Vietnam News Today (June 27): PM concludes WEF Tianjin 2025 engagement, working visit to China

	Vietnam News Today (Jun. 25): PM Chinh Arrives in Tianjin for World Economic Forum and Working Visit to China
	Vietnam News Today (Jun. 26): Vietnam, France’s Toulouse City Strengthen Multi-faceted Cooperation

Party General Secretary attends NA Standing Committee’s commendation ceremony

The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee held a ceremony on June 26 to award Certificates of merit to heads and deputy heads of delegations of NA deputies of provinces and centrally-run cities, who had outstanding contributions during the activities of the 15th NA.

The event was attended by Party General Secretary To Lam and NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man.

NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man, along with NA Vice Chairpersons Nguyen Khac Dinh, Nguyen Duc Hai, Tran Quang Phuong, Le Minh Hoan, and Nguyen Thi Thanh, who is Chairwoman of the Emulation and Commendation Council of the NA Standing Committee, presented the Certificates of merit to the recipients.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam concludes his working trip to China.

PM concludes WEF Tianjin 2025 engagement, working visit to China

A high-level Vietnamese delegation led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh left Shanghai on June 26 evening, concluding a three-day working visit to China, where he also attended the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Tianjin.

With 30 intensive activities over three days, the Vietnamese delegation made a strong and constructive contribution to the success of the WEF meeting. In extensive discussions with WEF leaders, heads of state, and international organisations, Prime Minister Chính shared strategic insights on the volatile global economic landscape, and presented Vietnam’s inspiring development story. He highlighted the country’s bold vision, decisive action, and major reforms based on four key policy pillars, comprising science and technology, the private sector, deep international integration, and institutional reform.

Significantly, the Prime Minister proposed five strategic "pioneering priorities" for Asia, namely maintaining peace and stability; advancing science, technology and innovation; enhancing economic connectivity and global integration; promoting entrepreneurship and business development; and strengthening cultural and social ties with a people-centred policy approach.

He also introduced two specific initiatives - the "Asian Innovation Network" and the "Asian Innovation Portal" - aimed at connecting regional research institutions and universities while supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. These initiatives were well received and seen as positive contributions toward the vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and thriving "Asian Century."

At the forum, the Prime Minister held meetings with numerous heads of state, government leaders, and business partners. Notably, during talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, the two sides reaffirmed mutual political trust, promoted substantive cooperation, and agreed to better manage differences. The talks laid the foundation for a healthy, stable, and long-term development of the Vietnam–China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, in line with shared strategic interests.

NA adopts Law on Vietnam’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations

The National Assembly (NA) on June 26 passed the Law on Participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Forces, with all 445 deputies present voting in favor, marking a 100% approval rate on June 26.

The law consists of 5 chapters and 27 articles and will take effect on January 1, 2026.

It sets out principles, position, functions, target groups, forms and areas of participation, international cooperation, the establishment and deployment of forces, resource assurance, regimes and policies, and the responsibilities of agencies, organizations, and individuals involved in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

According to the law, the United Nations peacekeeping force comprises units and individuals deployed by UN member states to participate in UN peacekeeping operations.

These operations are aimed at maintaining peace and security in countries and regions that have ceased conflict, reached a ceasefire, or signed a peace agreement to end conflict and rebuild peace. Activities are conducted under UN Security Council resolutions and are directed, managed, and supervised by the United Nations.

Vietnam’s peacekeeping force refers to units and individuals sent by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to join United Nations peacekeeping operations, showing the country’s role and responsibility in the international community as a contribution to enhancing Vietnam’s position and reputation.

The Vietnamese peacekeeping force is tasked with maintaining and safeguarding regional and global peace, carrying out the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, and development, and promoting the diversification and multilateralization of international relations in line with the Party and State’s guidelines.

The law strictly prohibits taking advantage of or abusing participation in UN peacekeeping operations to violate the law, infringe upon state interests, or violate the legitimate rights and interests of organizations and individuals. It also bans acts of bribery, inducement, coercion, or manipulation of peacekeeping personnel to commit unlawful acts.

In addition, the law bans discrimination based on gender, ethnic division, racial or national origin, belief, religion, education level, or culture in peacekeeping activities; dissemination or propaganda of false information or classified materials of the State or UN-designated confidential information; and other acts prohibited under Vietnamese law and UN regulations related to peacekeeping participation.

The headquarters of the newly formed Phan Dinh Phung ward in Thai Nguyen province.

Vietnam ready to launch two-tier local government model from July 1

Starting from July 1, 2025, the two-tier local government model comprising the provincial and communal administrative levels and eliminating the intermediate district level will be officially implemented nationwide, marking a significant milestone in Vietnam’s administrative reform and decentralisation of state management.

The National Assembly recently approved a resolution on amendments to the 2013 Constitution and passed the Law on Organisation of Local Government with high consensus, officially establishing a unified two-tier system across the country. Subsequently, the Government and the Ministry of Home Affairs issued detailed guidelines clarifying the functions, responsibilities, and organisational structure of each level.

The rollout of the two-tier government model aims to streamline the organisational structure and improve administrative efficiency at the grassroots level. The model is closely tied to three strategic objectives of rationalising administrative units, modernising the public administration system, and promoting digital transformation. These aspects must be implemented in sync to build a streamlined, transparent, and effective government that better serves the people.

Provinces like Thai Nguyen, Nghe An, Quang Tri, Quang Ninh, and Thanh Hoa began trial operations in June, simulating complete meetings of Party Committees, People's Councils, People’s Committees, and administrative centres to review procedures and ensure a smooth transition.

In Thai Nguyen’s newly formed Phan Dinh Phung ward merged from seven former wards and now home to nearly 99,000 residents, officials confirmed the local government structure is fully tested and ready for formal operation on July 1. Local Departments of Home Affairs affirm that test runs have ensured uninterrupted service delivery and governance effectiveness.

“The trial operation of the new communal-level administration is a critically important task to ensure the new apparatus operates smoothly, effectively, and efficiently from the outset, with absolutely no disruption to ongoing work,” said Nguyen Quoc Huu, director of the provincial Department of Home Affairs.

In Thanh Hoa, authorities are putting the finishing touches to the operation of the new government system, from personnel reviews and office arrangements to upgrades in information technology infrastructure. The province has completed internet connectivity to 166 commune-level units by June 20, ensuring readiness for the new model. The province has also tested information technology infrastructure in real-world simulations to validate responsiveness and transparency.

By June 30, provinces will have fully reorganised local personnel structures to ensure new governments can operate without delay from July 1. For provinces involved in administrative mergers, restructuring will be completed by August 30, with potential activation by September 1. Personnel selection follows the principle of “right people for the right roles”, with a strong focus on capacity, professionalism, and leadership accountability.

The new model is expected to cut 30% of local administrative procedures, offering faster and more convenient services for citizens and businesses.

According to Nguyen Van Thanh, a resident of Nong Cong district of Thanh Hoa province, what people expect from the new model is that the administration is closer to them, more responsive, and quicker in handling administrative procedures.

“The two-tier administrative system delivers practical benefits by staying close to the people and directly serving their needs. At the grassroots level, citizens are seeing their immediate concerns addressed swiftly and effectively. That’s why the commune-level administration plays such a vital role,” said Thanh.

On June 30, a national ceremony will be held to announce new decisions on administrative mergers, and the appointment of Party Committees, People's Councils, People's Committees, and Fatherland Front leadership for the newly established local governments.

As per Directive 170 from the Party Secretariat, there will be no celebratory events, receptions, or farewell gatherings associated with administrative restructuring to maintain discipline, save resources, and comply with regulations.

Vietnam welcomes Israel-Iran ceasefire agreement: Foreign Ministry

Vietnam welcomes the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Iran on June 24, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said at a press briefing on June 26 in Hanoi.

Hang urged all parties involved to fully respect and implement the agreement, creating a foundation for peace, stability, and development in the region and beyond.

She reaffirmed Vietnam’s support for efforts to promote dialogue and negotiations on the basis of respect for national sovereignty, in line with international law and the UN Charter, aiming toward a sustainable and lasting peace in the region.

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