Vietnam News Today (Aug. 16): Finland Backs Stronger Vietnam-EU Ties, Pledges Closer Business Cooperation

	Vietnam News Today (Aug. 14): Vietnam On Track to Become Asia's Next "Tiger Economy"
	Vietnam News Today (Aug. 15): Vietnamese and Cambodian Leaders Hold Phone Talks to Boost Cooperation

Vietnamese Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang holds talks with Cuban Minister of the Interior Major General Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas in Hanoi on August 15. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Cuba enhance cybersecurity cooperation

Vietnamese Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang held talks in Hanoi on August 15 with Cuban Minister of the Interior Major General Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, as the two sides reaffirmed their special friendship and discussed measures to deepen cooperation, particularly in cybersecurity.

On behalf of the Central Public Security Party Committee and the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), Quang warmly welcomed Álvarez Casas and the Cuban delegation to Vietnam for the celebration of the 80th traditional day of the People’s Public Security Force.

Quang stressed the special friendship and solidarity between the two Parties, States and people of the two nations, affirming Vietnam’s consistent stance of supporting the just cause of the Cuban Party and people in updating their socialist socio-economic model. He reiterated Vietnam’s readiness to share renewal experience and boost economic, trade and investment ties, especially cooperation in food supply and production in Cuba.

The Vietnamese minister acknowledged the challenges facing Cuba and expressed his confidence that, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Cuba headed by First Secretary and President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel, the Cuban people would overcome all difficulties and achieve greater victories.

Quang said he had instructed relevant MPS units to implement agreements reached between the two sides, focusing on personnel training for the Cuban Ministry of the Interior, drafting a bilateral cybersecurity cooperation document, promoting collaboration in biotechnology and healthcare, completing procedures for launching a medical science research centre, and exploring agricultural cooperation to help Cuba gradually secure self-sufficiency.

The two ministers agreed with the substantive, concise but comprehensive assessments of the bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Cuba and the relationship between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and the Cuban Ministry of Interior given by Álvarez Casas, cited VNA.

They recognized the importance of maintaining regular delegation exchanges and expanding collaboration into areas such as prison management, training, professional expertise sharing, and equipment support for national security protection.

To effectively carry out the directions agreed by Party General Secretary To Lam and First Secretary, President Díaz-Canel during the Vietnamese leader’s visit to Cuba in September 2024, Quang suggested increasing the exchange of high-level and working-level delegations to share experience, study each other’s capabilities and strengths, and propose cooperative solutions.

He underlined the need to strengthen security cooperation, share experience in safeguarding internal political security, and combat plots and activities aimed at undermining the revolution. The two sides should also promote the exchange of information and deploy joint operational plans, thereby enhancing their national positions and promoting the steadfast Vietnam–Cuba relationship on the international arena.

Quang highlighted priority cooperation areas, including the fight against organized crime, transnational crime, high-tech crime, terrorism, human trafficking, crimes in trade and tourism, emerging criminal activities, and non-traditional security threats. He also emphasised economic cooperation, particularly supporting Cuba's agricultural development and transferring biomedical technology to Vietnam.

Álvarez Casas affirmed that the special friendship and solidarity between Cuba and Vietnam is a shared treasure nurtured by generations and Cuba treasures Vietnam’s unwavering support for its revolutionary cause, especially during difficult times caused by embargo. He expressed his confidence that the measures agreed at the talks would be implemented effectively, further deepening ties between the two ministries and the two countries.

Following the talks, the two ministers witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Department of Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention and Control under Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security and the General Directorate of Counterintelligence under the Cuban Ministry of the Interior, marking a new step forward in cybersecurity cooperation.

Finland backs stronger Vietnam-EU ties, pledges closer business cooperation

State President Luong Cuong hosted a reception on August 15 in Hanoi for Finnish Ambassador to Vietnam Keijo Norvanto, who paid a farewell visit at the end of his tenure.

The State President congratulated the Ambassador on a successful tenure in Vietnam, during which he made positive contributions to consolidating the traditional friendship and all-around cooperation between the two nations.

He stressed that Vietnam always values Finland’s role and position within the European Union (EU) and pledges to deepen cooperation across various fields. He also expressed appreciation for Finland’s longstanding support over the decades, which has significantly contributed to Vietnam’s nation-building and development.

Highlighting that bilateral ties, with a history of over 50 years, have achieved many positive results, the Vietnamese State leader noted that both nations’ senior leaders have maintained contact at multilateral forums. Bilateral trade and investment have remained stable, with new developments in areas where Finland has strengths and Vietnam has demand, such as digital transformation, information and communications technology, agriculture and forestry, and renewable energy.

Ambassador Norvanto, in turn, affirmed that the two countries have enjoyed more than five decades of cooperative development. He stated that his tenure coincided with a period of profound economic transformation in both nations and globally, including in digital and green transitions.

He said he was honored to help beef up cooperation in education and training, research, and innovation between the two countries, and expressed hope to further boost co-operation in these fields in the future.

Impressed by Vietnam’s “four pillar resolutions” for national development in the new era, Ambassador Norvanto affirmed that Finland is ready to cooperate and support Vietnam in effectively implementing these strategic directions. He also showed interest in working together to improve legislative processes and advance judicial reform.

As an active EU member, the Ambassador reiterated Finland’s strong support for enhancing Vietnam–EU relations and effectively implementing the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). He noted that Finnish businesses in Vietnam will continue to cooperate actively with Vietnamese partners for mutual development.

Agreeing with the Ambassador’s remarks, the State President highly valued Finland’s continued prioritization of support for Vietnam in carrying out projects in healthcare, electricity, water supply and drainage, waste treatment, and fire prevention and control. The two sides have also signed memoranda of understanding on education and training, labor, natural resources, the environment, and agriculture, according to VOV.

President Luong Cuong receives Finnish Ambassador to Vietnam Keijo Norvanto on farewell visit.

The State leader reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of peace, independence, self-reliance, friendship, cooperation, and development; multilateralisation and diversification; and being an active, responsible member of the international community.

Both sides agreed to continue supporting each other at regional and international forums, especially at the United Nations, upholding multilateralism based on international law, and resolving disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law.

President Cuong expressed his hope that in his new position, the Ambassador will continue to serve as a bridge to promote Vietnam-Finland relations in a more substantive manner, effectively implementing existing cooperation mechanisms and agreements, maximising potential, and opening new cooperation avenues in areas where Finland has strengths and Vietnam has needs.

He also wished that Ambassador Keijo Norvanto would always cherish fond memories of Vietnam’s land and people, and, in any future role, remain a close friend of Vietnam, continuing to nurture the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Seminar seeks to promote Vietnam – Laos financial linkage

The Vietnamese Embassy in Laos held a seminar in Vientiane on August 15 to look into operations of Vietnamese banks in Laos and measures for improving their performance.

Attending the event were representatives from six Vietnamese commercial banks operating in Laos, namely Lao-Viet Bank, VietinBank Laos, Vietcombank Laos, MB Laos, Sacombank Laos, and SHB Laos.

Delegates focused discussion on the Vietnamese banks' perspectives on the monetary policy of the Bank of the Lao PDR, the banks' performance, and measures for effectively improving banking operations in the coming time. They also put forward recommendations to relevant authorities to create a favourable environment for financial and banking activities.

Speaking at the seminar, Ambassador Nguyen Minh Tam noted that this was the first time the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos had organized a common forum for the Vietnamese banks operating in the host country to exchange views and share experience.

He expressed his belief that this event would have a broad impact and encourage the organization of similar forums, not only in the banking sector but also in other fields involving Vietnamese enterprises in Laos, VNA reported.

An overview of the seminar to look into operations of Vietnamese banks in Laos. (Photo: VNA)

The ambassador highly valued the role of the Vietnamese banks in Laos in creating breakthroughs in economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries.

He said he believes that with the countries' stronger connections, especially in transport infrastructure, economic, investment, and trade ties will enjoy further progress. He also called on the banks to stay proactive and innovative in their business operations, actively participate in projects of Vietnamese enterprises in Laos, and support those firms to achieve sustainable development.

The embassy will always accompany and support the Vietnamese banks in Laos to operate stably and effectively, thereby contributing to economic, investment, and trade cooperation between the two countries, affirmed Tam.

MVFA opens new office in Kuala Lumpur, boosting Vietnam-Malaysia friendship

The Malaysia-Vietnam Friendship Association (MVFA) inaugurated its new office on August 14, marking a key milestone in its three-year journey of promoting community ties and bilateral relations.

The event marks a significant milestone in the organization’s efforts to support the Vietnamese community in Malaysia and enhance closer Vietnam-Malaysia relations.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Malaysia Dinh Ngoc Linh congratulated MVFA on its successful activities and initiatives, noting the association’s contribution to strengthening ties between Vietnam and Malaysia.

He highlighted the crucial role of Malaysian partners in connecting communities, businesses, and organizations from both countries. He expressed confidence that the new office will serve as a hub for partnerships, initiatives, and programs to further deepen Vietnam–Malaysia friendship, cited VOV.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Malaysia–Vietnam Friendship Association office in Kuala Lumpur (Photo: VNA)

At the inauguration, MVFA Chair Tran Thi Chang described the new office as a starting point and a home where the Vietnamese and Malaysian communities can come together, dialogue, and nurture friendship. She emphasized that, with the support of partners, friends, and the community, MVFA will continue to be a reliable bridge between the two peoples, promoting cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and community cohesion.

Experienced entrepreneur Tengku Dato’ Dr. Hishammudin Zaizi, a dedicated supporter of MVFA, expressed his enthusiasm for joining the association and becoming a friend of Vietnam. He noted that with the attention of both Malaysian and Vietnamese leadership, bilateral cooperation is advancing in a multitude of areas, including trade. He hopes the new office will open doors for businesses from both countries to explore partnerships and achieve success.

MVFA, a nonprofit organization officially licensed by the Malaysian government in August 2022, aims to enhance mutual understanding, cooperation, and exchange across culture, education, business, and diplomacy. Its vision is to build a prosperous and connected Vietnam–Malaysia community, strengthen partnerships, celebrate cultural heritage, and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses.

Over the past three years, MVFA has launched numerous community engagement activities and has become a sustainable bridge connecting organizations, businesses, and local authorities of both countries.

In 2025, notable activities include supporting Vietnamese medical delegations visiting Malaysia’s top hospitals, including the National Heart Institute (IJN); coordinating with Malaysian partners for community health talks and free medical check-ups; organizing sports and cultural exchanges to promote Vietnam’s image; and hosting Malaysian business delegations in Vietnam to explore cooperation opportunities.

The opening of the new office will facilitate connections with partners, organizations, and businesses, supporting MVFA’s ongoing programs in culture, economy, education, healthcare, and community engagement.

This milestone is especially meaningful in 2025, under the theme Vietnam–Malaysia Harmony: Strengthening Friendship, Reaching New Heights, contributing significantly to practical cooperation during the first year of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries (from November 21, 2024) and Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025.

Planned highlights for the second half of 2025 include participation in the ASEAN Festival 2025 to showcase Vietnamese culture and hosting the first MV-Expo 2025 in Malaysia to connect businesses and reinforce the presence of Vietnamese enterprises.

Vietnam, China pledge to deepen scientific and technological cooperation

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son met with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in China's Yunnan province on August 14.

The meeting took place ahead of the 10th Mekong–Lancang Cooperation (MLC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

Both Bui and Wang voiced satisfaction with recent socio-economic achievements in each country and welcomed the positive momentum in the Vietnam–China relations.

Bui called for close coordination to organize high-level exchanges and visits, advance substantive defense and security cooperation, and improve the quality and effectiveness of collaboration across sectors.

He stressed the need to boost cooperation in priority areas such as railway projects—particularly the Lao Cai–Ha Noi–Hai Phong route scheduled to begin construction in 2025—balanced and sustainable trade, and major investment projects of symbolic significance.

Bui also suggested both sides consider science and technology cooperation a new hallmark of bilateral ties.

Reaffirming Vietnam's commitment to the MLC framework, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister appreciated China's contributions and the joint efforts of Mekong countries over the past decade, and called for strengthening sustainable management and use of Mekong–Lancang water resources.

For his part, Wang affirmed China's readiness to implement high-level agreements with Vietnam, prioritize upcoming senior-level exchanges, expand economic and trade cooperation, increase imports of Vietnamese goods, enhance transport infrastructure connectivity, and promote high-quality investment.

He reiterated China's willingness to deepen cooperation in science, technology, and emerging sectors in line with the development strategies of both countries, VGP reported.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (L) and Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Yunnan province, August 14, 2025. Photo: VNA

Acknowledging Vietnam's active role in the MLC, Wang called on member states to intensify coordination for another successful decade, broaden cooperation areas, and deliver tangible benefits to their people, contributing to peace, development, and prosperity in the region.

On maritime issues, both sides agreed to manage differences constructively and maintain peace and stability in the East Sea. Deputy Prime Minister Bui underlined the respect for each other's sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over maritime zones as defined by international law, especially the 1982 UNCLOS; avoidance of unilateral actions that could escalate tensions; proper handling of incidents involving fishing vessels and fishermen; and continued pursuit of peaceful dispute settlement.

Both sides also compared notes on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Later the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Bui met with Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane.

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