Vietnam treasures Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with US: PM

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception in Hanoi on May 28 afternoon for a visiting bipartisan delegation of the US House of Representatives, led by John Moolenaar, Congressman of Michigan state, who is also a member of the US House Appropriations Committee.

PM Chinh welcomed the first bipartisan delegation of the US House of Representatives to visit Vietnam this year, highly appreciating the significance of the visit in the year celebrating the 30th founding anniversary of Vietnam – US diplomatic relations.

The PM affirmed that Vietnam persistently pursues a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, openness, multilateralization and diversification of international relations, and the "four no's" defense policy.

He emphasized the policy of building an independent, self-reliant economy associated with proactive, active, deep, substantive and effective international integration. In that direction, Vietnam attaches importance to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the US and hopes that the relationship between the two countries will maintain a positive development momentum, and become more and more substantial, the leader stressed.

PM Chinh informed the delegation about Vietnam's important development orientations, affirming that Vietnam identifies the private economic sector as the most important driving force, and science - technology, innovation, digital transformation, and green transition as strategic breakthroughs in the new development stage of the country, towards the goal of becoming a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030 on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam; and a developed country with high income by 2045 on the occasion of the 100th founding anniversary of the country.

The government leader expressed his delight and appreciation for the development of the bilateral relationship in recent times, appreciated the US's support for a "strong, independent, self-reliant and prosperous" Vietnam, and welcomed the US's continued efforts to overcome the consequences of war. He also suggested the US increase technology transfer in bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation.

PM Chinh asked Moolenaar and US congressmen to continue to pay attention to and support the development of the relationship between the two sides, including considering removing Vietnam from the strategic export control list (D1-D3) and promoting the process of considering the recognition of Vietnam's market economy status, according to VNA.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receives the US House of Representatives’ bipartisan delegation. (Photo: VNA)

Regarding the tariff issue, the PM suggested that during the negotiation process, the US should pay attention to Vietnam's specific conditions and circumstances, have a more balanced approach, and aim for sustainable, healthy and stable trade relations, bringing practical benefits to businesses and people of the two countries.

Moolenaar and other members of the US Congress expressed their impression of the strong development of Vietnam and the Vietnam-US relationship over the past 30 years.

They affirmed that Vietnam is an important partner of the US in the region, affirming that promoting the positive development of Vietnam-US relations has received bipartisan support in the US Congress. They also thanked Vietnamese leaders for their attention to the development of the relationship between the two countries.

Moolenaar and members of the delegation agreed with the PM's assessment of the importance of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework, reaffirming that the US will continue to play an active role in cooperation with and support to Vietnam in achieving its strategic development goals.

They pledged to make greater efforts to promote bilateral relations, including economic and trade ties as well as tariff negotiations between the two countries.

British journalist highlights why Vietnam outshines Thailand as travel destination

Molly Toolan, a freelance writer for the UK’s Daily Express, has shared her reasons why she considers Vietnam a superior choice for tourists compared to Thailand.

According to Toolan, Vietnam is full of hidden gems and boasts a rich history coupled with a highly diverse culture.

She revealed that the country is home to many stunning beaches, especially in Phu Quoc island city in the southern province of Kien Giang, Mui Ne in the south central province of Binh Thuan, and Hoi An in the central province of Quang Nam.

“Vietnam is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Hoi An, which is an incredibly well-preserved example of a small-scale trading port that was active in the 15th to 19th centuries and Ha Long Bay, which is known for its emerald green waters and thousands of towering limestone islands that are topped by rainforests,” the journalist noted.

For her, Ha Long Bay is one of the most serene places that she has ever visited, adding that visitors can take boat tours or go on kayak expeditions.

Toolan also recommended a trip to Sa Pa, where holidaymakers can explore the rice fields and get beautiful views of the mountains surrounding them.

Stunning view of Sapa town in northern mountainous Lao Cai province.

The Ha Giang Loop, which is a 230-mile motorbike route stretching through the north of Thailand, is also one of her favourite places thanks to its breathtaking scenery, including waterfalls, rice terraces, and ethnic villages.

Most notably, the journalist stressed that food, travel, and accommodation in Vietnam is also generally more affordable compared to Thailand.

“Vietnamese food is fresh, healthy and full of flavour and you can sample some of their signature dishes including Pho, Banh Mi and spring rolls,” she shared.

“You can take cooking classes all over the country and you'll likely meet some of the friendliest locals you've ever come across,” the British journalist added. Furthermore, one of her favourite parts about Vietnam is the local coffee.

“It's arguably the best coffee in the world,” she stressed. She also suggested that visitors should try egg coffee, coconut coffee, and salt coffee that will help them get through all of the busy travel days.

“So, if you're looking for an alternative to Thailand, Vietnam is definitely one to consider,” Toolan concluded.

Vietnam keen on boosting cooperation with Dominica: Deputy PM

Vietnam attaches great importance to strengthening ties with the Commonwealth of Dominica, and wants to further develop bilateral relations based on the two countries’ respective strengths, particularly in trade, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son.

Son made the statement during his talks with Vince Henderson, Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy of the Commonwealth of Dominica in Hanoi on May 28.

At the talks, the two sides exchanged views on the current state of bilateral relations, measures to further enhance cooperation, and regional and international issues of shared interest.

The host official welcomed Henderson's second visit to Vietnam in just over two years, and highlighted its significance, according to VNA.

He proposed that the two sides increase visits at all levels and contacts among ministries, sectors and business communities of the two countries, while encouraging closer coordination and mutual support at the United Nations and other multilateral forums.

An overview of the talks (Photo: VNA)

Son affirmed Vietnam’s readiness to serve as a gateway for Dominica to enhance relations with ASEAN member states.

He welcomed Dominica’s proposal to open a resident embassy and appoint its first ambassador to Vietnam, noting that the Vietnamese Government had officially approved the move.

For his part, Henderson congratulated Vietnam on the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, and voiced admiration for the country’s remarkable socio-economic achievements and diplomatic progress. He expressed confidence that Vietnam will achieve its ambitious development goals.

He reiterated Dominica’s high regard for relations with Vietnam, as reflected in its decision to soon establish an embassy in Hanoi. He pledged that Dominica will act as a bridge to strengthen Vietnam’s engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean.

Endorsing Vietnam’s proposals, he emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in infrastructure, tourism and science and technology. He also encouraged Vietnamese enterprises to invest in Dominica, expressing hope to advance bilateral relations to a more substantive level.

At the talks, the two sides agreed on the need to settle international disputes through peaceful measures in accordance with international law. They also committed to boosting cooperation between Vietnam and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), as well as between the Commonwealth of Dominica and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The same day, Henderson held a working session with Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong to discuss ways to enhance cultural and tourism ties between the two countries.

During his visit, spanning from May 27-29, the minister is scheduled to meet with leaders of several Vietnamese ministries and sectors.

Prime Minister joins high-level discussion on artificial intelligence in Kuala Lumpur

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim jointly partook in a high-level discussion session titled “The Intelligence Grid: Building Bridges Through Sovereign AI Collaboration” in Kuala Lumpur on May 28.

AI has deeply penetrated all aspects of life, from communication to business production, contributing to rapid and sustainable development. Viet Nam recognizes ASEAN as a dynamic region with a large market, diverse culture, and affordable labor, while the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has abundant financial resources and advanced technology. Therefore, cooperation between these two regions can effectively complement each other, especially in AI, said Prime Minister Pham.

Pham added that businesses and people play the central role in AI development and economic integration, while the governments bear the responsibility for creating supportive policies and smart, modern, and harmonious institutional frameworks to foster comprehensive development in order to connect the two regions.

He went on to say that AI has both positive and negative aspects, and the crux of the matter is to maximize its benefits and at the same time to minimize adverse effects to overcome challenges and risks posed by AI, VGP reported.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (2nd from R) at the high-level discussion session of ASEAN-GCC Economic Forum 2025, themed The Intelligence Grid: Building bridges through sovereign AI collaboration.

He called on countries to develop AI in a safe, transparent, and controlled manner, to ensure it serves humanity without replacing or dominating humans.

The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of international cooperation by upholding multilateralism and ensuring equal access, technical and financial support for developing countries to promote inclusive and sustainable AI development, toward the goal of leaving no one behind.

He called for cooperation and support in building a harmonized institutional framework that both encourages the development of AI and enables effective control of its negative impacts.

He also called for the development of essential AI infrastructure for electricity, data, and other necessary systems; the training of high-quality human resources who are ethical and humane in their practices; preferential financial resources from wealthy economies for poorer and less developed countries; as well as the transfer of advanced technology and smart governance.

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