Vietnam News Today (Mar. 14): NA Chairman Calls on Voters to Wisely Choose Deputies Representing People's Will, Aspirations

	Vietnam News Today (Mar. 11): Vietnam and China Defense Ministers to Meet at Border Exchange
	Vietnam News Today (Mar. 13): Preparations For Polling Day Completed on Schedule

Chairman of the National Assembly and Chairman of the National Election Council (NEC) Tran Thanh Man (Photo: VNA)

NA Chairman calls on voters to wisely choose deputies representing people's will, aspirations

In an interview granted to the Viet Nam News Agency ahead of the election day on March 15, the top legislator highlighted major preparations, new features of the election process, and his message to voters nationwide.

The NA leader described the vote as a major political event for the country, providing an opportunity for voters nationwide to exercise their right to choose exemplary and capable representatives who will truly reflect the will and aspirations of the people in the state’s decision-making bodies. Therefore, for the election to be successful, careful preparation on all fronts is required, alongside active participation from the entire political system, he noted.

He said preparations for the election have been carried out proactively, comprehensively and in strict accordance with legal regulations, ensuring all necessary conditions for the polls to take place safely, democratically and lawfully. The entire political system, from central to local levels, has coordinated closely to guarantee the success of the election.

According to the top legislator, the Politburo issued Directive No. 46-CT/TW in May 2025 to lead the election process, followed by further guidance to ensure thorough preparations. Relevant agencies have issued a full set of legal documents and operational guidelines, while localities have completed training, infrastructure preparation and security arrangements.

Candidate selection - the most critical stage of the process - has been conducted in an open, democratic and transparent manner, ensuring continuity and renovation. Following the third consultative conference, the NEC officially announced a list of 864 candidates for the 16th National Assembly across 182 constituencies nationwide.

For People’s Councils at all levels, the official lists include 4,223 candidates for provincial-level councils and 121,242 for commune-level councils, ensuring broad representation of social groups, sectors and regions. As General Secretary To Lam emphasised, while striving to elect a sufficient number of deputies, priority must be given to their quality.

Voter registration has also been carried out seriously in accordance with regulations, with more than 78 million voters nationwide eligible to cast their ballots. A notable highlight is the transition from manual voter list manangement to digital management systems, helping shorten processing time, improve accuracy and reduce administrative workload at grassroots levels.

Inspection, supervision and complaint settlement have been implemented systematically to guarantee fairness and transparency. At the same time, information and communication work has been intensified through diverse media platforms, helping voters better understand their rights and responsibilities.

Security and safety measures have also been deployed nationwide, including the protection of information technology systems and cyberspace, to ensure the election take place safely and smoothly.

Regarding new features of this election, NA Chairman Man said it is the first held under revised Law on Election of Deputies to the National Assembly and People’s Councils. Key changes include an earlier election date - two months earlier than the previous ones, requiring more streamlined but strictly managed procedures.

The organisation of polling areas and election bodies has also been adjusted to align with the new two-tier local administration model, enhancing coordination and accountability among authorities and relevant organisations.

Another notable reform is the expansion of campaigning methods, allowing voter meetings to be conducted both in person and online, thereby improving accessibility and transparency while ensuring compliance with legal regulations.

Digital transformation has become a major highlight of the election process, with information technology applied in voter list management, election dissemination, progress reporting, vote counting support and result aggregation. Voter data is now managed through the national population database, while citizens can use the VNeID application to check polling locations and personal information.

As the election day approaches, the NA Chairman urged voters nationwide to actively participate in, fulfil their civic duties and carefully select deputies with integrity, competence and credibility who can genuinely represent the people.

Expressing confidence in the patriotic spirit, unity and responsibility of voters, he said the election would be successfully organised and truly become a nationwide festival of democracy.

PM Pham Minh Chinh welcomes Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Urawadee Sriphiromaya in Hanoi on March 13. (Photo: VNA)

PM Pham Minh Chinh receives Thai Ambassador to Vietnam

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Ambassador of Thailand to Vietnam Urawadee Sriphiromaya in Hanoi on March 13 to discuss measures for promoting the two countries' Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as well as cooperation in ensuring energy security for both sides.

The PM stressed that 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Thailand (1976–2026), noting the two sides are actively coordinating to develop and implement an action plan for implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the 2026–2030 period.

On the occasion, he conveyed an invitation from Party General Secretary To Lam to the King and Queen of Thailand to pay an official visit to Vietnam at a suitable time.

The Government leader highlighted that Thailand is one of Vietnam’s leading trade partners in ASEAN, proposing the two countries continue efforts to soon raise bilateral trade to 25 billion USD in a more balanced and sustainable manner. This could be achieved through facilitating market access, further opening markets for each other’s goods, and limiting the application of trade barriers.

He underscored the vast potential for bilateral cooperation as well as their complementary advantages, suggesting the expansion of collaboration to new areas such as science – technology, digital transformation, the digital economy, innovation, and start-up connectivity.

He also recommended promoting ties in green and sustainable growth, circular economy development, clean energy, and just energy transition, along with strengthening cooperation in culture, sports, tourism, education and people-to-people exchanges to enhance cohesion and friendship. Meaningful activities should also be held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026.

Regarding the complex developments in the Middle East, PM Chinh reiterated Vietnam’s consistent stance of settling disputes through peaceful means. He welcomed the special ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting on the Middle East situation on March 13, calling on the member states to continue upholding solidarity to generate strength, enhancing cooperation for mutual benefit, and promoting dialogue to reinforce trust.

On energy security, the host leader shared concerns over the importance of ensuring aviation fuel supplies for civil aviation, transport, tourism, and trade in the region. He therefore proposed that Thailand consider facilitating stable fuel supply for Vietnam’s civil aviation sector, thus contributing to socio-economic stability and development, as well as bilateral trade and tourism.

Agreeing with the PM’s proposals, the Thai Ambassador affirmed the need for the two countries to support each other amid global challenges.

She noted that although Thailand is also facing difficulties in securing adequate domestic energy supplies, it will continue contributing to joint efforts, particularly within ASEAN, to maintain regional energy stability.

Expressing her honour to serve as Thailand’s Ambassador to Vietnam, which she described as her second home, Sriphiromaya thanked the PM, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Vietnamese ministries and agencies for their support, pledging to work hard to further develop the two countries' Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a substantive and effective manner.

The special ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting on the Middle East situation is held online on March 13. (Photo: Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Vietnamese embassies in Middle East ready to assist ASEAN citizens: FM

Vietnamese embassies in the Middle East remain open and ready to assist citizens of ASEAN countries in cases of difficulty or emergency, Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung said at the special ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting on the Middle East situation, held online on the afternoon of March 13.

Addressing the meeting, Trung shared the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s common position on the conflict in the Middle East, opposing the use of force and underscoring the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, adherence to international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter, peaceful settlement of differences, and the obligation of all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.

He also commended ASEAN’s timely consultations, joint position building, and emergency meetings to discuss coordination measures.

Amid the conflict’s serious and far-reaching impacts on the Middle East, Trung stressed the importance of unity and solidarity, calling on the bloc to further strengthen cohesion, promote a culture of dialogue, resolve differences peacefully, and uphold international law, the UN Charter, as well as the principles and norms set out in the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

At international forums, including the UN, ASEAN should enhance coordination, maintain a unified stance, and uphold international law and multilateralism, he said.

On the economic front, the Vietnamese minister emphasised resilience and sustainability as key factors. The bloc should effectively implement the agreed commitments and measures, deepen intra-regional economic integration, strengthen infrastructure connectivity, and ensure energy security, including accelerating major cooperative projects such as the ASEAN Power Grid and the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline, while considering and staying ready to activate emergency support mechanisms under the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement.

He stressed that bloc member states should prioritise maintaining energy supplies for one another, particularly oil and gas, and make effective use of cooperation agreements with partners, including Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, to diversify energy sources.

Regarding consular protection, Trung called on ASEAN countries to continue close coordination and mutual support for one another's citizens.

During the discussion, the participating ministers continued to voice deep concern over the escalating conflict, which has had wide-ranging repercussions for the global economy, particularly by destabilising energy markets and disrupting key maritime routes and supply chains, thereby adversely affecting ASEAN’s economic prospects and community-building efforts.

They agreed that the bloc should make full use of the existing cooperation mechanisms, including the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement, the ASEAN Power Grid and the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline, while strengthening partnerships to diversify supply sources and reinforce logistics chains.

The ministers also stressed the need for ASEAN to further bolster solidarity and cooperation, prioritising intra-bloc trade and investment, safeguarding energy and food security, and coordinating efforts to maintain macroeconomic stability.

They further agreed that ASEAN countries will continue to coordinate closely and stand ready to assist one another’s citizens in emergencies or crises in the Middle East, in accordance with the agreed rules and procedures.

The officials also concurred on enhancing coordination across economic and socio-cultural channels to adopt a general and cross-sectoral approach to emerging challenges.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Philippines, ASEAN Chair for this year, issued a chairman’s statement summarising the discussions and key outcomes.

Vietnam - China cooperation steering committee to convene in Hanoi

The 17th meeting of the Vietnam – China Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation and the first ministerial-level strategic dialogue on foreign affairs, national defence and public security between the two countries are scheduled to take place in Hanoi from March 15 to 17, 2026.

The events are being organised in implementation of the common perceptions reached by the leaders of the two countries' Parties and States, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced.

Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh (L), Permanent Representative of the State President to the Permanent Council of La Francophonie, and Administrator of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) Caroline St-Hilaire at theri meeting in Paris on March 12. (Photo published by VNA)

OIF Administrator praises Vietnam’s role, contributions

Administrator of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) Caroline St-Hilaire has commended Vietnam’s role, standing and significant contributions, expressing her hope that the country would continue supporting the organisation’s common objectives.

St-Hilaire made the remarks during a meeting with Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Permanent Representative of the State President to the Permanent Council of La Francophonie, in Paris on March 12.

Van Anh affirmed that Vietnam treasures cooperation with the OIF, and remains an active and responsible member of the organisation.

The ambassador also voiced a desire to strengthen ties, noting that OIF Secretary-General Louise Mushikiwabo's recent visit to the country from March 5 - 7 had made an important contribution to deepening bilateral cooperation.

At the meeting, both sides agreed to work closely to implement the outcomes of the OIF Administrator’s visit to Vietnam in 2025 and, in particular, the Secretary-General’s latest trip.

They discussed cooperation in French-language education in the Southeast Asian country, ways to encourage young people to choose French, and the development of French-speaking human resources, including language training for civil servants and for Vietnamese military and police personnel participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

The two sides also exchanged views on promoting economic cooperation between Vietnam and Francophone countries, digital transformation, sustainable tourism, strengthening Francophone solidarity in electoral activities within multilateral mechanisms, and enhancing economic autonomy and the role of women.

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City listed among Asia’s 50 best cities by Time Out

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have been named among Asia’s 50 best cities for 2026 in a ranking compiled by Time Out, a UK-based travel and lifestyle magazine.

According to the magazine, the ranking is based on surveys of more than 24,000 residents across 150 cities on food, nightlife, culture, affordability, happiness and overall quality of life, combined with votes from over 100 Time Out city experts.

Created with Intrepid Travel, the ranking highlights cities that are both great to visit and to live in, focusing on everyday urban experiences. This year, 11 Asian cities made the global top 50, including four in the top 10.

The capital city of Hanoi ranked 25th in the list. Often described as a blend of old and new, Hanoi still leans toward its historic charm while undergoing rapid transformation. Time Out revealed that a new opera house with a mother-of-pearl dome is rising on West Lake, set to open in 2027, while construction has begun on the 135,000-seat Trong Dong (Bronze Drum) Stadium, expected to be the world’s largest football venue.

The city, the magazine noted, is also evolving, with a new generation of Vietnamese-led bars such as Workshop14, The Haflington and Nê Cocktail Bar gaining recognition in Asia’s 50 Best.

Hanoi received favourable ratings from locals across multiple categories, with 62% saying it is cheap to eat out and 80% saying grabbing a coffee is affordable. In addition, 73% recommended the city’s food scene, 67 % rated its nightlife highly and 72% said it is easy to make friends there.

Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City stood 38th on the list. The southern metropolis’ restless energy is fuelling a new wave of creativity in 2026.

Time Out stressed that the city was named Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Creative City of Cinema, while the Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival is set to return after its debut drew 280,000 visitors.

“In the culinary scene, young chefs are also making their mark, with CieL and Coco Dining earning Michelin stars, while new concepts such as the plant-based, zero-waste restaurant Tales by Chapter and Med - Vietnam’s first dedicated non-alcoholic bar - reflect a fresh, locally driven dining culture”, it concluded.

Ho Chi Minh City also scored highly for food and nightlife, with 75% of locals praising its food scene and 70% rating nightlife positively. The city also recorded a 75% overall happiness score, with the same proportion saying it is easy to make friends.

Rounding off the list of top 50 were Melbourne of Australia, Shanghai of China, Edinburgh of Scotland, London of the UK, New York of the US, Cape Town of South Africa, Mexico City, Bangkok of Thailand, Seoul of the Republic of Korea, and Tokyo of Japan.

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