

Kommersant-Review, an economic and trade publication, pointed to several factors behind the boom.

First, air connectivity soared. For years, travellers faced limited direct flights and had to rely on transit routes to reach Vietnam’s beach resorts. That changed in 2025 when Vietnam Airlines launched direct Moscow–Hanoi flights, Aeroflot started service to Nha Trang, and tour operators revived charters. Russian carriers also added new routes to resorts.

Intourist, a leading Russian tour operator, reported a tenfold surge in Vietnam tour sales last year, with demand this year up 231% year-on-year.

Russian Express said 2025 bookings jumped 294% from 2024. Summer trips made up 34.5% of its Vietnam sales. Demand peaks in winter at southern resorts around Lunar New Year and Christmas, then shifts to northern resorts in July and August.

Ostrovok, a lodging booking platform, said Vietnam bookings nearly doubled, with summer up 85% and September-December reservations up 52% year-on-year.

Elena Shelekhova, press chief at OneTwoTrip, attributed a 25% jump in demand for Vietnam to the broader flight network, pushing the country’s share to 3.5%, cited VNA.

Russian tourists buy fresh seafood in Khanh Hoa province. (Photo: VNA)

Second, Vietnam remains one of Asia’s most affordable getaways, a core competitive edge. Intourist pegs the average holiday cost at around 1,200 USD per person. Russian Express offers a seven-night package with airfare for two and a four-star hotel starting at 153,000 RUB (1,860 USD) in summer, 158,000 RUB in autumn, and 179,000 RUB for New Year holiday. PAC Group prices a similar trip at about 150,000 RUB.

Russian Express cited quality rooms, services, beaches, excursions and solid infrastructure.

On price, Vietnam’s major rivals are Thailand and China. Ostrovok put Vietnam’s average nightly rate at 6,300 RUB, well below Thailand’s 8,900 RUB, Indonesia’s 9,000 RUB and Sri Lanka’s 10,000 RUB.

Shelekhova said Vietnam undercuts its Asian rivals, with OneTwoTrip users staying an average 5.6 days, longer than 5.1 in Thailand and 3.4 in China, meaning more vacation time for less cash.

Yet, Vietnam still trails Thailand on hotel inventory. Phu Quoc resorts can sell out months before peak winter season, and booking confirmations sometimes lag. Intourist cautioned that popular spots could see shortages during high season, even as the hotel sector expands.

Another trend is that travellers across Southeast Asia are booking earlier than ever, up to seven or eight months ahead, to snag early-bird deals. This is evident for Da Nang summers and Phu Quoc’s 2026–2027 season. Intourist began taking Lunar New Year bookings in late April.

Experts said Russian families make up the core tourist group, staying an average of 10 nights. Interest is broadening beyond beach stays to sightseeing combos, with strong appetite for Vietnamese culture, cuisine and natural attractions.

Nha Trang tops the list for its infrastructure and accommodation range. Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc, Mui Ne and Da Nang are in high demand. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City draw independent travellers.

The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) expects Russian demand to keep surging in the second half. Russian Express sees a highly positive outlook, citing easy transport, a variety of resorts and limited seasonality.

Intourist estimated that Russian visitors could hit around 1 million this year, potentially setting an all-time record.

Vietnam News Today (Aug. 9): Vietnam to Remain Active Player in Shaping ASEAN’s Future

Vietnam News Today (Aug. 10): Vietnam – One of Most Attractive Destinations for Leading US Semiconductor Companies