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State President to attend 80th anniversary of victory over fascism in China

State President Luong Cuong will attend the 80th anniversary of the world people's victory over fascism and pay a working visit to China from September 2-4.

The working trip will be made at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping, announced the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

State President Luong Cuong (right) welcomes Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives Gerry Brownlee in Hanoi on August 29. (Photo: VNA)

State President receives New Zealand Parliament Speaker

State President Luong Cuong on August 29 received Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives (Parliament) Gerry Brownlee, who is on an official visit to Vietnam.

President Cuong welcomed Brownlee to Vietnam, noting that the trip is especially meaningful as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties (1975–2025) and Vietnam’s 80th Independence Day. He expressed his confidence that the visit will further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

The President appreciated New Zealand as a reliable partner that has actively cooperated with and supported Vietnam over the past five decades. He stressed that the upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in February 2025 opened up a new stage of cooperation, making the collaboration more comprehensive and deeper, at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

For his part, Speaker Brownlee said he was delighted to visit Vietnam at a time when the Vietnamese people are celebrating Independence Day, calling it a special occasion to witness their national pride and patriotism. He thanked Vietnam for the warm hospitality, expressed admiration for the country’s strong development over the past 80 years, and recognised Vietnam’s growing role and position at regional and international forums. He affirmed that his country wishes to further enhance its friendship with the Southeast Asian nation.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the achievements in bilateral cooperation in various fields, particularly in education, agriculture, trade, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. They agreed to soon sign an Action Programme to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for 2025-2030 with concrete measures across sectors.

They also underlined the need to strengthen political trust, increase visits and exchanges at all levels, especially high level, and foster closer defence and security cooperation. Both sides agreed to step up the sharing of information and assessments on regional and global issues.

Highlighting the importance of people-to-people exchanges, the leaders agreed to boost ties through cooperation in education, tourism, and trade. President Cuong proposed that New Zealand increase scholarships for Vietnamese students and continue to support the Vietnamese community in the country.

Speaker Brownlee affirmed that New Zealand values the contributions of the Vietnamese community and is committed to creating favourable conditions for them.

The two leaders also shared common views on regional and international issues, and agreed to continue close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, especially the UN, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and ASEAN-led mechanisms.

Police's specialized vehicles taking part in the parade at the ceremony (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam ensures absolute safety, security for the Independence Day parade

The Ministry of Public Security launched a campaign on August 29 to safeguard the grand parade and march marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and Independence Day.

Major General Nguyen Quoc Toan, Chief of the Ministry’s Office, reported that security preparations have been carried out comprehensively and harmoniously, following directives from Party and Government leaders. The security sub-committee for the celebrations has worked to guarantee absolute safety and no slightest lapse, not only at event venues but also across the country.

The ministry has rolled out multiple measures, including eight nationwide campaigns against crime and illegal migration and strengthened cyber monitoring across Hanoi and nearby provinces to prevent, detect, and neutralise any conspiracies or sabotage activities while addressing potential security complications.

According to Toan, the two rehearsals proved effective, ensuring smooth operations, with only minor challenges related to traffic pressure and public compliance, which were promptly addressed.

Deputy Minister of Public Security Senior Lieutenant General Pham The Tung laid stress on the need to put in place the highest level security measures as well as create the most favourable conditions for the public to fully enjoy and participate in the celebrations.

He ordered police units to stay vigilant, perform their duties with discipline and responsibility and dedication, contributing to the success of the celebration.

Nearly 14,000 prisoners to receive amnesty on Independence Day occasion

The Office of the President held a press conference on August 29 to announce the State President's decision on amnesty in the second phase in 2025 on the occasion of the August Revolution (August 19) and Independence Day (September 2).

Decision No. 1693/QD-CTN, signed by State President Luong Cuong August 29 and will be effective on September 1, grants amnesty to 13,920 individuals, including 13,915 serving sentences and five with sentences temporarily suspended, according to Deputy Minister of Public Security Sen. Lieut. Gen. Le Van Tuyen.

Earlier this year, over 8,000 prisoners were released on April 30 on the occasion of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification.

This is the largest number of prisoners ever granted amnesty in a single year, Tuyen said, calling it evidence of the Party and State’s humanitarian policy.

Among the beneficiaries are 66 foreign nationals from 18 countries. None are linked to corruption or negative cases under the supervision of the Central Steering Committee for Prevention and Control of Corruption and Negative Phenomena.

Vietnam has implemented 40 amnesties in 80 years. Since 2009, 11 presidential decisions have benefited nearly 100,000 prisoners.

Addressing the press conference, deputy head of the Presidential Office Can Dinh Tai said that amnesty is a constitutional institution under the 2018 Law on Amnesty, reflecting the nation’s humanitarian tradition and the Party and State’s leniency policy. It recognises prisoners' improvement and good conduct, supported by correctional facilities, authorities, families and society.

At the launch of the Viet Nam – Cuba biotechnology network in Ha Noi on August 28. (Photo: NDO)

Vietnam – Cuba biotechnology network launched

The Green Economics Institute and the Viet Nam–Cuba Intergovernmental Committee held a bilateral working session and launched the Viet Nam – Cuba biotechnology network in Ha Noi on August 28.

Speaking at the launch, Duong Thi Bich Diep, Vice President of the institute, said the network was established to connect research institutes, universities, hospitals, and enterprises of the two countries, focusing on research, training, technology transfer, production, and commercialisation of biological products. She noted that this is an important step to bring scientific and technological achievements directly into service of sustainable agriculture, health care, and people’s well-being.

She affirmed that the institute expects the network to become a core linkage hub, fostering long-term strategic cooperation projects in biotechnology, thereby making practical contributions to the socio-economic development of both nations.

Cuban Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment Déborah Rivas Saavedra stated that bilateral relations have been continuously strengthened and developed, creating a solid foundation for expanding collaboration in many areas, particularly in economy, trade, investment, and science-technology.

The head of the Cuban delegation to the Intergovernmental Committee said that the network initiative is in line with strategic cooperation orientations, helping to effectively tap the potential of biotechnology for agriculture, medicine, and public health care, and to reaffirm the shared determination to promote Viet Nam–Cuba cooperation in the coming period.

Earlier, at the Viet Nam – Cuba biomedical cooperation conference held in Viet Nam on June 28, the institute signed a framework cooperation agreement with Cuba’s LabioFAM Group and the Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB). The pact aims at joint research, development, and production of biological products in agriculture and natural medicine, laying a foundation for the implementation of long-term strategic cooperation projects in biotechnology between the two countries.

At the Vietnam–UN Joint Steering Committee's recent annual session (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, UN set strategic direction for 2027–2031

Recently, the Vietnam–UN Joint Steering Committee held its annual session to review the mobilisation and utilisation of official development assistance (ODA) during the 2022 – 2026 cooperation period and to discuss and establish the roadmap for the 2027 – 2031 strategy.

Michaela Bauer, Co-Chair of the UN Program & Management Team (PMT) and Deputy Representative of UNICEF Vietnam, noted that in 2024, the programme achieved six notable joint results of promoting just energy transitions; supporting accelerated progress on sustainable development goals (SDGs); enhancing emergency response and disaster resilience; fostering partnerships and financial catalysis; leveraging innovation; and strengthening gender equality while preventing exploitation, abuse, and sexual harassment.

Additionally, the programme advocated for the Vietnamese Government to simplify regulations on ODA management by contributing to revisions of the Public Investment Law, State Budget Law, and related sub-laws, reflecting the special nature of UN-provided technical assistance. Joint work plans and UN contributions are regularly updated and made public, including cooperation framework assessments, national analyses, and development of the new cooperation framework.

Bauer stressed that the priority for 2025 – 2026 is to support Vietnam’s 2045 goals, promote key transformational areas for SDG implementation, foster financial innovation for SDGs, and strengthen partnerships aligned with Vietnam’s administrative reform and restructuring, among other work.

Deputy Director of the Ministry of Finance’s state budget department, Dinh Xuan Ha, noted that Vietnam aims for high growth, targeting an average of 10% or more during 2026 – 2030, with dynamic, rapid, and sustainable economic development while maintaining macroeconomic balances.

In the process of developing the 2027 – 2031 cooperation framework, Shin Umezu, Head of the UN Resident Coordinator Office, stated that the plan will be divided into specific milestones, linked to broad consultations and national analysis. A multilateral workshop in September will mark the starting point of a long-term policy dialogue, ensuring that the new cooperation framework aligns with both Vietnam’s practical needs and global development trends.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, renowned for its pristine beaches (Photo: TripAdvisor)

Vietnam emerges as top alternative to Thailand for beach holidays

Vietnam has overtaken other Southeast Asian countries to become the leading alternative to Thailand for tropical beach vacations, according to a recent Bangkok Post survey.

The newspaper cited Vietnam’s stunning coastline, affordable travel costs, and rapidly improving infrastructure as key factors driving its growing appeal. Popular destinations such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Hoi An are attracting an increasing number of international visitors, positioning the country as a serious contender to Thailand in the regional tourism market.

The survey found that 26.3% of respondents selected Vietnam as their preferred destination, followed by the Philippines at 18.9%, Indonesia at 18.3%, Malaysia and Cambodia tied at 12.7%, and Singapore at 11.1%.

In the first seven months of 2025, Vietnam welcomed 12.2 million international arrivals, marking a 22.5% increase compared with the same period in 2024. By contrast, Thailand saw a 7% decline in foreign arrivals year-on-year.

Vietnam’s rising popularity is attributed to its picturesque beaches, competitive prices, enhanced infrastructure, traveler-friendly policies, and the ability to avoid crowded hotspots.

In 2024, both Thailand and Vietnam were the only Southeast Asian nations to appear on Condé Nast Traveler’s list of the world’s 20 best countries, as voted by the magazine’s readers. Thailand ranked sixth with 92.09 points, closely followed by Vietnam in seventh place with 91.91, based on evaluations of culture, attractions, cuisine, and overall experience.

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