Vietnam News Today (Feb. 11): Vietnam Values Strengthening Multifaceted Cooperation With Norway

	Vietnam News Today (Feb. 9): Vietnam’s GDP Ranks 32nd Globally, Per Capita Income Rises Sharply
	Vietnam News Today (Feb. 10): Vietnam, RoK Look to Deepen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung (right) and Norwegian Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust at their meeting on February 10. (Photo: baoquocte.vn)

Vietnam values strengthening multifaceted cooperation with Norway: FM

Vietnam attaches importance to strengthening multifaceted cooperation with Norway, as the two sides have favourable conditions to complement each other and expand mutually beneficial cooperation towards green transition and circular economy development, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung on February 10.

At a reception for Norwegian Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust, Trung suggested that the two sides step up political trust through the exchange of delegations at all levels via all channels, and promote Norway’s strengths and the two countries’ potential in areas such as investment-trade, agriculture, sustainable fisheries development, high technology, climate change adaptation, environmental protection and green growth, in order to further expand bilateral relations in a more substantive and effective manner.

The Vietnamese minister thanked Norway for its valuable support over the years, stressing that the two sides should continue effective traditional cooperation in areas such as education and training, as well as development assistance to help Vietnam enhance capacity, strengthen institutions, promote gender equality and foster socio-economic development.

Both host and guest expressed delight at the positive progress in negotiations to establish a Vietnam–Norway Green Strategic Partnership. They agreed to push forward negotiations and work towards the early signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the member states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), namely Norway, Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein, with a view to diversifying markets and delivering tangible benefits to businesses and people of both sides, cited VNA.

For his part, Aukrust spoke highly of Vietnam’s role, position and proactive foreign policy, describing Vietnam as Norway’s friend and trusted partner in the Asia-Pacific region. He noted that his visit to the country took place shortly after the successful 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, reflecting a high level of political trust and the Norwegian Government’s strong interest in promoting more substantive and comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam, and highlighting that ample room remains for expanding cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

Against the backdrop of increasing global instability and rising trade tensions, Aukrust said Norway wishes to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in areas such as trade, sustainable fisheries, green energy, the marine economy, green transition and the development of a circular economy. He also reaffirmed Norway’s readiness to continue working with Vietnam to promote multilateralism and contribute to addressing global challenges.

Exchanging views on international and regional issues, the two sides agreed to step up exchanges and coordination of positions on matters of mutual concern, and promote inter-regional cooperation, particularly within the frameworks of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations, contributing to peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

FM praises Czech Ambassador’s role in strengthening bilateral ties

Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung received Czech Ambassador Hynek Kmonicek for a farewell courtesy call in Hanoi on February 10, during which he commended the Ambassador’s contributions to advancing the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

Trung congratulated Kmonicek on the successful completion of his term of office, affirming that bilateral relations have recorded strong progress and achieved many notable results across various fields during his tenure.

Political and diplomatic ties have continued to be strengthened through high-level visits and regular exchanges. Notably, the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Strategic Partnership on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2025, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations.

Economic cooperation has also made substantial strides. Two-way trade turnover has grown impressively, more than doubling from US$848 million in 2022 to approximately US$2.3 billion in 2025. The successful operation of the Škoda automobile manufacturing plant in Vietnam was cited as a vivid example of the great potential for cooperation and the increasingly effective complementarity between the two economies.

Trung also noted the positive progress in cooperation across other important areas, including defence and security, education and training, science and technology, culture and tourism, as well as people-to-people exchanges, all of which have contributed to further enriching and strengthening the substance of the Vietnam–Czech Republic Strategic Partnership.

Vietnamese Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung (R) receives Czech Ambassador Hynek Kmonicek (Photo: MOFA)

During the meeting, the Minister outlined several key directions to further promote bilateral relations in the coming period. He expressed confidence that, with his extensive experience, deep understanding of Vietnam, and in his new capacity, Ambassador Hynek Kmonicek would continue to support and make practical contributions to further deepening, enhancing, and sustaining the Vietnam–Czech Republic Strategic Partnership.

For his part, Kmonicek expressed strong agreement with Trung’ cooperation orientations and affirmed that regardless of his future position, he would continue to make every effort to contribute to the development of bilateral relations, cited VOV.

Sharing his positive impressions of Vietnam and its people, particularly Vietnam’s socio-economic development and its increasingly important role and standing in the region and the world, the Ambassador reaffirmed that the Czech Republic always considers Vietnam a top priority partner in Asia and wishes to expand comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam across all fields in the future.

On this occasion, Trung thanked the Czech Republic for creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic to settle, integrate successfully, and make positive contributions to the friendly relations between the two countries.

Vietnamese, Cambodian localities boost border cooperation

A delegation of armed forces from Cambodia’s Mondulkiri province paid a visit to extend Lunar New Year (Tet) greetings to the Border Guard Command of Vietnam’s Lam Dong province on February 10, reinforcing cooperation in border management and protection.

Extending new year wishes to Lam Dong officers, soldiers and their families, Major General Hem Bo Na Rel, Commander of the Mondulkiri Provincial Gendarmerie, thanked the Lam Dong Border Guard for their close and effective coordination in border management and protection over recent years.

He spoke highly of the unit’s strong sense of responsibility and timely support in conducting joint patrols, sharing information, and combating cross-border crimes, contributing to building a border line of peace, friendship and sustainable development.

Colonel Nguyen Thanh Dinh, Commander of the Lam Dong Border Guard Command, affirmed that cooperation and coordination between the Lam Dong Border Guard and Mondulkiri’s armed forces have been increasingly strengthened, playing an important role in maintaining political security, social order and stability in border areas, according to VNA.

Mondulkiri's delegation presents Tet gifts to Lam Dong Border Guard Command. (Photo: VNA)

The pre-Tet visit is described as a meaningful external relations activity that helps deepen solidarity and friendship between the two sides. It is expected to further consolidate a solid foundation for effective coordination in border management and protection, and for building a Vietnam–Cambodia border of peace, stability, friendship, cooperation and development.

According to the Lam Dong Border Guard Command, the province shares more than 141 km of land border with Mondulkiri province and manages 192 km of maritime border. The border area spans 18 communes and wards and one special zone, home to 37 ethnic groups with a population of over 710,000.

Vietnam–China youth exchange reinforces people-to-people ties

A Vietnam–China youth exchange was held in Nanning, capital of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China, on February 10, bringing together around 150 young delegates from five Vietnamese localities - Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Lang Son, Tuyen Quang and Cao Bang - and Guangxi of China.

The event created a platform for young people from the two countries to exchange views, share experiences and discuss ways to strengthen youth cooperation, contributing to closer people-to-people ties and deeper mutual understanding between Vietnam and China in the new period.

Speaking at the event, Wang Weiping, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, highlighted that Vietnam and China are close neighbours with a long-standing traditional friendship. He noted that Guangxi has played a particularly important role in exchanges with Vietnam across various fields, including economic and trade cooperation, infrastructure connectivity and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Wang emphasised the role of youth and said young people are the most dynamic and creative force of society. He expressed his hope that the youth of both countries would actively contribute to bilateral cooperation in areas such as the economy, trade, culture, science and technology, and education, while continuing to explore new cooperation opportunities and expand shared development space.

Meanwhile, Xu Xiao, Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League of China, recalled that during the struggles for national independence, the two countries stood side by side, forging a close bond described as “both comrades and brothers.”

He noted that historical sites such as the Nanxishan Hospital in Guilin serve as vivid reminders of past exchanges and cooperation between the two countries. Xu expressed his hope that today’s youth would carry forward these historical bonds and contribute to writing a new chapter in Vietnam–China relations in the new era.

Xu stressed that young people of both countries should shoulder the responsibilities of the times and become a driving force in national modernization. He called on the youth to strengthen confidence in their respective development paths and to link personal aspirations with the broader goals of national development.

He also expressed his expectation that the exchange would serve as a bridge connecting the two peoples, encouraging young people to translate dialogue into practical cooperation that contributes to peace, development and long-term friendship between the two countries, cited VOV.

Wang Weiping, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Representing the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of the five Vietnamese localities, Nguyen Thi Huong Nhung, Secretary of the Cao Bang Provincial Youth Union, said that both the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Communist Party of China have consistently attached great importance to the role of youth, viewing them as a vital force in national development and a bridge connecting present and future generations.

She noted that youth work has long been regarded by both Parties as an important part of their long-term development strategies, with a focus on nurturing ideals, values, a sense of responsibility and aspirations for contribution among young people.

Nhung stressed that preserving historical traditions is not only about remembering the past, but also about transforming shared values into concrete actions that respond to the realities of today. She underlined the importance of equipping young people with new knowledge, innovative thinking and creative capacity amid rapid globalisation and advances in science and technology.

On the same day, delegates from both sides also attended a project matchmaking workshop between youth organisations of the five Vietnamese localities and Guangxi, and listened to a thematic briefing on important views regarding youth development and cooperation.

Vietnam named among top 10 retirement destinations

Vietnam was named among the world’s 10 most attractive countries for retirees for the first time, according to the 2026 ranking released by France-based information platform Retraite sans Frontières (Retirement Without Borders).

The country secured a place in the Top 10 thanks to its reasonable cost of living, steadily improving living conditions, and remarkable progress in infrastructure and healthcare.

Vietnam's debut among the world's leading retirement destinations is widely seen as a positive signal, underscoring its growing appeal to the international community as cross-border retirement is expected to continue expanding in the coming years.

The index comes amid a rising number of retirees in Europe, including France, considering long-term relocation abroad to improve their quality of life, enjoy more favourable climates, and stretch retirement income. To determine the rankings, Retraite sans Frontières assessed 12 criteria, with cost of living carrying the heaviest weight, accounting for 20 per cent of the total score.

According to founder Paul Delahoutre, living overseas can help retirees cut daily expenses by 15 to 50 per cent compared with remaining in France. Other key factors include climate, healthcare quality, safety, access to services, and transport conditions.

Vietnam was placed ninth overall, marking its first appearance in the top 10. Evaluators cited its low cost of living, diverse living environments, and healthcare and urban infrastructure that are improving at a visible pace. While living expenses remain slightly higher than in some other Asian destinations, Vietnam is viewed as offering a balanced mix of affordability, living standards, and long-term potential, reported VGP.

Foreign women in Vietnamese ao dai (long dresses) for a traditional attire parade in the Old Quarters of Ha Noi on the occasion of the 2025 Lunar New Year. Photo: VNA

In 2025, Vietnam ranked fifth among best countries for expats, buoyed by high marks for affordability and personal finance, according to the annual survey Expat Insider published by global expat network InterNations.

Vietnam topped the survey’s Personal Finance Index for the fifth year consecutively, with nearly nine in 10 respondents satisfied with the cost of living. This index measures expats' satisfaction with factors like the general cost of living, their financial situation and whether a respondent’s disposable household income is enough to lead a comfortable life.

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