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Charge d'Affaires of Vietnam to Timor-Leste Pham Binh Dam and Timor-Leste Minister of Justice Sergio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai in Dili at the working session. Photo published by VNA

Vietnam, Timor-Leste promote cooperation in legal affairs, justice, digital transformation

Charge d'Affaires of Vietnam to Timor-Leste Pham Binh Dam recently held a working session with Timor-Leste Minister of Justice Sergio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai in Dili to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in legal affairs, judicial reform, digital transformation, and to facilitate investment and business activities of Vietnamese enterprises in the country.

During the meeting, Dam commended Timor-Leste's progress in judicial reform, improving its legal system, and enhancing state governance. He affirmed that Vietnam stands ready to share its nearly 40 years of Doi Moi (Renewal) experience, particularly in developing a market-oriented economic framework, improving legislation, carrying out administrative reform, and advancing digital transformation, cited VNA.

Vietnam is willing to support Timor-Leste through bilateral cooperation as well as mechanisms within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), he noted.

Dam noted that Timor-Leste could selectively adopt Vietnam's relevant lessons to accelerate institutional reform and strengthen its national competitiveness. He emphasised that alongside transport infrastructure, a country that wants sustainable development needs to pay special attention to "soft infrastructure," including a transparent and stable legal framework, sound institutions, and efficient administrative procedures in order to build investor confidence and support business activities.

Sergio Hornai observed that the legal systems of Vietnam and Timor-Leste share a number of similarities, particularly in addressing historical issues such as land disputes. On that basis, he proposed that the two Ministries of Justice launch a legal research program to draw on Vietnam's experience in improving its legal framework and dispute resolution mechanisms.

As Timor-Leste continues its efforts to join ASEAN, he said he hopes that Vietnam would assist in training judicial personnel and share its experience in coordination among judicial and arbitration agencies as well as in extradition and combating transnational crime.

The two sides also discussed the role of digital transformation in judicial reform and public administration modernisation. Dam shared Vietnam's experience in developing e-government, the national population database, electronic identification, and integrated data-sharing systems across state management sectors. He emphasised that digital infrastructure and shared data platforms provide a vital foundation for simplifying administrative procedures, improving transparency, and enhancing public services.

The diplomat also called on Timor-Leste to continue addressing issues related to visas and administrative procedures, improve the investment climate, and create more favorable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises, particularly Telemor, to expand telecommunications services and contribute to the development of Timor-Leste's digital infrastructure.

Sergio Hornai reaffirmed Timor-Leste's commitment to supporting the effective operation of Vietnamese businesses and to coordinating in accelerating the procedures necessary for completing the headquarters of the Embassy of Vietnam in Dili.

Both sides agreed to promptly review priority areas and develop a concrete cooperation program to be implemented through bilateral mechanisms in the coming period.

China-Vietnam ties extend beyond bilateral relations: experts

China-Vietnam relations now carry strategic significance beyond bilateral ties, experts from both countries said at a discussion titled “China-Vietnam Relations and Regional Security” in Beijing.

The discussion was held as part of the 14th World Peace Forum, jointly organized by Tsinghua University and the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, to discuss cooperation prospects and outstanding issues in Vietnam-China relations.

According to Dr. Nguyen Hung Son, President of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), it was the only country-specific discussion focusing on an ASEAN member at this year’s forum.

The event carried added significance as it came just three months after Party General Secretary and State President To Lam delivered an important speech at Tsinghua University to young people from both countries on Vietnam-China ties.

“The significance of Vietnam-China relations has gone beyond bilateral ties,” Nguyen Hung Son emphasized.

“If this relationship is managed well, it will demonstrate the effectiveness of China’s neighborhood diplomacy and have a major impact on China-ASEAN relations. The success of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future of strategic significance also carries important implications for China’s foreign policy, cited VOV.

Photo: VOV

“The same applies to Vietnam. If Vietnam manages and develops its relations with China effectively, it will demonstrate that Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance and multilateralization is effective and aligned with its development goals. Therefore, this bilateral relationship carries strategic significance for both countries,” he added.

Son also expressed hope that both nations will strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, particularly through innovative joint projects involving young people from both sides, as innovation becomes a key driver of Vietnam’s development in its new era.

Professor Li Xiangyang of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences shared a similar view, citing the joint statement signed in April 2026 on further deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and advancing the building of a Vietnam-China community with a shared future of strategic significance.

“Although China has signed 17 documents related to the concept of a shared-future community with neighboring countries, the joint statement between China and Vietnam holds special significance,” Li Xiangyang said.

“This is because the two countries not only maintain state-to-state relations but also party-to-party ties. That is a distinctive feature of this relationship.”

On economic cooperation, former Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Ho Xuan Son stated that the both nations could help address Vietnam’s trade deficit with China through various measures, including increased Chinese imports of quality Vietnamese goods and broader market access within China.

He also proposed accelerating smart border gate development and expanding cross-border economic cooperation zones, while jointly building safe and stable industrial and supply chains.

Ho Xuan Son added that both sides should step up public education and communication on history in an objective and scientific manner, expand people-to-people exchanges and media cooperation, and beef up cooperation in education, language training, cultural exchange and academic research.

He also called for closer coordination in combating fake news and misinformation that could harm bilateral relations, helping create favorable social conditions for the long-term, stable and healthy development of ties.

Meanwhile, Professor Niu Junkai, dean of the School of International Relations at Sun Yat-sen University, said he was deeply impressed by the Vietnamese people and the country’s economic progress.

“I believe Vietnamese people are among the most hardworking in Southeast Asia, similar to Singaporeans. Vietnam has tremendous economic potential,” he said.

“In my view, if Vietnam effectively implements its policies and maintains domestic stability, it could become a second the Republic of Korea (RoK) within 20 years. I am very optimistic about Vietnam.”

Professor Yan Xuetong, Secretary-General of the World Peace Forum and honorary dean of the Institute of International Relations at Tsinghua University, said stable Vietnam-China relations will generate substantial benefits.

“When China-Vietnam relations continue to improve and develop strongly, achieving new progress and outcomes, that certainty itself is extremely important,” Yan Xuetong stressed

“I call it a strategic resource, or strategic asset. Like capital, this strategic asset can generate benefits not only in economic terms but also in security, politics and people-to-people exchanges.”

Yan Xuetong expressed hope for more joint cooperation projects between institutions in both countries, including universities in Guangdong, Guangxi and Guizhou, as well as more exchange activities beyond Beijing and Hanoi. Such efforts will help create new opportunities for cooperation between the two sides, he added.

Vietnamese community in Venezuela backs rescue team on humanitarian mission

Members of the Vietnamese community and staff of Vietnam's representative agencies in Venezuela visited and encouraged the Vietnamese rescue team carrying out an international humanitarian mission in La Guaira state on July 4 (local time).​

During the meeting, held in a warm atmosphere of solidarity, representatives of the Vietnamese community and diplomatic missions inquired about the team's health and living conditions, as well as the progress of work and the challenges it has faced while supporting disaster response efforts in Venezuela. Community members also shared updates on the lives and activities of Vietnamese people living in the South American country.​

On behalf of the rescue team, Maj. Gen. Pham Van Ty, Deputy Director of the Rescue and Salvage Department under the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) and head of the rescue mission in Venezuela, expressed his gratitude for the timely support and encouragement from the Vietnamese community.​

He said the team has encountered difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions during its operations. However, all members have maintained strict discipline, a strong sense of responsibility and unwavering focus when carrying out search, rescue and disaster recovery tasks, with the determination to successfully fulfil the international humanitarian mission entrusted by the Party, State and military, according to VNA.

Vietnamese rescuers search for victims trapped beneath the rubble in Venezuela. (Photo published by VNA)

The visit also included an exchange with young members of the Vietnamese community in Venezuela. Ty stressed that the younger generation would serve as a bridge connecting the people of Vietnam and Venezuela in the future, urging them to preserve and promote Vietnam's proud traditions and the noble values embodied by the "Uncle Ho's Soldiers."​

He encouraged the young people to uphold the spirit of compassion, solidarity and mutual support, helping one another overcome challenges and build a strong Vietnamese community in Venezuela while contributing to the long-standing friendship between the two nations.

Vietnamese food wins over consumers in Hong Kong

The “Vietnam Food Fair” opened on July 4 at APITA Tai Koo Shing supermarket in China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, marking the first collaboration between APITA and UNY supermarkets, operated by Unicorn Stores Hong Kong, to bring high-quality Vietnamese agricultural produce and food products closer to local consumers.

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Consul General to Hong Kong Le Duc Hanh praised the initiative by APITA, UNY and the Vietnam Trade Office in Hong Kong to organise the fair, saying it reflects the increasingly substantive economic and trade ties between Vietnam and Hong Kong.

She noted that Hong Kong remained Vietnam's fifth-largest foreign investor in 2025. Bilateral trade also recorded remarkable growth of more than 70% during the year, with Vietnam's exports to Hong Kong surging by over 90%, making Vietnam the third-largest exporter to the market after mainland China and Taiwan (China).

According to the Consul General, Hong Kong consumers have shown strong interest in and positive feedback on Vietnamese products such as rice, coffee, durian, coconut water and processed foods. Vietnam's agriculture and food processing industries are also undergoing a strong transition towards greener and more sustainable production while meeting stringent international standards.

The event offers local consumers an opportunity to discover reputable Vietnamese brands while promoting Vietnamese culture to international friends, she said.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency, Vu Thi Thuy, Deputy Consul General and head of the Vietnam Trade Office in Hong Kong, said Vietnamese products have steadily strengthened their reputation in the Hong Kong market.

Food exports alone are now worth more than 400 million USD annually and continue to grow year after year. Vietnamese seafood, fresh produce including durian, dragon fruit, bananas and pomelos, and snack foods are particularly popular. Products such as dried rice vermicelli and dried pho noodles are widely recognised for their superior quality and frequently sell out at supermarkets.

Thuy added that although Vietnamese products have long been available at APITA and UNY, this is the first large-scale promotional campaign jointly organised by the two sides. Launching the event at the start of summer, when consumer demand is high, is expected to maximize its promotional impact and further expand the presence of Vietnamese food in the Hong Kong market, VNA reported.

A durian stall at APITA supermarket (Photo: VNA)

Beyond promoting trade, the Vietnam Food Fair also showcases Vietnamese culture. At the opening ceremony, local visitors enjoyed a traditional conical hat dance performed by young Vietnamese artists wearing “ao dai” (Vietnamese traditional long dress). A live cooking demonstration by APITA and UNY chefs, featuring fresh spring rolls with shrimp and avocado and “banh xeo” (Vietnamese savoury pancakes), also attracted considerable public interest.

The Vietnam Food Fair is being held simultaneously at APITA and UNY shopping centers until July 15. Throughout the promotion, the supermarket chain is offering special discounts on a wide range of products imported directly from Vietnam.

Maysak weakens, heavy rain raises flood and landslide risks in northern Vietnam

Tropical Storm Maysak, the first storm to enter the East Sea this year, is expected to weaken into a tropical depression by 7 p.m. on July 5, though its circulation will continue to bring strong winds at sea and heavy rain to northeastern Vietnam, raising risks of flooding and landslides.

According to Vietnam’s National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, Maysak was located over southern Guangxi in China as of 7 a.m. on July 5, with winds of 62-74 kph near its center and gusts of up to 102 kph.

The storm is moving north-northeast at 5-10 kph and is expected to weaken into a low-pressure area later in the day.

Strong winds continue to affect the northern Gulf of Tonkin, where rough seas and waves of 2-3 meters may threaten fishing boats, cargo vessels, tourist boats and aquaculture facilities.

In Quang Ninh province and other northeastern areas, strong winds could damage homes, temporary structures, trees, power lines and communication systems, cited VOV.

Maysak is forecast to weaken into a tropical depression by around 7 p.m. on July 5 before weakening into a low-pressure area.

Rainfall of 50-100 mm is forecast across northeastern Vietnam on July 5, with some areas expected to receive more than 200 mm.

Heavy rain is raising risks of urban flooding, flash floods and landslides, particularly in low-lying and mountainous areas.

Water levels on major rivers in northern Vietnam remain below warning thresholds, but flooding is possible on rivers in Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh and Lang Son from July 5 to July 6.

Residents in affected areas were urged to closely monitor weather updates and take precautionary measures.

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