Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam-Singapore Strategic Dialogue - New development step in bilateral relations

Politburo member and Standing Member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu will pay an official visit to Singapore and co-chair the first Vietnam-Singapore Strategic Dialogue on August 24-25, at the invitation of the Central Executive Committee of the People’s Action Party (PAP) of Singapore.

Speaking to the press ahead of the visit, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong said that the visit marks several first milestones, as it will be the first official visit to Singapore by a Standing Member of the CPV Central Committee’s Secretariat. It will also inaugurate the Vietnam-Singapore Strategic Dialogue mechanism, which the two countries’ leaders agreed to establish during General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and President To Lam’s state visit to Singapore in May.

Vietnam is the first Southeast Asian country to establish such a mechanism with the PAP, he noted, describing these milestones as reflecting a new qualitative development step in relations between the two Parties and creating stronger political foundations and momentum for deepening the Vietnam-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Cuong expressed his expectation that the Strategic Dialogue will provide a direct, regular and substantive channel for exchanges on Party building, policymaking, governance and national development, as well as other strategic issues of shared interest. The two sides are also hoped to discuss key areas of cooperation, including technology connectivity and human resources training.

Assessing the bilateral relations, the official said that more than five decades after diplomatic ties were established in 1973, Vietnam and Singapore have developed increasingly strong political trust, closely aligned interests and dynamic cooperation.

Political trust has been increasingly translated into practical benefits, reflected in the establishment of the Strategic Partnership in 2013 and its upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025, cited VNA.

Recent high-level visits, including those by General Secretary and President Lam to Singapore in 2025 and 2026, Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s visit to Vietnam in 2025, and the upcoming trip by Tu have demonstrated the high level of political trust between the two Parties and countries.

Cuong went on to say that economic, trade and investment cooperation remains a key pillar. Singapore is among Vietnam’s most important economic partners and its second-largest foreign investor, with more than 4,500 valid projects worth approximately 97 billion USD in registered capital across various fields such as manufacturing, logistics, finance and high technology.

The network of 28 Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP) across the country stands as a prominent symbol of bilateral collaboration, combining Singapore’s expertise in planning, management and international connectivity with Vietnam’s resources and development potential.

The two countries are also expanding cooperation in emerging fields, including artificial intelligence, innovation, clean energy, green finance, data centres and semiconductor technology. Cooperation between the CPV and PAP has likewise become increasingly substantive, particularly in personnel training and capacity building, he said.

The upcoming visit is expected to generate tangible progress in three areas, the deputy minister stated.

First, it will elevate strategic exchanges and coordination between the two Parties, strengthening political trust and promoting experience sharing in Party building, leadership and governance.

Second, the two sides aim to make breakthroughs in technology connectivity by turning the “three-party model” involving the State, businesses and researchers from both countries into concrete projects, moving beyond technology transfer towards joint development of technologies, products and ecosystems.

Third, the two sides are expected to elevate cooperation in personnel training, making it a key pillar of the bilateral relations and an important contribution to developing high-quality human resources.

The ultimate goal is to translate common perceptions between the two Parties into concrete programs, projects and outcomes, Cuong said, adding that the coming trip as well as the first Strategic Dialogue will provide fresh momentum for deepening the Vietnam-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a substantive, effective and sustainable manner, for the benefit of both nations' people and a united and prosperous ASEAN.

Vietnam can serve as bridge between Asia, Latin America: Peruvian ambassador

Vietnam could serve as a bridge between Asia and Latin America, Peruvian Ambassador to Vietnam Patricia Raez Portocarrero told the Vietnam News Agency while highlighting broad opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, technique, digital transformation and sustainable development.

The diplomat said Vietnam is strengthening its international standing and expanding ties with Latin America as its foreign policy places greater emphasis on international integration, development and cooperation.

Referring to Vietnam’s issuance of Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW in 2025 on international integration in the new context, she described it as an important strategic step that has helped reshape the country’s foreign policy amid profound changes in the international landscape.

She noted that placing diplomacy on an equal footing with defence and security demonstrates that it has become a regular national task, with a focus on tangible outcomes such as attracting technology and investment, diversifying markets and promoting digital transformation. These efforts are being pursued through multiple channels, ranging from economic and cultural diplomacy to multilateral, defence and security cooperation.

Assessing Vietnam– Latin America relations in recent years, Raez Portocarrero said the two sides have recorded positive results through high-level meetings, conferences and visits while trade and investment exchanges continue to grow, according to VOV.

Peruvian Ambassador to Vietnam Patricia Raez Portocarrero (Photo: VNA)

Regarding opportunities for cooperation with Peru, she highlighted the modernisation of the Port of Callao and the deep-water Port of Chancay on the outskirts of Lima, which have reduced shipping time between Peru and Asia from around 40 days to 25 days. This development, she said, is well aligned with Vietnam’s efforts to diversify its markets.

As both countries are members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, there is considerable room for stronger trade and investment ties, she added.

The diplomat pointed out the complementarity of the two economies. While Vietnam has demand for minerals and high-quality fresh farm produce in which Peru has strengths, Peru can benefit from Vietnamese electronics and apparel. The Latin American country is also working to bring more of its key products to the Vietnamese market and diversify its exports.

She noted that Peru is a leading destination for Vietnam's direct investment in Latin America, with the success of Viettel Peru (Bitel) serving as a model for new investment projects. Peru’s recently adopted legal framework for private special economic zones for 2025–2026 is expected to attract more Vietnamese investors.

Vietnamese diplomacy as a pillar of regional stability

Mentioning the more than eight decades of development of Vietnam’s diplomacy, Raez Portocarrero congratulated Vietnam’s leaders and diplomatic sector on their increasingly influential role and stature in the world.

She described Vietnamese diplomacy as an increasingly important pillar of regional and international stability and cooperation, reflected in the country's active participation in multilateral organisations and its promotion of sustainable development, peaceful settlement of disputes and respect for international law – values that Peru also strongly supports.

The ambassador said Vietnam’s image in Latin America has evolved from one based primarily on historical and political ties to one associated with diplomatic, economic and trade cooperation, supported by high-level visits and expanding bilateral mechanisms.

Citing data from the International Trade Centre (ITC), she said trade in goods between Vietnam and Latin America and the Caribbean quadrupled over the past decade, from 11 billion USD to nearly 42 billion USD during 2015–2025. Peru–Vietnam trade alone tripled, driven in part by mechanisms such as APEC and CPTPP and Vietnamese technology and telecommunications investments in the region, including that of Viettel.

Overall, Latin American countries view Vietnam as a reliable international partner that respects international law and supports multilateralism, she said, expressing her hope that Vietnam will continue expanding its diplomatic representation in the region to further strengthen bilateral ties.

Regarding Vietnam’s role in promoting South–South cooperation, the diplomat highly valued the country’s efforts to advance the collaboration and experience sharing among developing nations. She said international technical cooperation forms an important component of Peru’s foreign policy as outlined in its National Policy on International Technical Cooperation to 2030 and implemented by the Peruvian Agency for International Cooperation (APCI).

Peru values the similarities in the development paths of the two countries, she said, noting that both have gradually evolved from aid recipients into countries capable of providing knowledge and expertise for other developing nations. Peru has experience in cooperation with Latin America and the Caribbean, while Vietnam has accumulated valuable experience in working with African countries.

The ambassador also appreciated Vietnam’s role in ASEAN and its efforts to share development experience with regional partners. She reaffirmed her belief that Vietnam can faciliate the exchange of experience among countries facing common challenges in sustainable development, food security, agriculture, climate change, digital transformation and support for small- and medium-sized enterprises.

For this reason, Peru regards Vietnam as a promising partner for technical cooperation projects in areas where the two countries possess complementary strengths, she said, adding that the Peruvian side is working closely with relevant agencies to advance such projects.

Vietnamese, Chinese youth carry forward bilateral friendship

A youth exchange was held in Nanning, the capital of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on August 21 as part of the “Red Journey” program for young Vietnamese people visiting China.

The event brought together more than 100 outstanding Vietnamese youth representatives from a range of fields. It provided an opportunity for young people from both countries to recall the revolutionary traditions, deepen mutual understanding and exchange views on issues related to study, work, innovation and development in the new era.

Addressing the event, Zheng Yuandong, Deputy Secretary-General of the People’s Government of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, stressed that Guangxi is not only a place where President Ho Chi Minh and generations of Vietnamese revolutionary predecessors once studied, worked and fought, but also a locality that witnesses the friendship between the two Parties, States and peoples of Vietnam and China.

He expressed his hope that young people from the two countries will continue to play their role as successors to the friendship, working together in development and connectivity and helping promote bilateral ties, reported VNA.

Do Ngoc Linh, Secretary of the Phu Thuong ward youth union in Hanoi, shares her views on the friendship between Vietnam and China. (Photo: VNA)

On development cooperation, he said China’s modernisation process and Vietnam’s Doi Moi (Renewal) have created complementary opportunities. These provide space for young people from the two countries to learn from each other, share experience, enhance their capabilities and link their personal aspirations with the development of their respective countries.

Vietnamese Consul General in Nanning Nguyen Thi Huong affirmed that against the backdrop of positive momentum in Vietnam–China relations, with increasingly extensive cooperation across various fields, people-to-people exchanges – particularly youth exchanges – are of great importance. Young people form a dynamic and creative force and are the future owners of their respective countries; it is the younger generation that will carry forward the friendship, deepen mutual understanding and contribute to the sustainable development of bilateral relations.

She called on Vietnamese and Chinese youth to expand exchanges in emerging fields such as science – technology, innovation, digital transformation, education, culture, entrepreneurship and green development. These areas offer broad scope for young people to contribute to their respective countries’ development as well as to Vietnam–China relations.

Speaking to Vietnam News Agency correspondents in China, Zuo Xianglei, Deputy Secretary of the Guangxi Youth League Committee and President of the Guangxi Youth Federation, said that over the past year, Guangxi–Vietnam youth exchanges have made clear progress, gradually expanding from cultural and people-to-people exchanges into practical areas of cooperation. Guangxi has signed cooperation and exchange agreements with several Vietnamese localities in the field of artificial intelligence.

According to Zuo, the participants and scope of exchanges have also expanded from young people to children and teenagers on both sides. Since the launch of the “Red Journey” program for Vietnamese youth in China, more than 1,000 Vietnamese have travelled to China to take part in activities focused on researching and learning about revolutionary history.

During their current stay in China as part of the program, the Vietnamese youth delegation is set to visit a number of sites associated with revolutionary history and Vietnam–China friendship.

HCM City pledges to serve as active bridge in Vietnam-Thailand relations

The Ho Chi Minh City the People's Committee on August 21 held a solemn ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand (August 6, 1976 -August 6, 2026).

Dang Minh Thong, Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, attended the event alongside current and former leaders of the City Party Committee, the People's Council, the People's Committee, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, as well as numerous representatives from all walks of life in the city.

Those Also in attendance included Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand; Urawadee Sriphiromya, Thai Ambassador to Vietnam; members of the Consular Corps in Ho Chi Minh City; together with representatives of the Thai business community and Thai citizens living in the city.

In his speech at the ceremony, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Hoang Nguyen Dinh said that over the past half-century, Vietnam-Thailand relations have been continuously strengthened, nurtured, and elevated to new heights: establishing a Strategic Partnership in 2013, upgrading to a Strengthened Strategic Partnership in 2019, and officially becoming a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in May 2025.

Bilateral relations, built on an increasingly solid foundation of political trust, have created strong momentum for cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand to grow deeper, more substantive, and more expansive across multiple fields.

In this new stage of development, shared vision, aspirations, and strategic interests serve as the foundation for both nations to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a more practical and effective manner, not only for the development and prosperity of each country, but also for a united and resilient ASEAN, as well as a peaceful, stable, and sustainably developing region.

In Ho Chi Minh City, friendly and cooperative ties with Thailand are consistently cherished, preserved, and cultivated across generations of leadership. Thailand is currently one of the city's important partners in trade, investment, tourism, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. The city commits to continuing to serve as an active bridge, contributing to deepening friendship between the two peoples, fostering increasingly close connections between Vietnam and Thailand, as well as between Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, and other Thai localities.

Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, Chairman of the Advisory Council to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, noted that since establishing diplomatic ties in 1976, Thailand and Vietnam have shared an impressive journey of joint development.

Over the past 50 years, relations between the two countries have grown increasingly strong and comprehensive. In late May 2026, General Secretary and President To Lam paid an official visit to Thailand, followed shortly by an official visit to Vietnam by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in early June, cited VOV.

Ho Chi Minh City leaders and Thai delegates pose for a group photo with Vietnamese and Thai artists. (Photo: VNA)

These high-level exchanges demonstrate the firm commitment of both countries to further deepening their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, while creating an opportunity to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations at the highest level. Furthermore, Thailand and Vietnam are becoming ever more closely connected through people-to-people exchanges, the business community, and local communities in both nations.

Fifty years ago, Thailand and Vietnam opened a new chapter in bilateral relations. Today, both countries are writing the next chapter of strengthening friendship, robust partnership, deeper connectivity, and shared prosperity. By standing side by side and collaborating closely as partners, the two countries and their people will grow even closer and stronger in the years and decades ahead.

The anniversary ceremony took place in a dignified atmosphere filled with solidarity and friendship, featuring traditional cultural performances presented by Vietnamese and Thai artists.

China waives transit visa requirements for Vietnamese citizens

From August 20, Vietnamese citizens can transit through China for up to 10 days without a visa via 65 designated entry and exit ports.

The new policy was announced by China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) on August 20. It applies to citizens of Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan, allowing them to transit visa-free for 240 hours (equivalent to 10 days) through 65 ports and enter Hainan Province visa-free for 30 days.

To qualify for the policy, travelers must hold a valid ordinary passport and have a connecting ticket with a confirmed departure date and itinerary for travel to a third country or region.

Travelers may enter through 65 designated ports nationwide, including major transportation hubs such as Beijing and Shanghai, and are allowed to stay and travel within specified administrative areas for up to 240 hours, VGP reported.

During their stay, travelers may engage in short-term activities such as tourism, business, visiting friends and relatives.

According to the NIA, the policy aims to promote high-level opening-up, strengthen cooperation and trust with neighboring countries, and facilitate people-to-people exchanges, trade, tourism and investment.

In addition to the transit policy, China has previously announced unilateral visa exemptions for several destinations. Since April, Vietnamese travelers have been able to fly directly to Guilin without applying for a visa, while Xishuangbanna has also offered visa-free entry to Vietnamese tour groups.

Data released by the NIA on July 13 showed that Vietnam was China's fourth largest tourist source market in the first half of the year, surpassing traditional markets such as the U.S., Japan and Australia.

Vietnam News Today (Aug. 18): Vietnam, Cambodia Intensify Efforts to Repatriate Martyrs’ Remains

Vietnam News Today (Aug. 19): Vietnam, Czech Republic Seek to Deepen Multifaceted Cooperation