Vietnam News Today (Feb. 5): Party Leader's Visit Expected to Open New Chapter in Vietnam–Cambodia Friendship

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General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam will lead a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation on a state visit to Cambodia on February 6 (Photo: VNA)

Party leader's visit expected to open new chapter in Vietnam–Cambodia friendship

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam will lead a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation on a State visit to Cambodia on February 6, which is expected to open a new chapter and further deepen and tighten the friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s correspondents ahead of the visit, Dr. Seun Sam, a policy analyst at the Royal Academy of Cambodia (RAC), described the visit as an extremely significant event that reflects the elevated level of relations between the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and the CPV, as well as between the two nations.

Notably, this is one of the very first overseas trips since General Secretary Lam was re-elected as the Party chief, underscoring Vietnam’s high priority for its relationship with Cambodia. This is fully in line with the long-standing guiding principle of “good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation and long-term sustainability” in the bilateral ties.

According to the analyst, the visit is expected to make an important contribution to enhancing mutual trust and understanding. It is anticipated to further promote cooperation in key areas such as economy and trade, infrastructure connectivity, culture, defense and border affairs, delivering practical benefits to both countries' people. At the same time, it will help strengthen coordination at regional and international levels, including within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), thereby contributing to peace, stability and sustainable development in Southeast Asia, cited VNA.

Dr. Seun Sam also highlighted the special significance of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni’s scheduled reception and meeting with General Secretary Lam during the visit. This, he said, will further deepen the warmth and elevate the value of bilateral relations, which are built on a solid foundation of historical friendship and comprehensive cooperation.

“I firmly believe that this visit will open a new chapter, further consolidating and strengthening Cambodia–Vietnam relations, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries and contributing to the process of peaceful development and shared prosperity,” he stressed.

According to a press release issued on February 2 by the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) Central Committee, the ruling party of Cambodia will host three high-level meetings this week. These include a bilateral high-level meeting between the CPP Central Committee's Standing Committee, led by its President Hun Sen, and the CPV Central Committee’s Politburo, headed by General Secretary Lam.

China backs Vietnam’s development path after Party Congress

China supports Vietnam’s development path and is confident in the leadership and policy direction set by the Communist Party of Vietnam following its 14th National Party Congress, Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping said.

The Chinese leader made the remarks while meeting Le Hoai Trung, Politburo member, Minister of Foreign Affairs and special envoy of Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on February 4.

He congratulated the Communist Party of Vietnam on the success of its 14th National Party Congress and welcomed To Lam’s re-election as General Secretary. He noted the congress had elected a new leadership and outlined sound policies that open a new stage of development for Vietnam.

He said he believes that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and General Secretary To Lam, the Vietnamese people will successfully implement the congress’s resolution, advance socialist development suited to national conditions, and achieve the country’s two centenary goals, according to VOV.

Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping of China receives Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung of Vietnam in Beijing on February 4.

China attaches great importance to its relations with Vietnam and is ready to maintain regular strategic communication with Vietnamese leaders, so as to further deepen cooperation across sectors and further promote the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and the China–Vietnam community with a shared future, he said.

Trung, for his part, conveyed Party General Secretary To Lam’s greetings and a letter of thanks to the Chinese leader for his congratulatory message to the Vietnamese Party leader. He briefed his host on the main outcomes of the 14th Party Congress, saying it reviewed four decades of renovation and set strategic directions for Vietnam’s future development.

The congress also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to national independence, socialism and an independent, self-reliant foreign policy of peace, friendship, cooperation and development.

Trung congratulated China on its major development achievements and on the Chinese leader’s policy decisions aimed at high-quality growth and scientific and technological breakthroughs, which he said have contributed to global economic growth and to maintaining international stability.

He said Vietnam regards its ties with China as a top priority and stands ready to work with China to deepen strategic communication, strengthen political, economic and social foundations, and further advance the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and the China–Vietnam community with a shared future.

On the occasion of the coming Lunar New Year, leader Xi extended his best wishes for health and prosperity to the Vietnamese Party, state and people, as well as to General Secretary To Lam.

Military Region 9 strengthens defense cooperation with Cambodia

A delegation from the Development Department under Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense, led by its Director Lt. Gen. Ouk Hoeunpisey, paid a Lunar New Year visit to officers and soldiers of the armed forces under Vietnam’s Military Region 9 on February 4.

During the meeting, Lt. Gen. Ouk Hoeunpisey reviewed key achievements in cooperation between the Cambodian Development Department and Military Region 9 in recent years, reaffirming the strong solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia. He highlighted Military Region 9’s practical support, including assistance in building facilities and working headquarters, training personnel, and providing healthcare support for Cambodian armed forces units and local communities.

The Cambodian officer also expressed interest in learning from Vietnam’s experience and effective practices in agricultural production, particularly animal husbandry and crop cultivation, as well as other operational areas. He extended New Year greetings, wishing good health, happiness and success to officers, soldiers and their families in Military Region 9, VNA reported.

Cambodian Development Department of Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense presents Lunar New Year gifts to the armed forces of Military Region 9. (Photo: VNA)

Deputy Commander of Military Region 9 Maj. Gen. Nguyen Minh Trieu expressed appreciation for the Development Department’s contributions to strengthening bilateral cooperation, helping consolidate ties between Military Region 9 and the Cambodian agency, as well as the broader friendship between the Vietnam People’s Army and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.

He affirmed that Military Region 9 remains ready to continue supporting its Cambodian partners through exchanges of experience and cooperation in applying science and technology to agriculture and other fields.

Vietnam among GE's five most important global markets: Chief Corporate Officer

Vietnam is one of the five most important markets worldwide for the US’ General Electric (GE), Chief Corporate Officer of GE Vernova Roger Romulus Martella told Acting Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung at their meeting on the sidelines of the sixth round of negotiations on a reciprocal, fair, and balanced Vietnam–US trade agreement.

At the meeting, the GE leader highly valued Vietnam’s socio-economic development achievements, viewing them as a solid foundation for further expanding cooperation towards the goal of ensuring a stable and efficient energy supply, while making practical contributions to long-term growth and the country’s energy security.

Martella noted that the US multinational conglomerate is currently supplying equipment and power-generation turbines accounting for around 36% of Vietnam’s total electricity output, demonstrating the company’s deep engagement and important role in the national power system. He also informed the Vietnamese side of GE’s plan to organise its global summit in Hanoi in March, and extended an invitation to the Minister of Industry and Trade to attend and deliver a keynote address at the event.

Hung affirmed that GE is a major partner with substantive and long-term contributions to Vietnam. He called on the company to continue working closely with the country, prioritising the accelerated delivery of equipment and turbines for ongoing projects in order to ensure the progress of key power-generation facilities.

He also urged GE to step up support for the Vietnam National Industry - Energy Group (Petrovietnam) in completing the Long Phu 1 project, and to study the possibility of establishing a hub for equipment supply, operation and maintenance of power plants in Vietnam.

Regarding the current state of Vietnam-US economic and trade cooperation, the GE leader said the group maintains close relations with the US Administration and stands ready to act as a bridge, voicing support for Vietnam in the process of reciprocal tariff negotiations.

Also on the sidelines of the negotiation round, Hung met with Juan Ignacio Rubiolo, CEO of AES Corporation, to discuss cooperation in energy investment and other issues of mutual interest in Vietnam’s power sector.

At the meeting, Rubiolo reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to long-term investment and business operations in Vietnam. The AES acknowledged and highly appreciated the ministry’s efforts to refine the policy framework for power sector development, considering this a key factor in building confidence and stability for international investors.

Hung underlined that Vietnam’s electricity demand is rising rapidly alongside economic recovery and growth. Within the national power structure, liquefied natural gas (LNG) power has been identified as an important baseload source, contributing to energy security while serving as a bridge in the transition from traditional fossil fuels to a cleaner and more sustainable energy system, cited NDO.

An overview of the meeting between Acting Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung and Chief Corporate Officer of GE Vernova Roger Romulus Martella. (Photo: VNA)

He took note of the consistent policy of the Vietnamese Government to create a favourable, transparent and stable investment environment, while requiring projects to fully comply with legal regulations and ensure a harmonious balance of interests among the State, investors and society. In this spirit, the ministry stands ready to coordinate with and support businesses within its mandate, while encouraging investors to proactively strengthen risk management capacity and arrange appropriate financing to ensure effective project implementation.

Beyond energy cooperation, the acting minister called on the AES, as a leading US energy group, to continue accompanying Vietnam and lending its voice in support of the negotiations on the bilateral reciprocal trade agreement, thereby contributing to the consolidation of the countries’ Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and promoting economic, trade and investment cooperation in a stable, fair and sustainable manner.

Regional specialties draw visitors to Vietnam Spring Fair 2026

The first Spring Fair 2026 in Hanoi is bringing together regional specialties from across Vietnam, offering visitors a chance to shop for local products while exploring the country’s diverse culinary traditions and cultural heritage.

The fair, running from February 2 to 13 at the National Exposition Centre in Hanoi, has attracted large numbers of residents from Hanoi and nearby provinces, many of whom come to look for unique local delicacies as gifts for the coming Lunar New Year (Tet), the largest holiday of the year.

Pham Thi Nga, a visitor from Hanoi’s Trung Gia commune, told VOV.VN she was impressed by the wide range of products on display.

“It feels like walking into a huge marketplace featuring specialties from all over the country. I bought chẩm chéo, a famous dipping spice from the northwest, to try for the first time,” she said.

Meanwhile, Dieu Thi Sam, founder of the Dieu Sam brand and a member of the Thai ethnic group, was proud to introduce her traditional chẩm chéo seasoning, which has been recognised as a three-star OCOP (One Commune One Product) item.

She revealed it took two years of research to improve the product’s shelf life using traditional ingredients such as mắc khén pepper, dổi seeds, chili, garlic and herbs, without preservatives.

“Previously, the paste could only be stored for a short time. Now it can be kept for three to six months under refrigeration,” Sam said.

She also introduced handmade smoked meats such as buffalo, pork and sausages, which are dried using firewood in the traditional way.

Businesses and cooperatives noted the fair offers an important platform to promote local brands and expand markets, cited VOV.

Pham Thi Nga, a consumer from Hanoi, says she is impressed by the diversity of local specialties from across the country on display at the fair

Ta Xua Ancient Tea Cooperative from Lao Cai province is showcasing hand-processed white tea, black tea and green tea pearls, with its highlight being Shan Tuyet tea grown at an altitude of about 2,800 meters.

Representative Cao Le Thi Binh Minh said the Cooperative received practical support, including free booth space, helping producers bring products to consumers at reasonable prices.

“We hope trade fairs like this will help Ta Xua tea reach more customers and improve local livelihoods,” she stated.

Tan Viet A Cooperative from Cao Bang province is presenting glass noodles, wood ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, black jelly and traditional cakes, which are popular during the Lunar New Year.

“Customers feel confident shopping at the fair. Sales at our booth have been quite good, and we expect visitor numbers to rise further in the coming days, especially as the Lunar New Year approaches,” shared Dao Thi Thuy Linh from Tan Viet A Cooperative.

Nguyen Van Bien from the Luc Ngan Green Agriculture Cooperative in Bac Ninh province said his unit has brought apples, citrus fruits, guava and processed products such as sticky rice cakes and dried mango.

“Our products meet VietGAP safety standards,” he revealed, expressing optimism about strong sales in the coming days.

The Spring Fair 2026 is seen as an important bridge connecting regional producers with consumers, while helping promote Vietnam’s local specialties to both domestic and international visitors.

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