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Vilavone Phanthavong, Deputy Head of the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee (R) and Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam at the event. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Laos strengthen friendship, comprehensive cooperation

The Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee's Commission for Propaganda and Training held a seminar in Vientiane on August 27 to mark the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2), underscoring the close bond between the two countries.

Addressing the seminar, Ambassador Nguyen Minh Tam highlighted the significance of Vietnam’s August Revolution in 1945, the victories in struggles against colonialism and imperialism, and achievements since the Doi Moi (Renewal) process launched in 1986. He emphasized Vietnam’s transformation into one of the most dynamic economies in the region with increasingly extensive foreign relations.

Tam stressed that the “priceless asset” of the Vietnam–Laos relationship was nurtured by Presidents Ho Chi Minh, Kaysone Phomvihane, and Souphanouvong, and has been preserved and strengthened by generations of leaders and people of both countries, cited VNA.

He highlighted the enduring tradition of solidarity between the two Parties and peoples, which has contributed to their great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.

In the context of global and regional uncertainties, Tam underlined the importance of promoting cooperation in communications and education on revolutionary traditions, as well as in economy, trade, investment, and culture, while working together to maintain peace, stability, and sustainable development.

Vietnam, Cuba boost economic, trade, and investment ties

The 42nd session of the Vietnam-Cuba Intergovernmental Committee on Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation took place from August 27 to September 2 in Hanoi.

The session focused on comprehensively reviewing cooperation results across multiple sectors under the agreements reached at the 41st session and on agreeing the cooperation agenda for 2025-2026, promoting key programs, projects, and cooperative activities, thereby contributing to reinforcing the traditional friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Cuba, according to VOV.

Delegates at the 42nd session

Both sides agreed on specific orientations and solutions to further enhance economic, trade, and investment relations, particularly in priority areas such as agriculture and food security; biotechnology, health; and energy.

The 42nd session reaffirmed the commitment of both governments to create all favorable conditions for the business communities of the two countries to cooperate, invest, and do business. Key cooperation documents will be signed, providing a solid legal basis for cooperative activities in the upcoming period.

Vietnam, Australia look to step up multifaceted cooperation

During a three-day working visit to Australia from August 25 – 27, a delegation of the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA)'s Committee for National Defense, Security, and External Affairs led by its Chairman Senior Lieutenant General Le Tan Toi made courtesy calls on President of the Senate Sue Lines and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Sharon Claydon.

The delegation also met with Australian parliamentary and government officials, including those from the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade (JSCFADT), members of parliament (MPs), deputy ministers, assistant ministers, and representatives from the Departments of Home Affairs and Defense. They also attended Q&A sessions in the Australian Senate and House of Representatives and visited the Vietnamese Embassy in the country.

At the meetings, Australian parliamentary leaders and MPs warmly welcomed the Vietnamese delegation, saying they are the first foreign guests to visit and engage with the 48th Australian Parliament. They highlighted the visit as a significant step in strengthening the Vietnam - Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The hosts affirmed that Vietnam - Australia relations are at their strongest stage since the upgrade to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marked by high political and strategic trust.

In his response, Toi conveyed congratulations from Vietnamese NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man and NA Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thanh to the Australian Parliament and people on the successful organisation of the 48th parliamentary elections, congratulated Sue Lines on her re-election as President of the Senate and Milton Dick as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

He reaffirmed that Australia is one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, and Vietnam attaches importance to and stands ready to strengthen and deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

Lines stated that Vietnam is always in her heart, expressing her continued support for advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Meanwhile, Claydon, who is also Chairperson of the Australia - Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians' Group, congratulated Vietnam on its 80th National Day, affirming that Vietnam is one of the favorite destinations for Australian visitors.

The two sides expressed satisfaction with the strong development of the Vietnam – Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, showing their desire to maintain regular all-level exchanges to strengthen political trust and boost cooperation across various sectors. They also hoped to further increase two-way trade and exchange experiences on legislation and policy-making, and regional and international issues of mutual concern, cited VNA.

A view of the meeting between Vietnamese National Assembly (NA)'s Committee for National Defence, Security, and External Affairs and Australia's Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) (Photo: VNA)

Toi called on the Australian side to continue supporting the training of UN peacekeeping forces of Vietnam; strengthen cooperation in crime prevention; promote bilateral trade; consider continuing to provide scholarships for Vietnamese students and expand educational and training collaboration; boost people-to-people exchanges; and create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Australia to live, study, and work in accordance with local laws, reported VNA.

The Australian government aimed to enhance cooperation with Vietnam in investment and trade, specifically by facilitating the entry of timber and cotton products into the Vietnamese market. They also agreed to explore the possibility of continuing to provide scholarships for Vietnamese students to study in Australia across various fields.

Representatives of the Australian Departments of Home Affairs and Defense affirmed their readiness to expand cooperation with Vietnamese partners under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and support Vietnam in enhancing law enforcement and security capabilities in combating crime, cyber and technology security, maritime security, and information sharing.

MP Matt Thistlethwaite, Assistant Minister for Immigration, and Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, affirmed that Australia will facilitate visa issuance for Vietnamese citizens for work in agriculture, study, and tourism, consider Vietnam’s request for transit visas through Australia to New Zealand and continue prioritising official development assistance (ODA) support for Vietnam.

Tourism in Hanoi surges with over 21.58 million visitors in eight months

Over 21.58 million visitors came to the capital between January and August, a 13.9% increase year-on-year, as tourism was buoyed by celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2).

The Hanoi Department of Tourism reported that foreign arrivals reached 4.96 million, a sharp 25.8% increase compared with the corresponding period in 2024. Meanwhile, the city attracted 16.62 million domestic visitors during the reviewed period, representing a year-on-year rise of 10.7%, reported VOV.

Visitors flock to Hanoi for 80th National Day celebrations.

Thanks to the growing number of tourists, Hanoi’s tourism revenue was estimated at over VND85 trillion during the period, up 17.1% year-on-year.

In August alone, Hanoi welcomed 3.18 million tourists, a 27.5% increase compared with the same month last year. Of these, more than 709,220 were international visitors, up 42.6% year-on-year, contributing to tourism revenue of over VND12.54 trillion, a 31.5% increase.

Dang Huong Giang, director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, said the city will continue to introduce new tourism products to attract visitors, including the Hanoi Beverage Festival, the Hanoi Autumn Festival, and the Hanoi Tourism Ao Dai Festival.

The capital will also send delegations to participate in international events such as the International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC), the Tourism Trade Exhibition (ITB India), and the IFTM Top Resa travel fair in France to promote Vietnam’s scenic beauty and cultural attractions to the world.

Tropical depression emerges in East Sea, may intensify in coming days

Only a day after Typhoon Kajiki weakened, a new tropical depression has formed over the East Sea. According to Vietnam’s National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF), this new system is expected to move toward the Paracel Islands over the next 24 to 48 hours, bringing high waves and rough seas across several maritime regions.

As of 10:00 a.m. on August 27, the low-pressure system in the eastern part of the northern East Sea had intensified into a tropical depression. The center of the depression was located at approximately 17.7°N latitude and 119.0°E longitude.

Maximum sustained winds near the center reached Level 6 (39–49 km/h or 24–30 mph), with gusts at Level 8. The system is currently moving west-southwest at a speed of 10–15 km/h.

Southwesterly winds at Huyen Tran station (Ho Chi Minh City) were recorded at Level 6, with gusts reaching Level 9. At Truong Sa station (Khanh Hoa Province), gusts reached Level 7.

Over the next 24 hours, the depression is expected to maintain its west-southwestward track at 15–20 km/h and possibly strengthen. By 10:00 a.m. on August 28, its center will be about 410 km east of the Paracel Islands, with winds at Level 6–7 and gusts at Level 9.

During the subsequent 24 hours, the system is forecasted to move westward at around 15 km/h. By 10:00 a.m. on August 29, the center will be over waters near the Paracel Islands, with sustained winds at Level 7 and gusts at Level 9.

From 48 to 72 hours onward, the tropical depression is expected to continue its westward movement at a speed of 10–15 km/h.

Meteorologists are also forecasting strong winds and rainfall over the next 24 hours. Coastal waters from Lam Dong to Ho Chi Minh City, along with the central and southern East Sea (including the Spratly Islands), will experience southwesterly winds at Level 6, with gusts at Level 7–8. Seas will be rough, with waves between 2 to 3.5 meters. The eastern part of the northern East Sea will see winds at Level 6–7, gusting to Level 9, and waves reaching 2 to 4 meters.

Additionally, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected on August 27 across the Gulf of Tonkin, coastal waters from southern Quang Tri to Ca Mau, Ca Mau to An Giang, the Gulf of Thailand, and all areas of the East Sea including the Paracel and Spratly Islands.

Thunderstorms may bring waterspouts, strong gusts at Level 6–7, and waves exceeding 2 meters in height, reported VNN.

Path of the tropical depression as of the morning of August 27. Source: NCHMF

Further warnings have been issued for August 28. Maritime areas from Lam Dong to Ho Chi Minh City, the central East Sea, and the northern region of the southern East Sea (including northern Spratly Islands) will experience strong southwesterly winds at Level 6, with gusts at Level 7–8, and wave heights between 2 to 3.5 meters. The northern East Sea (including the Paracel Islands) is forecast to experience winds at Level 6–7, gusting up to Level 9, with waves reaching 2 to 4 meters and strong sea turbulence.

The meteorological agency has raised the maritime natural disaster risk level to Level 2 for most areas, and Level 3 specifically for the eastern region of the northern East Sea. All vessels operating in these regions are at high risk from waterspouts, strong winds, and large waves.

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