Vietnam News Today (Jun. 13): Vietnam's Nha Trang City Tops Search Rankings Among Koreans
	Vietnam News Today (Jun. 13): PM Pham Minh Chinh’s Europe Trip Yields Substantive Outcomes

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse leave Stockholm for Ha Noi on June 13, successfully concluding their working trip to three European countries. Photo: VGP

Major outcomes of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visits to three European nations

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his entourage left Stockholm for Hanoi on June 13, successfully concluding tour to three European countries.

Pham attended the third United Nations Ocean Conference in France and paid official visits to Estonia and Sweden from June 5-14.

According to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, the trip was a great success, yielding important and substantive outcomes.

Firstly, political trust has been strengthened. It marks the first official visit by the Prime Minister of Vietnam to France since the two countries upgraded their relationship into a comprehensive strategic partnership in October last year.

It is also the first visit to Sweden by a Vietnamese Prime Minister in six years, and the first time a senior Vietnamese leader has visited Estonia since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992.

These milestones reflect Vietnam's strong commitment and high expectations for reaching "new and higher levels of cooperation" in its comprehensive strategic partnership with France, as well as its traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Sweden and Estonia.

Senior leaders from these countries hailed Vietnam's role and position, expressed their appreciation, and conveyed their desire to maintain the positive momentum of relations, while further strengthening and deepening ties with Vietnam.

Through these relationships, Vietnam aims to foster broader and deeper cooperation with the European Union (EU) and enhance its role as a bridge between the EU and the Indo-Pacific region.

Secondly, the trip brought a new wave of vitality to traditional cooperation frameworks.

In terms of economy, trade and investment, the leaders expressed strong determination to effectively implement and tap into the potential of bilateral cooperation, and maximize the benefits of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) in a bid to enhance the autonomy and resilience of each side and raise two-way trade turnover to levels commensurate with each country's potential.

Additionally, the two sides reached a high level of consensus on major cooperation directions in various fields, including security and defense, energy, infrastructure, education and training, culture, sports, tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and local-to-local linkages.

Thirdly, the tour helped shape new cooperation frameworks in emerging sectors where the European countries have strengths and Vietnam has growing needs.

Through this visit, Vietnam and Sweden established a strategic partnership in science, technology and innovation. Both France and Estonia affirmed their readiness to cooperate with Vietnam in digital transformation, innovation, green economy, and circular economy by sharing experiences, best practices, and technological solutions in the near future.

Fourthly, Vietnam made a significant mark by actively participating in the UNOC 3 through proactive and constructive engagement and contributions, cited VGP.

The Vietnamese Prime Minister co-chaired the Deltas of the World Summit and delivered a keynote speech on behalf of 10 ASEAN member states at the plenary session of the UNOC 3.

Vietnam was among the countries making the highest number of voluntary commitments with 15 in total on issues related to ocean governance. These commitments reflect the country's strong dedication and comprehensive actions toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Many senior leaders from other countries and international organizations expressed support for Vietnam's viewpoints and proposals, and acknowledged the nation's notable achievements in developing a sustainable maritime economy.

Finally, throughout the Prime Minister's meetings and engagements, Vietnam and its partner countries reached a shared understanding on the importance of maintaining a peaceful, secure, and stable environment in each region, as well as on the peaceful settlement of disputes based on the United Nations Charter and international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

This consensus also reflects the strong interest, support, and close cooperation of these countries with Vietnam on regional and international issues of mutual concern on the basis of upholding and respecting international law.

With a packed schedule of 84 activities, it can be affirmed that the Prime Minister's three-nation tour helped renew and deepen bilateral relations between Vietnam and these countries, serving the interests of all sides and contributing to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world at large.

Portugal–Vietnam Friendship Association launched

The Portugal–Vietnam Friendship Association has made its debut in the Portuguese city of Porto, marking a significant step in strengthening ties between the two countries.

Addressing the launching ceremony on June 13, President of the association José Pedro Vieira expressed his delight at the association’s official establishment, noting that it brings together Portuguese individuals from various professional backgrounds who share a strong affection for Vietnam.

He stated that the association aims to foster mutual understanding, connection, and cooperation between the people of Portugal and Vietnam.

Vieira highlighted that even prior to its formal creation, members of the Association had been actively involved in promoting bilateral collaboration in fields such as economics, education and training, culture, sports, and interlocal cooperation. Looking ahead, the Association plans to carry out a wide range of activities to deepen people-to-people exchanges, connect businesses, enhance university partnerships, and expand cultural and sporting ties between the two nations, according to VNA.

Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of Vietnam in Portugal Nguyen Manh Thang addresses the launching ceremony (Photo: VNA)

Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of Vietnam in Portugal Nguyen Manh Thang congratulated the association on its launch, which comes at a symbolic time as the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. He hailed the association as an important initiative that will further bolster the warm and cooperative ties between Vietnam and Portugal.

He praised the valuable contributions of the Association’s members and encouraged the group to continue promoting Vietnam’s image in Portugal, advancing bilateral cooperation in areas aligned with members’ expertise, and supporting key events organized by the Vietnamese Embassy, including community development projects in Vietnam.

The Portugal–Vietnam Friendship Association was founded by a group of Portuguese friends of Vietnam who have played an active role in enhancing bilateral relations in recent years. Notable efforts include the establishment of sister city ties between Ho Chi Minh City and Porto (July 2023), and between Dong Nai province and Nova Vila de Gaia (May 2025), as well as cooperation between the economics faculties of Vietnam National University-Hanoi and the University of Porto, alongside numerous trade, investment, cultural and sporting exchanges.

The association currently has around 50 members based in major Portuguese cities such as Lisbon, Porto, Braga and Nova Vila de Gaia, representing a variety of professions including law, academia, sports coaching, and city administration.

Hungary values comprehensive partnership with Vietnam

Senior officials of Hungary voiced their country’s support for strengthening the comprehensive partnership with Vietnam at their recent meetings with a high-level delegation of the Communist Party of Vietnam led by Politburo member and Party Central Committee Secretary Phan Dinh Trac, in Budapest.

During the visit, the Vietnamese delegation held working sessions with several senior Hungarian officials, including First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Marta Matrai, Deputy Chief Prosecutor Tibor Ibolya, secretaries of state from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Ministry for EU Affairs, as well as leaders from major Hungarian political parties such as Fidesz, the Socialist Party, and the Workers’ Party.

Both sides exchanged updates on their respective national situations, bilateral ties, and inter-party cooperation. They also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest and shared experiences on anti-corruption, judicial reform, lawmaking, local cooperation, and coordination between the Supreme People’s Procuracies of the two countries.

They agreed to work towards raising two-way trade to US$2 billion by taking full advantage of the EU - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

The Hungarian leaders emphasized that Vietnam is a trustworthy and important partner in Hungary’s Eastern Opening strategy. They affirmed their strong support for expanding cooperation in all fields, and at the same time praised the Vietnamese community in Hungary for their contributions to the country’s development. The Hungarian side pledged to further assist Vietnamese people in integrating fully into the local society.

Vietnamese Politburo member and Party Central Committee Secretary Phan Dinh Trac and Hungarian First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Marta Matrai shake hands ahead of their meeting in Budapest.

Despite different political orientations, leaders of the ruling Fidesz Party, the Socialist Party, and the Workers’ Party expressed consensus in supporting the strengthening of Vietnam - Hungary ties, including through party-to-party relations.

At these meetings, Trac, who is also head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Internal Affairs, affirmed that the Party and State of Vietnam always attach importance to the longstanding friendship and cooperative relations with Hungary.

He thanked Hungary for its valuable support provided to Vietnam during the past struggle for national liberation and in the current process of national development and international integration. He noted that bilateral relations have seen positive progress across sectors, particularly following the upgrade of the ties to a Comprehensive Partnership in 2018.

He also highlighted the substantial potential for further cooperation between the two countries toward the US$2 billion trade target in the time to come, according to VOV.

During the visit, the delegation laid a wreath at the statue of President Ho Chi Minh in Zalaegerszeg city, and held talks with local leaders.

Trac also met with officials of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Hungary. He responded to questions and concerns from overseas Vietnamese regarding citizenship issues, online Vietnamese language teaching, voting rights for Vietnamese citizens abroad, and proposals for a sister-province relationship between Nghe An province and Zalaegerszeg city.

Vietnam–Cambodia art exchange promotes cultural ties

An art exchange program between Vietnam and Cambodia was held on the evening of June 13 in the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long as part of the 2025 Cambodia Culture Week in Vietnam.

Co-hosted by the Vinh Long provincial People’s Committee and a delegation from Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the event provided a platform for Cambodian artists and local artisans to share and celebrate the traditional arts of both countries. It also aimed to strengthen the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two nations, reported VNA.

In his opening remarks, Vice Chairman of the Vinh Long People’s Committee Nguyen Van Liet highlighted the growing partnership between Vinh Long and Cambodia, particularly in education, culture, youth exchanges, and collaboration with Kampong Speu province, cited VNA.

An art performance by artists from Vinh Long (Photo: VNA)

The evening featured performances of traditional music and dance by Cambodian artists, alongside Vinh Long’s folk arts.

The event reflected a shared commitment to cultural exchanges and deeper mutual understanding.

Heatwave hits Northern and Central Vietnam, temperatures rise above 38°C

The Northern and Central regions of Vietnam are currently experiencing a widespread heatwave on June 15 - 16, with temperatures rising to 35 - 37°C or even above 38°C.

The heatwave is increasing its intensity across northern localities, including the capital city of Hanoi, sending daytime temperatures climbing to 35 - 37°C, and above 38°C with low humidity of 55 - 60%.

From June 16, the heat is expected to ease slightly due to evening thunderstorms, but temperatures will still remain high at around 34 - 35°C.

These storms may be accompanied by gusty winds, lightning, and hail, particularly in mountainous and midland northern areas.

In the central region, the heat is intense and prolonged through June 15 - 16, with similar or even higher temperatures than the North, exceeding 38°C in some areas, cited VOV.

Local residents are advised to limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Relative humidity stays low at 50 - 60%, causing a muggy, uncomfortable feeling and increasing the risks of fires, explosions, and heat-related illnesses like exhaustion or heatstroke. The hot spell in the central region is anticipated to last for several days till June 19-20.

According to meteorologists, while typhoon Wutip was active over the East Sea, it pulled in moist air and caused widespread rain, which temporarily disrupted hot weather conditions. However, after the typhoon weakened and made landfall in China, its circulation collapsed, allowing other dominant weather patterns to re-emerge and influence local weather.

The subtropical high-pressure system which typically causes hot, dry, cloudless weather expanded westward, covering Northern and Central Vietnam. The system suppressed cloud formation, leading to clearer skies, stronger solar radiation during the day and rapid temperature rise.

Local residents are advised to limit outdoor activities during peak heat hours from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM; drink plenty of water and replenish electrolytes to prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion; and minimize the use of high-powered electrical appliances for fire safety reasons.

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