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Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia leaders outline new cooperation orientations

Leaders of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) on February 6 agreed on major orientations to deepen cooperation in the new period, aiming to further consolidate political trust and advance comprehensive trilateral ties.

The fourth trilateral meeting, co-chaired by CPV Party General Secretary To Lam, CPP President Hun Sen and LPRP General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith, also attended by the Prime Ministers of the three countries, the Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, and the President of the National Assembly of Cambodia.

In a spirit of friendship, frankness, and mutual trust, the three Party leaders affirmed that the meeting took place at a significant time when the CPV and the LPRP had just successfully held their Party Congresses, while the CPP is actively implementing its Political Platform for the 2023–2028 period. This provides an important foundation for the three Parties to enhance strategic exchanges, further consolidate political trust, and agree on major orientations for cooperation among the three Parties and countries in the new development stage.

Speaking at the meeting, General Secretary To Lam shared updates on Vietnam’s situation and the important, strategic outcomes of the CPV’s 14th National Congress. He emphasised that the Congress reaffirmed Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of external relations, attaching great importance to relations with neighbouring countries and the special traditional relationship with Laos and Cambodia, and proactively contributing to peace, stability, and cooperation in the region and the world.

He affirmed that Vietnam consistently regards the consolidation and development of the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation among Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos as a top priority.

From left to right: Communist Party of Vietnam Party (CPV) General Secretary To Lam, Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) President Hun Sen and Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith, ahead of their fourth trilateral meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on February 6. (Photo: VOV)

CPP President Hun Sen and LPRP General Secretary Thongloun Sisoulith thanked General Secretary To Lam for the briefing on Vietnam’s achievements, especially the success of the CPV’s 14th National Congress. They highly valued the CPV’s comprehensive renewal policy, strategic vision, and leadership capacity, and expressed confidence that Vietnam would record many new achievements in implementing the Resolution of the 14th Party Congress, striving to become a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030, and a developed socialist country with high income by 2045.

Reviewing cooperation over the past year, the three leaders agreed that trilateral cooperation has continued to yield positive and substantive results. Political and diplomatic ties remain the core pillar, providing overall orientation for cooperation. Defene and security cooperation continues to serve as an important pillar, with the successful organisation of the annual meeting of the three Defense Ministers and the joint search-and-rescue exercise in Laos.

Cooperation in economy, trade, and investment saw encouraging progress, with Vietnam posting GDP growth of 8.02%, Cambodia an estimated 6.3% and Laos around 4.2%. People-to-people exchanges, sub-national cooperation and communications promoting the three countries’ friendship and solidarity were stepped up. Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia also successfully co-hosted the 2025 Youth Festival in Quang Ngai province.

Amid complex, fast-changing, and unpredictable global and regional developments, the three Party leaders agreed to further strengthen solidarity, maintain regular consultations, and enhance close coordination to safeguard each country’s legitimate interests and preserve a peaceful and stable environment for development.

The three sides agreed to maintain regular trilateral cooperation mechanisms; adhere to the principle of not allowing any individual or organisation to use the territory of one country to harm the security of another; and strengthen coordination in border management and protection as well as in combating transnational crimes.

On economic cooperation, the three sides agreed to further deepen economic linkages in a substantive, effective, and sustainable manner; create breakthroughs in infrastructure connectivity and participation in supply chains; and encourage and facilitate enterprises of the three countries to expand investment in innovation, digital transformation, renewable energy, high-tech agriculture, processing and manufacturing, green development, and tourism.

The leaders reaffirmed the importance of strengthening long-term cooperation in education and training, viewing it as a bridge connecting younger generations and contributing to fostering mutual understanding, trust, and enduring friendship among the peoples of the three countries.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the three leaders agreed that the fifth meeting of the leaders of the three parties will be held in Laos in 2027.

Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong (R) and Indonesian Ambassador Adam Mulaw Warman Tugio shake hands ahead of their meeting in Hanoi on February 6. (Photo: VOV)

Vietnam looks to boost ties with Indonesia, Philippines

State President Luong Cuong on February 6 held separate meetings with the newly appointed ambassadors of Indonesia and the Philippines, calling for closer cooperation in trade, investment and regional affairs as Vietnam moves to deepen ties with key Southeast Asian partners.

Welcoming Indonesian Ambassador Adam Mulawarman Tugio, President Cuong expressed his pleasure at the strong development of the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Indonesia, particularly following the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the recent celebration of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations on December 30, 2025.

He noted that the long-standing friendship between the two countries was founded by President Ho Chi Minh and President Sukarno and has been nurtured by successive generations of leaders and people. He reaffirmed that Vietnam always values Indonesia’s valuable support in the past and considers Indonesia a leading priority in its foreign policy.

Ambassador Adam Mulawarman Tugio congratulated Vietnam on the success of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, which set out strategic orientations toward the country’s centenary goals.

He said the traditional friendship serves as a solid foundation for further advancing bilateral cooperation, especially after the two countries upgraded their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Party General Secretary To Lam’s visit to Indonesia last year.

The ambassador welcomed Vietnamese enterprises’ effective investment and business activities in Indonesia, and expressed his hope that the two sides would further promote cooperation in areas of shared strengths, particularly electric vehicle battery manufacturing, semiconductors, halal food production and tourism development.

Agreeing with the ambassador’s views, President Cuong said that bilateral trade, estimated at around US$17 billion in 2025, is encouraging and could be raised to US$18 billion in the near future, given the strong political trust and complementary potential between the two economies.

He proposed that both sides step up high-level and all-level exchanges, finalise the Action Programme for 2026–2030 to concretise the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and enhance cooperation in defence and security, agriculture, science and technology, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

The State President also called for closer coordination to strengthen ASEAN unity and centrality, and mutual support at regional and international forums, including ASEAN, the United Nations, APEC, ASEM and BRICS.

Receiving Philippine Ambassador Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III, State President Luong Cuong welcomed him to take up his post in Vietnam and expressed confidence that, with his experience, the ambassador would serve as an effective bridge to elevate the Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the Philippines to new heights.

He highlighted that both countries are proactive and responsible ASEAN members, share many common concerns and strategic interests, and have seen their friendship and cooperation grow steadily, with increasing political trust and substantive collaboration across multiple fields.

The State President noted the strong growth in bilateral trade in recent years, positive defence and security cooperation, and deepening exchanges in culture, tourism, education and training, as well as people-to-people ties, while emphasising that significant potential for further cooperation remains.

He underscored that 2026 will be a particularly important year, marking the 50th anniversary of Vietnam–Philippines diplomatic relations and the year when the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship, while Vietnam begins implementing the resolution of the 14th National Party Congress. This, he said, provides a timely opportunity for the two countries to study the elevation of bilateral relations to a higher level.

The State President reiterated his invitation to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to visit Vietnam and attend the ASEAN Future Forum 2026, demonstrating the Philippines’ commitment, as ASEAN Chair, to promoting unity and ASEAN centrality.

He suggested that both sides intensify exchanges through all channels, effectively utilise bilateral cooperation mechanisms, strengthen economic connectivity, facilitate trade in potential and competitive products, and strive to bring two-way trade to US$10 billion.

Appreciating the close coordination between the two countries at regional and international forums, the State President affirmed Vietnam’s support for the Philippines in successfully fulfilling its role as ASEAN Chair in 2026.

Ambassador Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III pledged to work actively to advance bilateral cooperation, particularly during the milestone year of 2026. He said the Philippines looks forward to Vietnam’s active contributions to the ASEAN agenda, helping ensure a successful chairmanship and stronger intra-bloc cooperation.

The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ)'s Managing Director Thorsten Schäfer-Gümbel speaks at the working session with the Vietnamese-German University. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Germany step up collaboration on energy transition, green hydrogen

A high-level delegation from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), led by its Managing Director Thorsten Schäfer-Gümbel, paid a working visit to the Vietnamese-German University (VGU) on February 4 to advance Vietnam–Germany cooperation in sustainable development, energy transition and green hydrogen.

During the visit, the delegation toured VGU’s automation and water technology laboratories and met with its representatives, students and members of the business community. A key highlight is the Green Hydrogen Hub Vietnam, which was inaugurated in October 2025 on the university campus.

The hub has been developed under a public–private partnership model within the H2Uppp programme, an initiative to promote international hydrogen cooperation implemented by GIZ with funding from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.

Professor René Thiele, President of the Vietnamese-German University, said sustainability is one of the institution’s core values, integrated across teaching, research and operations. As a provider of high-quality human resources for the energy and green growth sectors, VGU has been identified as an important academic partner in scientific, technological and innovation cooperation between Vietnam and Germany.

The Green Hydrogen Hub Vietnam aims to support the development of a green hydrogen economy through three main pillars: linking businesses with technology transfer, providing training and capacity building for the workforce, and demonstrating and testing advanced green hydrogen technologies. It is expected to serve as a nucleus for shaping a national hydrogen ecosystem and supporting Vietnam’s sustainable energy transition.

Speaking at the working session, Schäfer-Gümbel praised the strong commitment of Vietnamese partners to sustainable energy goals. He noted that the long-standing development cooperation between Germany and Vietnam is evolving, with energy transition emerging as a strategic area of collaboration in addressing global challenges.

According to Schäfer-Gümbel, green hydrogen plays a crucial role in achieving climate neutrality and reducing industrial carbon emissions. For a fast-growing economy such as Vietnam, it offers an opportunity to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.

He stressed that international cooperation in green hydrogen is essential, requiring coordinated efforts in policy, technology, finance and innovation, with a focus on concrete and feasible projects.

The GIZ leader also suggested that the Green Hydrogen Hub Vietnam could act as a catalyst by connecting stakeholders, identifying priority applications and supporting the development of future hydrogen projects. While immediate results may not be expected, the hub will provide a space for learning, collaboration and innovation, gradually scaling up sustainable energy solutions.

Schäfer-Gümbel added that GIZ will focus on creating favourable conditions and policy frameworks for green hydrogen development, including strategic planning, capacity building, and strengthening confidence among state regulators and private investors. He also welcomed the active participation of German and Vietnamese businesses across the renewable energy value chain, from electrolysis technology to industrial applications and system integration.

Export cargo ships at Tan Vu port, Hai Phong city (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam posts 39% surge in trade turnover in January

Vietnam’s total import-export turnover reached 88.16 billion USD in January , up 39% year-on-year, the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF) reported on February 6.

Exports rose 29.7% compared to the same period last year to 43.19 billion USD, while imports surged 49.2% to 44.97 billion USD, resulting in a trade deficit of 1.78 billion USD.

Of total exports, the domestic sector earned 9.51 billion USD, while the foreign-invested sector, including crude oil, accounted for 33.68 billion USD.

Nine export items recorded turnover of over 1 billion USD in the month, making up 72.4% of total exports. Processed industrial goods led Vietnam’s exports with 38.43 billion USD, accounting for 89% of the total, followed by agro-forestry products at 3.65 billion USD (8.5%), seafood at 1.01 billion USD (2.3%), and fuels and minerals at 0.1 billion USD (0.2%).

The US remained the largest importer of Vietnamese goods with a turnover of 13.9 billion USD, while China was its biggest import market, recording 19 billion USD.

During the reviewed period, Vietnam recorded a trade surplus of 12 billion USD with the US, 3.9 billion USD with the EU, year-on-year increases of 28.6%, and 3.9%, respectively. Meanwhile, the surplus with Japan stood at 0.2 billion USD, down 59.9%. Meanwhile, trade deficits expanded to 12.7 billion USD with China (up 52.1%), 3.4 billion USD with the Republic of Korea (up 74.9%), and 1.3 billion USD with ASEAN (up 92.2%).

To boost exports, NSO Director General Nguyen Thi Huong suggested the Government effectively implement export promotion measures, step up trade promotion, diversify supply chains, production networks and export-import markets in tandem with improving product quality, and deepen Vietnam’s participation in regional and global supply chains.

She also underscored the need to effectively leverage existing free trade agreements, expand exports to major markets, and tap new and potential destinations such as the Middle East, Halal markets, Latin America and Africa, with a view to achieving sustainable trade surpluses. At the same time, she stressed the importance of tracking recovery trends and promoting bilateral and multilateral trade agreements to diversify export markets.

The State should step up information provision and support for businesses to meet market standards, handle trade remedy cases, access capital, and apply high technologies to improve product quality, value and export capacity, she added.

The South Gate of the Ho Dynasty Citadel. (Photo: VNA)

Visitors to enjoy free entry to Ho Dynasty Citadel, Lam Kinh relic site during Tet holiday

The Management Board of the Ho Dynasty Citadel World Heritage Site and key historical relics in the northern province of Thanh Hoa has announced that it will offer free admission to the Ho Dynasty Citadel World Heritage Site and the Lam Kinh Special National Relic, alongside a range of cultural and artistic activities for local residents and visitors during the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday.

Under the plan, visitors will enjoy free entry to the Ho Citadel World Heritage Site from February 12 to 17, 2026 (from the 25th day of the 12th lunar month to the first day of the Year of the Horse). Meanwhile, free entry to the Lam Kinh Special National Relic will be available from February 16 to 19, 2026 (from the 29th day of the 12th lunar month to the third day of the Year of the Horse).

Nguyen Van Long, deputy director of the management board, said preparations are under way to decorate the sites with festival flags, banners, spring flowers and themed check-in spaces recreating both traditional and contemporary Lunar New Year settings. These efforts aim to create a warm and festive atmosphere at the heritage sites during the early days of the new year.

At the Ho Dynasty Citadel, highlights will include a photo exhibition entitled “Ho Dynasty Citadel – Outstanding Universal Value”, a spring flower and bonsai display themed “Spring Flowers of the Ancient Capital”, and a recreated traditional Tet space under the theme “Old Tet at the Ancient Citadel”. A series of heritage education programmes and traditional cultural experience activities will also be held.

Visitors to the Ho Dynasty Citadel will also be able to take part in ceremonial and cultural events such as the erection of the New Year bamboo pole (neu tree), the ritual release of carps for the Kitchen Gods within the royal precinct, calligraphy festivals offering auspicious characters for the New Year, and spring-themed art performances staged by local cultural clubs. Notably, all guided commentary services at the Ho Dynasty Citadel will be provided free of charge during this period, along with access to themed exhibitions, cultural spaces and heritage routes highlighting the site’s outstanding values and the historical land of Tay Do.

At the Lam Kinh Special National Relic, activities will include photo exhibitions showcasing its historical and cultural significance, a spring calligraphy festival, the opening ceremony at the temple dedicated to King Le Thai To on the fourth day of the first lunar month, and the Spring Festival at the temple of Prince Le Lai on the eighth day of the Lunar New Year.

The decision to offer free admission to both the Ho Dynasty Citadel World Heritage Site and the Lam Kinh relic site not only enables residents and visitors to enjoy spring outings and pay homage, but also helps promote the distinctive historical and cultural values of Thanh Hoa province during Vietnam’s traditional Lunar New Year.

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