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Deputy FM Le Thi Thu Hang receives Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Norway, Vietnam discuss ways to boost all-around cooperation

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang hosted a reception in Hanoi on January 8 for Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken to exchange views on directions and measures to bolster bilateral cooperation ahead of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1971-2026).

At the meeting, Le expressed pleasure at seeing Ambassador Solbakken again and affirmed that Vietnam consistently values the development of its traditional friendship and all-around cooperation with Norway. More than half a century after the establishment of diplomatic ties on November 25, 1971, bilateral cooperation has recorded notable progress in a multitude of fields.

Le spoke highly of the ambassador’s efforts and those of the Norwegian Embassy in promoting bilateral relations in recent years, and agreed that the two sides should make full use of their respective strengths and needs, paving the way for cooperation in green transition, the circular economy and climate change response.

To further deepen political and diplomatic ties, the Deputy FM proposed stepping up delegation exchanges and high-level contacts across Party, State and people-to-people channels, cited VOV.

Looking toward the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Norway (November 25, 1971-November 25, 2026), she suggested that both sides coordinate a range of substantive activities to further enhance friendship, mutual understanding and effective cooperation, including cultural and culinary promotion events, business forums and thematic seminars in major cities of both countries.

On economic cooperation, Le called on Norway, in its role as coordinator within the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, to help move negotiations toward an early conclusion of a Vietnam-EFTA Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on the basis of balanced interests.

She also encouraged Norwegian investment funds and companies to increase investment in Vietnam and continue supporting the implementation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Ambassador Solbakken welcomed the positive assessments, directions and cooperation measures put forward by the Deputy FM, affirming that Vietnam holds an important role and position in the region and that Norway desires to expand cooperation and further elevate bilateral relations.

The ambassador showed interest in early organization of the 10th Deputy FM-level Political Consultation in Oslo and in signing a visa exemption agreement for diplomatic passport holders to facilitate exchanges between the two countries.

She also proposed closer coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the ASEAN-Norway framework, to address global challenges and make use of cooperation opportunities in green transition and sustainable development.

She also proposed closer coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the ASEAN–Norway framework, to deal with global challenges and identify practical avenues for cooperation in green transition and sustainable development.

Solbakken voiced confidence that negotiations on the Vietnam-EFTA FTA could make progress this year, contributing to bilateral and inter-regional trade and investment. She added that Norway has drawn up plans and will work closely with Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant ministries, sectors and localities to launch activities marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026.

Vietnam maintains fine traditional relations with Venezuela: Spokeswoman

Vietnam has maintained fine traditional relations with Venezuela and wants to continue promoting cooperation in line with the Comprehensive Partnership framework between the two countries, Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said on January 8.

Hang made the statement at the ministry’s regular press briefing while replying to a reporter's question on whether recent developments in Venezuela have affected bilateral cooperation.

Also at the briefing, responding to a question about US President Donald Trump’s announcement on January 7 to withdraw from 66 international organisations and UN agencies, Hang reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent support for multilateralism. She emphasized that Vietnam highly evaluates the role of multilateral institutions, especially the United Nations, in promoting global governance and tackling shared challenges based on the UN Charter and international law.

Vietnam hopes that countries will continue to uphold multilateralism and make active contributions to building and strengthening multilateral institutions and international law for the sake of peace, stability, cooperation and sustainable development worldwide, the spokeswoman said, affirming that in this spirit, Vietnam stands ready to participate in and contribute actively, within its capacity, to global and regional multilateral mechanisms, reported VNA.

Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang speaks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' regular press briefing. (Photo: VNA)

Responding to a query from a representative of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Vietnam regarding Vietnam’s views on developments in the Middle East related to the situation in Yemen, as well as measures taken by Saudi Arabia and the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council concerning Yemen’s security and sovereignty, Hang said that Vietnam is paying attention to and keeping a close watch on the situation in Yemen.

Hang urged all sides to show restraint, avoid actions that might worsen the situation, and refrain from using or threatening to use force. She emphasized the importance of increasing dialogue and fostering conditions that could lead to a political solution for Yemen, in line with international law and the UN Charter, helping to promote peace, stability, cooperation, and development both in the region and the world.

Chinese scholar praises Vietnam’s proactive and balanced foreign policy

As Vietnam’s role and standing in the region and in the international arena continue to gain recognition, the country’s foreign policy in recent years has been assessed as proactive, substantive and delivering concrete results.

The assessment was made by Professor Chu Zhenming, Honorary Director of the South Asia-Southeast Asia Research Institute under the Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences (China), in a recent media interview in Beijing ahead of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

According to Chu Zhenming, Vietnam’s external activities have become increasingly dynamic in recent years, with both the frequency and depth of exchanges and contacts with countries and international organizations steadily increasing. Since 2015, and particularly in the more recent period, Vietnam has markedly stepped up high-level visits and contacts while broadening bilateral and multilateral cooperation frameworks, underscoring the senior leadership’s proactive role in consolidating and expanding external ties.

From a regional perspective, Vietnam has clearly defined its foreign-policy priorities with neighboring countries, sustaining and steadily developing relations with Laos, Cambodia and China. At the same time, the country has maintained a flexible and balanced stance in its relations with major powers. At present, both China and the United States are comprehensive strategic partners of Vietnam. Chu noted that this not only brings practical benefits in economic, political and security terms, but also helps raise Vietnam’s position and role within a regional landscape undergoing major change.

Within the framework of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Vietnam’s standing has become increasingly evident. Alongside active participation in ASEAN cooperation mechanisms, the country has put forward a growing number of proposals and initiatives on regional issues. Vietnamese views and recommendations at ASEAN meetings have attracted broader consensus and positive assessments from member states, reflecting Vietnam’s increasingly prominent role in the Southeast Asian community.

On the global front, Vietnam’s relations with countries and international organizations continue to expand. The country has been elected to a number of important United Nations bodies, including the UN Human Rights Council. Chu said these roles show international recognition of Vietnam’s efforts and achievements in socio-economic development, as well as in safeguarding and advancing human rights, according to VOV.

Professor Chu Zhenming, Honorary Director of the South Asia-Southeast Asia Research Institute under the Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences (Photo: VNA)

Notably, Vietnam’s continued broad support at the UN Human Rights Council is seen as a meaningful achievement, helping counter arguments that portray the country as lacking democracy or failing to ensure human rights. Endorsement from a majority of countries points to a more pragmatic, objective and balanced international assessment of Vietnam’s human rights situation.

The Chinese scholar affirmed that Vietnam’s external activities in recent years have delivered a range of positive and noteworthy outcomes. The country has consistently pursued an independent and self-reliant foreign policy, diversified and multilateralized international relations, and pursued proactive, comprehensive and deep international integration. This orientation is in line with the spirit of successive Party congresses and contributes to shaping a favorable international environment for national development along a socialist path.

Vietnam potentially becomes Southeast Asia’s third-largest economy: Nikkei Asia

Vietnam is on track to overtake Thailand in economic size measured by nominal GDP as soon as this year, helped by a major state-led infrastructure investment push that is accelerating growth, noted Nikkei Asia in a recent article.

The country's GDP growth accelerated to 8.02 percent in 2025, the second-highest rate in the 2011–2025 period, driven mainly by momentum from services and industrial production, the National Statistics Office reported.

With this figure, Vietnam becomes the fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia and in the world. This is a hard-won achievement amid continued global volatility, particularly trade tensions and the U.S. reciprocal tax policy.

In 2025, the nation's GDP at current prices is projected to reach US$514 billion, up US$38 billion compared to the previous year. GDP per capita is estimated at US$5,026, an increase of US$326 from 2024 (US$4,700), pushing Vietnam into the upper-middle-income country group.

In 2026, Vietnam targets to achieve an ambitious GDP growth goal of at least 10 percent, GDP per capita of US$5,400–5,500, VGP reported.

Photo: VGP

According to Nikkei Asia, if growth accelerates as planned, Vietnam's nominal GDP could reach the mid-US$500 billion range in 2026 or 2027, overtaking Thailand and potentially becoming Southeast Asia's third-largest economy after Indonesia. GDP per head would also rise above US$5,000, approaching Indonesia's level.

The main driver is nationwide infrastructure development. Public investment plans for 2026 are expected to increase by about 26 percent, which could lift economic growth by 1.6 percentage points, according to Can Van Luc, chief economist at the state-owned Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV).

This is reflected in projects such as a new airport near Ho Chi Minh City due to open in 2026, while a China-backed rail project in the north has already begun construction.

Even so, legal reforms and cutting red tape are still seen as crucial to sustaining investment in the next phase. Can Van Luc said more than 2,000 investment projects remain held up by unresolved issues.

Sa Pa listed fastest-growing destination in Asia: Agoda

The digital travel platform Agoda on January 6 reported that Sa Pa was the fastest-growing destination in Asia in 2025, reflecting the rising level of interest among international visitors in Vietnam’s culturally rich highland town.

According to the platform, Sapa, known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich ethnic culture and vibrant highland markets, continued to attract travellers seeking authentic and immersive experiences beyond major urban centres.

Based on Agoda’s comparison of accommodation bookings between January-November last year and the same period in 2024, Sapa climbed 15 places in the rankings of Asia’s top 100 destinations, making it the fastest-growing destination in the region.

Built in 1895, the stone church has been carefully restored and preserved in its original state, and remains an iconic symbol of the misty town of Sa Pa. (Photo: VNA)

Agoda noted that Sapa is particularly appealing early in the year, with crisp highland weather and seasonal blooms set against dramatic mountain scenery. In addition to natural landscapes, the platform said visitors can enjoy a range of signature experiences, from Ta Van village, with its tranquil, misty valleys, to the lively Bac Ha market, where ethnic communities gather to trade and socialise. Travellers can also take the Muong Hoa train, a two-kilometer journey through Muong Hoa valley offering panoramic views of the region.

The digital travel platform also suggested that February to May is another favourable period to visit, when spring flowers are in bloom, making Sapa an attractive option for New Year and Lunar New Year (Tet) holidays.

Rounding out the top five destinations in Asia showing the strongest growth in international travel interest were Okayama (Japan), Bandung (Indonesia), Matsuyama (Japan), and Takamatsu (Japan).

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