Prime Minister Le Minh Hung (R) and Vanhxay Phongsavanh, Politburo member, Chairman of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee's Inspection Commission, President of the Lao State Inspection Authority, and Head of the Central Anti-Corruption Commission of Laos, in Hanoi on August 25, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Prime Minister commends close cooperation between Vietnamese, Lao inspection agencies

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung spoke highly of the close and regular cooperation between Vietnamese and Lao agencies responsible for inspection, auditing and anti-corruption while hosting Vanhxay Phongsavanh, Politburo member, Chairman of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee's Inspection Commission, President of the Lao State Inspection Authority, and Head of the Central Anti-Corruption Commission of Laos, in Hanoi on August 25.

PM Hung affirmed that Vietnam always attaches the highest importance and priority to consolidating and developing the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two countries.

He expressed his appreciation for the positive results in Vietnam-Lao relations in recent years, particularly the close coordination between the two governments, which has helped accelerate the implementation of bilateral cooperation projects. Political ties have continued to be strengthened, with political trust becoming increasingly profound, while defense and security, economic, trade, investment, education and training, culture and people-to-people exchanges have received due attention and been promoted.

The two sides have maintained regular high-level visits and contacts as well as cooperation mechanisms, creating an important foundation for effectively implementing agreements reached by their senior leaders, cited VNA.

As the two countries pursue new development goals, PM Hung stressed the need to further improve the effectiveness and efficiency of national governance, build a clean and strong state apparatus that operates effectively and efficiently, strengthen discipline and order, and step up the fight against corruption, waste and other negative phenomena.

He noted that these areas are also of importance to building a law-governed state and promoting sustainable socio-economic development in each country.

The PM called on inspection, auditing and anti-corruption agencies of the two sides to effectively implement existing cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding; enhance exchanges of experience in inspection and auditing, citizen reception, handling complaints and denunciations, and the prevention and control of corruption, waste and negative phenomena; and pay greater attention to personnel training, professional exchanges and sharing experience in institutional improvement and enhancing the effectiveness of inspection and supervision.

He urged relevant agencies of the two countries to proactively review and update areas of cooperation in line with practical requirements; strengthen coordination in detecting and handling cases involving cross-border elements, particularly in areas vulnerable to corruption and other negative phenomena; and step up the application of information technology and digital transformation in inspection and auditing to improve transparency and the effectiveness of state management.

PM Hung also asked the LPRP Central Committee's Inspection Commission and the Lao State Inspection Authority to continue working closely with their Vietnamese counterparts in implementing cooperation tasks agreed upon by the senior leaders of the two Parties and States, thereby making practical contributions to consolidating the special Vietnam-Lao relationship.

For his part, Vanhxay, who is Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee, expressed his hope that the governments of the two countries, particularly the Vietnamese Government and PM Hung, would continue to provide attention and favorable conditions for inspection and auditing agencies of the two countries to strengthen cooperation and effectively implement signed agreements.

Vietnam, France boost defense cooperation across multiple areas

Politburo Member, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang received outgoing French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet in Hanoi on August 25.

Congratulating Olivier Brochet on successfully completing his tenure in Vietnam, Giang spoke highly of his contributions to bilateral relations in general and defense cooperation in particular.

He noted that the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in October 2024 had created favorable conditions for the two countries to further enhance collaboration across various areas, including defense.

He affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to cooperation with France, an important member of the European Union (EU) and Vietnam’s first comprehensive strategic partner within the EU. Bilateral relations have made effective progress in a wide range of areas, including economy and trade, science and technology, education and training, culture and tourism, as well as defense and security.

Defense cooperation has received attention from both sides and delivered practical results in areas including delegation exchanges, dialogue and consultations, training, military medicine, United Nations peacekeeping operations and defense industry, he said.

Politburo Member, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang (R) and outgoing French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet in Hanoi on August 25, 2026. (Photo: chinhphu.vn)

On the occasion, Giang thanked France for sending peacekeeping experts to provide technical assistance to the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations under the Ministry of National Defense (MND), and for facilitating the deployment of Vietnamese officers to the European Union Training Mission in the Central African Republic.

Expressing his wish for stronger Vietnam-France defense cooperation in the coming period, he affirmed that the MND stands ready to work with the French Ministry for the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs to effectively implement signed cooperation mechanisms and agreements, particularly in areas with significant potential, including training, military medicine, UN peacekeeping, defense industry, cooperation in searching for missing and unaccounted-for military personnel, and the exchange of war memorabilia, according to VNA.

Thanking leaders of the MND as well as agencies and units of the Vietnam People’s Army for their support and effective coordination throughout his tenure in Vietnam, Olivier Brochet expressed his pleasure at witnessing the positive outcomes achieved in Vietnam-France relations in general and between the two countries’ defense ministries in particular.

He expressed his hope that bilateral defense cooperation would continue to grow in an increasingly substantive manner, with a focus on UN peacekeeping, military medicine, training and defense industry.

Vietnam and Singapore advance technology and talent cooperation

Vietnam and Singapore will make human resource development and technology connectivity key areas of cooperation, with the first strategic dialogue between their ruling parties producing a joint statement aimed at moving cooperation toward joint research, development and greater technological self-reliance.

The agreement came at the first Singapore-Vietnam Strategic Dialogue in Singapore on August 25, co-chaired by Politburo member and Standing Member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Secretariat Tran Cam Tu and Singapore’s People’s Action Party Assistant Secretary-General Chan Chun Sing.

Held under the theme “Towards a Resilient Future: Elevating Singapore- Vietnam Partnership for Technology and Capacity Building to New Heights,” the dialogue focused on areas directly linked to the development needs and competitiveness of both countries.

Tu praised the close coordination and preparations by both sides, saying that holding the inaugural dialogue soon after the mechanism was established demonstrated the two parties’ strong political commitment to putting the new cooperation mechanism into substantive operation and contributing to the implementation of the major directions of the Vietnam-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

He described the choice of human-resource development and technology connectivity as “right and relevant”, as both are strategically important to the competitiveness, resilience and long-term development of the two countries.

Chan agreed with the guest’s views and welcomed the fact that the two parties had moved quickly to put the strategic dialogue mechanism into operation through concrete cooperation plans. He highlighted exchanges on governance, human-resource development, science and technology and innovation, as well as the potential to better connect the complementary strengths of the two countries.

Human resources as a pillar of cooperation

The two sides agreed to make human resource development and official training an important pillar of cooperation between the two parties, aiming to develop officials with strategic thinking, modern governance capabilities and the ability to formulate and implement policies effectively.

Training cooperation is to be developed in a long-term and systematic manner, with links among different programmes, close alignment with practical requirements and greater attention to future officials and leaders at various levels.

Tu called for stronger exchanges on building a modern public administration, effective national governance, policymaking and implementation, and identifying, training and making effective use of talent. He also proposed stronger exchanges among promising young leaders and broader cooperation among mass organisations, youth groups and localities, helping strengthen the social foundation of bilateral ties.

From the Vietnamese side, Politburo member and head of the Party Central Committee’s Organisation Commission Nguyen Duy Ngoc said Vietnam has identified science and technology, innovation and digital transformation as top strategic breakthroughs, while people remain the decisive factor in achieving success.

Vietnam, he said, hopes Singapore will continue to accompany and share experience in meeting the development needs of both sides.

Politburo member and Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics Doan Minh Huan noted that investment in governance capacity and public policy capacity is an investment in sustainable development and greater strategic autonomy. Cooperation between the Academy and Singaporean partners in training and human resource development already has a substantive foundation, he said, expressing the hope that the two sides would build a more long-term and systematic framework involving research, theoretical exchanges and knowledge-sharing.

Singaporean officials also highlighted the importance of human-resource development. Minister of Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan said Singapore has learned from many countries, including Vietnam, during its development process and expressed the hope that the two parties would continue to play a leading role in promoting comprehensive links between the two countries, particularly in science and technology and education and training.

Minister of State for Defence Desmond Choo shared Singapore’s experience in developing human resources in line with economic requirements, strengthening state sector capacity and preparing workers to adapt to rapid technological change.

From technology transfer to joint development

Technology connectivity formed the second major focus of the dialogue, as Vietnam and Singapore look to create new drivers of growth and strengthen their respective technological capabilities.

Examining issues on science and technology connectivity, Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan highlighted that Vietnam is shifting its growth model toward greater reliance on science and technology, innovation and digital transformation, moving from receiving and applying technology toward improving, mastering and co-creating it.

This requires stronger links among the State, businesses, research institutions and universities, he said. The State should concentrate on creating an enabling institutional framework, sharing risks and facilitating the development of new technologies and products, while businesses should play an important role in bringing technology to the market.

Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo shared the country’s experience in building innovation ecosystems, linking research with businesses and markets, and developing technology talent. She agreed on the need to foster links between the innovation ecosystems of the two countries and promote connections among government agencies, research institutions, universities and businesses, cited VOV.

Politburo member and Standing Member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Secretariat Tran Cam Tu (standing) and Singapore’s People’s Action Party Assistant Secretary-General Chan Chun Sing co-chair the first Singapore-Vietnam Strategic Dialogue in Singapore on August 25.

From a broader policy perspective, Politburo member and head of the Central Policy and Strategy Commission Nguyen Thanh Nghi said the Politburo’s Resolution 19 on renewing the development model has set out an overall direction toward a resilient, innovative, humane, sustainable and integrated development model.

The approach places people at the centre and identifies science and technology, innovation, digital transformation and artificial intelligence as key drivers, he said, adding that the concept of building a “common development space” was appropriate for the new phase of Vietnam-Singapore cooperation.

Tu called for effective implementation of the Vietnam-Singapore Joint Statement on the Technology Connectivity Strategy to be adopted at the dialogue, with a focus on identifying solutions and mechanisms to soon agree on and implement a 2026-2030 technology connectivity strategy.

The new cooperation model, he noted, should bring together the State, the scientific community and businesses, with the goal going beyond investment attraction and technology transfer toward joint research, joint development, gradually mastering technology together and creating new products and value.

Turning the new mechanism into practical cooperation

The dialogue also covered strategic thinking, governance capacity, policymaking, digital and green transformation and sustainable development, linking human-resource development closely with the development and mastery of science and technology.

Le Hoai Trung, Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, emphasised the importance and practical significance of the strategic dialogue between the two parties, particularly amid complex developments in the region and the world.

As the coordinating agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will work closely with relevant Party and State agencies to effectively implement the dialogue’s important conclusions, he said.

The two sides agreed that the new dialogue mechanism should help transform shared views and development experience into practical cooperation, while strengthening their ability to adapt to new challenges and seek new drivers of development.

At the dialogue, the two sides adopted the conclusions of the first Singapore-Vietnam Strategic Dialogue and issued the Vietnam-Singapore Joint Statement on the Technology Connectivity Strategy.

The inaugural dialogue marks a new development in relations between the Communist Party of Vietnam and Singapore’s People’s Action Party, providing an additional channel for political exchanges and deeper policy consultations.

Vietnamese culture promoted at National Day celebration in Sri Lanka

The Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka held a ceremony in Colombo on August 24 to mark the 81st anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2), showcasing Vietnamese culture through traditional costumes, handicrafts, tea and cuisine.

The function was attended by Sri Lankan ministers, political party leaders, representatives of government agencies and businesses from both countries, as well as members of the Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam highlighted Vietnam’s achievements over 81 years since independence, including progress in economic development, social welfare and the country’s growing international standing.

She also highlighted recent developments in Vietnam-Sri Lanka relations, particularly Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam’s state visit to Sri Lanka in May 2026, which marked the upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership, reported VOV.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam and Sri Lankan Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara at a flag-raising ceremony marking Vietnam’s National Day in Colombo on August 24.

The opening of direct air routes between Ho Chi Minh City and Colombo by Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air from August 16 is also expected to boost people-to-people exchanges, tourism and economic cooperation.

Culture as a bridge between the two peoples

The celebration featured a strong cultural component, giving Sri Lankan and international guests an opportunity to experience different aspects of Vietnamese cultural heritage.

A highlight was a fashion presentation combining the traditional Vietnamese dress Áo dài and conical hat with traditional Sri Lankan costumes, showcasing similarities and connections between the two cultures.

Guests also watched Vietnamese artisan Dang Dinh Thuong demonstrate tò he, the traditional art of making colourful figurines from glutinous rice flour.

Vietnamese tea culture was also introduced through a demonstration of the delicate art of lotus tea preparation, led by tea expert Lam Dieu Linh.

The event also featured a selection of Vietnamese cuisine, allowing guests to explore flavours associated with the country’s diverse culinary traditions.

Together, the activities offered a more personal introduction to Vietnam, bringing cultural heritage and everyday traditions closer to international audiences.

Strengthening ties through people-to-people exchanges

Sri Lankan Minister of Justice and National Integration Harshana Nanayakkara congratulated Vietnam on its National Day and expressed appreciation for the long-standing friendship between the two countries.

He reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across a range of areas and helping deepen the newly established Comprehensive Partnership.

Meanwhile, the Vietnamese ambassador also praised the Vietnamese community in Sri Lanka for its contribution to friendship and people-to-people exchanges, particularly through activities promoting Vietnamese culture, cuisine and the Vietnamese language.

For Vietnamese nationals living and working in Sri Lanka, the National Day celebration was also an opportunity to reconnect with their homeland and share its cultural traditions with the wider community.

By bringing Vietnamese traditions, cuisine and craftsmanship to the heart of the National Day celebration, the celebration offered more than a commemorative occasion. It also showed how culture can serve as a bridge between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, strengthening people-to-people ties as the two countries enter a new phase of partnership.

Typhoon Narra moves away from Vietnam, changes course again

Typhoon Narra is moving away and weakening, bringing a sharp drop in rainfall across northern Vietnam. Floodwaters are also receding on many rivers, although some in Bac Ninh remain at the highest warning level.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, at 7 a.m. on Aug. 25, the center of Typhoon Narra, the fourth storm to affect Vietnam this year, was located at around 19.4 degrees north latitude and 108.0 degrees east longitude, over waters south-southeast of the Bach Long Vi special zone.

Maximum sustained winds near the storm’s center were at Level 8, or 62-74 kph, with gusts reaching Level 10. The typhoon was moving south-southeast at 5-10 kph.

Over the next 24 hours, Narra is forecast to move slowly before turning east-northeast, continuing farther offshore and weakening.

By 7 a.m. on Aug. 26, the storm’s center is forecast to be over the eastern Gulf of Tonkin, around 210 km east-northeast of Bach Long Vi. Its strength is expected to remain at Level 8, with gusts at Level 10.

Over the following 24 hours, the storm is expected to change direction again, moving north-northeast at a faster speed of around 10 kph. It is forecast to gradually weaken into a tropical depression and then a low-pressure area over Guangxi, China, with winds below Level 6.

Under the influence of Typhoon Narra, the Gulf of Tonkin, including Bach Long Vi, is experiencing winds of Level 6-7, rising to Level 8 near the storm’s center, with gusts at Level 10. Waves are 2-4 meters high, with rough seas, VNN reported.

Forecast map showing Typhoon Narra’s projected track and intensity at 8 a.m. on Aug. 25, 2026. Source: NCHMF

Vessels operating in the affected waters could face thunderstorms, tornadoes, strong winds and high waves.

Rainfall drops sharply across northern Vietnam

The weather agency said rainfall across northern Vietnam had decreased significantly as Narra moved farther offshore. Most areas in Lang Son, Thai Nguyen and Bac Ninh were no longer seeing rain.

Some locations were still recording rainfall of 40-70 mm, mainly in the northwestern region and the coastal provinces of Thanh Hoa, Nghe An and Ha Tinh.

Most of northern Vietnam is expected to see little or no rain on Aug. 25. Coastal areas from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh are forecast to receive 20-40 mm, with isolated rainfall exceeding 80 mm.

Floodwaters recede on many rivers

In Lang Son and Thai Nguyen, river levels are falling. The Cau River in Thai Nguyen has dropped below Level 1, the lowest of Vietnam’s three flood warning levels.

In Bac Ninh, the Cau, Thuong and Luc Nam rivers remain at Level 3, the highest warning level, although water levels are forecast to continue falling during the day.

On the Buoi River in Thanh Hoa, the water level at Kim Tan peaked at 11.7 meters on the morning of Aug. 25, 0.3 meters below Level 3, before beginning to fall slowly.

On the Hoang Long River in Ninh Binh, the water level at Ben De is forecast to fall to 3.1 meters during the day, 0.1 meters above Level 1.

In Nghe An, flooding on rivers in upstream areas is currently at Level 1 and is forecast to continue rising while remaining below Level 2. Flood developments will also depend on water releases from reservoirs.

Overall, Typhoon Narra is weakening and moving farther offshore, while rainfall has fallen sharply across northern Vietnam. However, some areas still face a risk of flooding as river levels remain high.

According to Hanoi’s Sub-Department of Irrigation and Disaster Prevention and Control, water levels on several rivers across the capital remained high as of 5 a.m. on Aug. 25.

The Cau River at Luong Phuc station was 0.52 meters above Level 3. The Tich River was 0.22 meters above Level 3 at Kim Quan station and 0.1 meters above it at Vinh Phuc station. The Bui River at Yen Duyet station was 0.03 meters above Level 3, while the Ca Lo River at Manh Tan station was 0.97 meters above Level 2 and close to Level 3.

Water levels on the Da, Red and Duong rivers remained well below Level 1.

Water levels at several irrigation reservoirs, including Dong Mo, Quan Son, Tan Xa, Xuan Khanh, Ban Tien and Keo Ca, have reached their spillway thresholds. Dong Mo reservoir is currently releasing water through four spillway gates, while Quan Son is overflowing naturally.

According to the Vietnam News Agency, Hanoi’s Civil Defense Command issued Flood Alert No. 19/L-BCH on the evening of Aug. 24. At 6:40 p.m. that day, the Tich River at Kim Quan reached 8.42 meters, 0.02 meters above the Level 3 warning threshold.

The city issued a Level 3 flood alert for the Tich River and instructed local authorities, relevant agencies and response forces to strictly implement measures required for the warning level.

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