Vietnam News Today (May 26): Vietnam Attends ASEAN Meetings for Promoting Regional Cooperation
	Vietnam News Today (May 27): Vietnam Treasures Multifaceted Collaboration with France

At the working breakfast (Photo: VNA)

France ready to accompany Vietnam in energy transition: French President

Talking with Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha during a working breakfast in Hanoi on May 27, French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed France’s support for Vietnam through a 500 million EUR concessional loan, specifically earmarked for projects under the JETP framework.

France stays ready to support and accompany Vietnam in delivering on its key commitments in sustainable development, environmental protection, carbon emission reduction, and energy transition through cooperation mechanisms, including the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) framework, said French President Emmanuel Macron.

Talking with Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha during a working breakfast in Hanoi on May 27, Macron affirmed France’s support for Vietnam through a 500 million EUR concessional loan, specifically earmarked for projects under the JETP framework.

Deputy PM Ha underscored energy transition as a “matter of survival” and a crucial goal shared by both nations. With fossil fuel reserves dwindling, the shift toward newer, cleaner energy sources, such as renewables, hydrogen and nuclear energy presents ample opportunities for collaboration between policymakers, scientists, and businesses from both countries, he said.

Ha highlighted the longstanding tradition of bilateral energy cooperation, which has yielded tangible successes over the past years. The elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024, he said, provides an important foundation for advancing cooperation in energy transition and carbon emissions reduction.

According to him, Vietnam’s energy transition extends beyond the energy sector to encompass industry, transportation, and agriculture.

Both sides agreed that public-private partnerships are a vital bridge, enabling shared resources, risk mitigation, and the scaling up of sustainable energy solutions, cited VNA.

The discussions were enriched by valuable insights from Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang and Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh, alongside leaders of major energy corporations from both countries, including the Électricité de France (EDF), the Hydrogène de France (HDF), the French Development Agency (AFD), the Vietnam Electricity (EVN), and the Vietnam National Industry – Energy Group (Petrovietnam). These enterprises presented concrete proposals to materialize the cooperation frameworks agreed upon by Vietnamese and French leaders.

On the occasion, the French Embassy in Vietnam hosted a signing ceremony for a series of cooperation agreements between Vietnamese and French agencies and enterprises in the presence of French Minister for the Economy, Finance, Industrial and Digital Sovereignty Eric Lombard and Vietnamese Deputy Minister Thang. Notably among them were a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AFD and EVN for a concessional loan funding the Bac Ai pumped-storage hydropower project, and another between HDF Energy and Southern Power Corporation to develop decarbonized hydrogen-based electricity generation projects.

Vietnam and China discuss strategic cooperation orientations

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chinese Premier Li Qiang outlined strategic cooperation orientations during their talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 27, on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit and related meetings.

Chinh emphasized that Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Vietnam marked a historic milestone, setting a long-term strategic direction for the development of the relations between the two Parties and two countries.

He affirmed that the Government of Vietnam and he personally are ready to closely coordinate and maintain regular exchanges with the Chinese State Council and Premier Li Qiang to promptly and effectively implement the high-level common perceptions between the two top Party leaders.

He proposed that the two sides maintain regular high-level exchanges to strengthen political trust and strategic coordination. He held that both Vietnam and China should promote balanced trade, enhance investment, and expand cooperation in science, technology, and innovation to drive new momentum in bilateral relations, according to VOV.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chinese Premier Li Qiang meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 27, on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit and related meetings there. (Photo: VGP)

Chinh also stressed the need to prioritise the implementation of the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway project that connects Vietnam with China, aiming to break ground in late 2025. He also requested China’s support in providing concessional credit, technology transfer, and human resource training for this initiative.

Li, for his part, congratulated Vietnam on its recent major anniversaries marking 95 years of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and 50 years of the liberation of the South and national reunification. He affirmed China’s commitment to working closely with Vietnam to implement the high-level consensus reached between the two Parties and countries.

He echoed Chinh’s view that the two countries should strengthen high-level strategic exchanges, consolidate political trust, and promote substantive cooperation to achieve concrete progress, especially in areas of mutual interest such as trade, high-quality investment, and railway connectivity.

The leaders agreed to continue close coordination with ASEAN countries to maintain peace and stability in the region, particularly in the East Sea, and to work towards the early adoption of a legally binding Code of Conduct (COC) in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Hungarian President arrives in Hanoi, beginning official visit to Vietnam

Hungarian President Sulyok Tamas and his spouse, Nagy Zsuzsanna, arrived in Hanoi on May 27 evening, beginning their official visit to Vietnam from May 27-29, at the invitation of State President Luong Cuong.

President Tamas and his entourage were welcomed at Noi Bai International Airport by Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son, Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Bui Le Thai and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Anh Tuan, according to VNA.

Hungarian President Sulyok Tamas and his spouse arrive in Hanoi on May 27 evening. (Photo: VNA)

Taking place as the two countries are celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations (February 3, 1950 – 2025), President Tamas’ visit to Vietnam marks a significant milestone and opens new cooperation opportunities in the Vietnam–Hungary Comprehensive Partnership, said Ambassador Thai.

The visit demonstrates the strong political will of the two countries’ high-level leaders to further deepen the comprehensive partnership established in 2018, contributing to enhanced mutual understanding, he added.

Hungarian Ambassador to Vietnam Tibor Baloghdi emphasized that diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Hungary are built on a solid foundation of mutual respect, cooperation, and long-standing ties. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on February 3, 1950, Hungary has consistently supported Vietnam across many fields, and they have now become important partners of each other. He said he believes Vietnam also values its relationship with Hungary. In this context, President Tamas’ official visit to Vietnam is a meaningful milestone in bilateral relations, reflecting the highest-level diplomatic commitment.

Vietnam suggests new-generation cooperation model between ASEAN and GCC

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) should form a new-generation inter-regional cooperation model to leverage their complementary strengths and establish a foundation for sustainable development cooperation.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh made the proposal at the second ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit as part of the 46th ASEAN Summit and related meetings held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 27.

In his remarks at the summit, Chinh highly appreciated the cooperation potential between ASEAN and GCC, noting that both regions possess distinct and complementary strengths, as well as shared visions for development. According to the PM, ASEAN stands out for its high growth rate, young population, large market, and strong adaptability to transformation, while the GCC is a global energy hub, endowed with abundant financial resources and advantages in technology and green development experience.

The PM called on ASEAN and the GCC to enhance strategic connectivity and promote practical cooperation, aiming for sustainable and inclusive development, with people and businesses at the centre.

He proposed that both sides promptly establish a flexible, short-term implementable economic cooperation agreement to promote market access, and supply chain connectivity, support two-way investment, and create a substantive framework for mutual support, while ASEAN and the GCC continue conducting a feasibility study for a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA).

The Vietnamese leader also encouraged the active engagement of the private sector, particularly investment funds from the GCC in ASEAN, and called for the strengthened role of the ASEAN Business Council and GCC business associations in fostering a transparent, open, and favourable investment and business environment to promote capital flows, technology transfer, and innovation.

In addition, the PM proposed that green growth and sustainable development become new pillars of cooperation for the future of the peoples of both regions, with a focus on digital transformation, green transition, the circular economy, scientific and technological applications, sustainable infrastructure development, smart cities, smart agriculture, the Halal food market, energy security, and food security, cited VOV.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the second ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 27.

Vietnam is ready to work with other countries to enhance concrete cooperation in areas such as the development of 5G digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), undersea cable systems; the production of green hydrogen, solar energy, and smart energy storage, as well as the building of high-quality Halal supply chains; while facilitating labour mobility and working conditions, to meet market demands and enhance economic resilience, said the PM.

During the gathering, leaders of the participating countries emphasized the importance of ASEAN-GCC cooperation, recognising both organizations as key players and a model of inter-regional relations based on the values of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect, especially in a rapidly changing global landscape. They vowed to effectively implement and translate joint commitments into concrete cooperation programmes outlined in the 2024 - 2028 ASEAN-GCC Cooperation Framework.

In this spirit, the leaders agreed to deepen economic cooperation based on a shared development vision, mutual benefits, and complementary strengths, while leveraging the vast economic potential of both regions, which together represent a population of over 700 million and account for a significant portion of global GDP.

The leaders welcomed the ongoing feasibility study on an ASEAN-GCC free trade agreement, seeing it as a strategic step toward establishing a solid foundation for long-term economic integration.

Over 180mm of rain forecast in northern Vietnam through May 29

From the evening of May 28 through the night of May 29, northern and north-central Vietnam are forecast to experience a significant bout of heavy rainfall, with some areas potentially receiving over 180mm of rain and localized downpours exceeding 100mm within three hours.

Vu Tuan Anh of the Weather Forecasting Department at the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (under the General Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) provided insights on the upcoming rainfall across the northern, north-central, Central Highlands, and southern regions.

According to Tuan Anh, this round of rainfall is attributed to a combination of a weak cold air mass compressing a low-pressure trough and an upper-level wind convergence zone at around 1,500 meters altitude.

Starting from late May 28 into May 29, the northern region is expected to receive widespread moderate to heavy rainfall, with some locations experiencing very heavy rain. The general rainfall range is 30-90mm, but some areas may exceed 180mm.

In the early hours of May 29, heavy rainfall may also begin in the north-central region, lasting through the night. Rainfall totals in this area are forecast between 30-70mm, with localized areas potentially exceeding 150mm, VNN reported.

Heavy rains in northern Vietnam raise flooding risks in low-lying areas. Photo: Le Quan

Tuan Anh also noted that beyond the northern region, rain-inducing weather patterns are intensifying in the south, particularly with the strengthening southwest monsoon interacting with a low-pressure trough across the south-central region.

Forecasts suggest that the Central Highlands, southern Vietnam, and possibly the south-central region will experience moderate to heavy rains with isolated very heavy showers and thunderstorms during the evenings of May 28-29.

This new round of rainfall comes after several days of already severe rain in northern and north-central Vietnam, which has resulted in significant damage to both people and property.

Especially in mountainous areas, where soil and rock are saturated with water, the risk of landslides remains high. Residents are advised to stay alert for flooding in low-lying, urban, and industrial areas, as well as potential flash floods in small rivers and streams and landslides on steep slopes.

Importantly, following this rain event, northern Vietnam is expected to enter a heatwave lasting from June 1 to 5, with temperatures in Hanoi potentially reaching 38°C.

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