Vietnam News Today (Nov. 17): PM Chinh Departs for Kuwait, Algeria and Attendance at G20 Summit in South Africa
	Vietnam News Today (Nov. 18): Vietnam-Algeria Inter-Governmental Committee Meeting Opens New Momentum for Cooperation

Party General Secretary To Lam receives Vincent Clerc, Chief Executive Officer of Denmark’s A.P. Moller – Maersk on November 18 in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

Party chief receives CEO of Denmark's A.P. Moller – Maersk

Party General Secretary To Lam received Vincent Clerc, Chief Executive Officer of Denmark’s A.P. Moller – Maersk on November 18 in Hanoi.

During the reception, General Secretary Lam expressed his delight at the positive development of the Vietnam–Denmark Comprehensive Partnership and the Green Strategic Partnership between the two countries, which have served as key drivers for promoting bilateral relations across all fields in line with the trend of green and sustainable development.

He stressed that Vietnam is focusing on developing infrastructure, including seaports, with a green orientation to serve sustainable development goals.

Acknowledging A.P. Moller – Maersk’s vision for green port and transport development and welcoming its plans to expand investment in Vietnam, particularly in green and smart seaport systems and logistics services, General Secretary Lam encouraged the group to invest in areas such as the marine economy.

He affirmed that Vietnam always stands ready to create favourable conditions for foreign investors to develop logistics projects that connect regions, major cities, industrial zones nationwide and with the world. He emphasized that Vietnam is among the world’s top 20 economies in terms of international trade scale and is accelerating the development of a comprehensive, modern and seamless transport infrastructure system to enhance national competitiveness, cited VNA.

For his part, Vincent Clerc expressed his strong impression of Vietnam’s economic achievements despite numerous global difficulties and challenges.

Sharing his group’s vision, strategy and global investment and business plans, he underscored that Vietnam remains an important partner for Maersk, noting that the group’s vessels first docked at Vietnamese ports more than a century ago.

He provided updates on Maersk’s operations and cooperation achievements with partners in Vietnam, as well as the group’s strategic transformation in the country with the vision of connecting Vietnam with major global manufacturing and logistics hubs, thereby supporting Vietnam’s deeper participation in global supply chains.

He said his group is seeking investment opportunities to develop large, modern and green container ports, along with strategic logistics projects in Vietnam, thereby helping the country expand import–export turnover, promote sustainable economic growth, transition toward a low-carbon economy, adapt to climate change and achieve net-zero emissions at the earliest possible time.

He affirmed that the group sees significant potential and major opportunities in Vietnam and hopes to make further contributions to the country’s development.

Vietnam–Kuwait relations reach strategic turning point, says PM Pham Minh Chinh

Vietnam–Kuwait relations are currently at a pivotal moment of transformation, becoming a model of exemplary cooperation between Southeast Asia and the Gulf, as well as a solid bridge of friendship between Asia and the Middle East,” said Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

In his speech at the Saud N. Al-Sabah Kuwait Diplomatic Institute on November 18, Prime Minister Chinh emphasized that the Vietnam–Kuwait relationship is not only built on a long history of cooperation but is also moving toward a new era of comprehensive, sustainable, and strategic development.

He recalled that Kuwait was the first Gulf country to provide ODA to Vietnam, beginning with the Dau Tieng irrigation project in 1979, and later supporting Vietnam with 600,000 vaccine doses during the COVID-19 pandemic. These acts of assistance demonstrate enduring friendship and tangible support, reflecting a reliable and close partnership.

Economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has also been dynamic, with notable projects such as the Nghi Son Refinery, which involves over US$9 billion in total investment, including more than US$3 billion from Kuwait. Kuwait is a leading trade and investment partner from the Middle East for Vietnam, with bilateral trade reaching US$7.3 billion in 2024.

Prime Minister Chinh stressed that while economic ties have great potential, the two countries aim to increase trade to US$12–15 billion by 2030, alongside launching negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic partnership Agreement (CEPA) and Vietnam–Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement. This underscores that the relationship is not only historical but also oriented toward strategic and sustainable growth.

Vietnam and Kuwait have agreed to upgrade their ties to a Strategic Partnership, covering nine key areas, including politics, security, defense, science and technology, energy, trade, investment, and food security.

In addition, both countries aim to strengthen cooperation in science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation across various sectors. They seek to reinforce energy collaboration, expand partnerships in the oil and gas sector, and provide high-quality services and human resources. Efforts will also focus on creating breakthroughs in investment relations, particularly in Vietnam’s International Financial Center, according to VOV.

Vietnamese Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivers a policy speech at Saud N. Al-Sabah Kuwait Diplomatic Institute on November 18. (Photo: VNA)

These examples illustrate that the Vietnam–Kuwait relationship is multidimensional, comprehensive, and strategic. The long-standing history of cooperation and practical support builds trust and cohesion. Economic and trade initiatives demonstrate potential for strong, strategic growth. The newly established partnership framework reflects a long-term vision covering political, security, scientific, technological, and energy sectors. Meanwhile, educational and people-to-people exchanges ensure sustainability and quality in the relationship.

Through these concrete examples, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that Vietnam–Kuwait relations are entering a dynamic period of development, deserving recognition as a model of cooperation between Southeast Asia and the Gulf and a lasting bridge of friendship between Asia and the Middle East.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha to visit New Zealand, Australia

Vietnam and New Zealand established diplomatic relations on June 19, 1975 and upgraded their ties into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last February to mark the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Meanwhile, the relations between Vietnam and Australia have grown strongly, particularly following the upgrade of the bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2024. Both sides are implementing on schedule commitments and cooperation initiatives outlined in the action plan for implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the 2024-2027 period, cited VGP.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha.

Australia and New Zealand are important and highly potential partners of Vietnam in the fields of science and technology, green transition, and climate change response.

Vietnam, China border forces maintain effective cooperation mechanism

A professional border work conference for the third quarter of 2025 was held on November 18 at Kim Thanh Road Border Gate No. 2 in Lao Cai, bringing together delegations from four border posts (Pha Long, Muong Khuong, Bat Xat and the Lao Cai International Border Gate) under the Border Guard Command of Lao Cai province (Vietnam), and a delegation from the Hekou Exit-Entry Border Inspection Station in China’s Yunnan province.

The meeting took place in a friendly, candid, and constructive atmosphere. In the third quarter of 2025, both sides strictly adhered to and implemented the cooperation mechanisms previously signed, working effectively together in border gate management, entry-exit control, and combating cross-border crimes at the border and border gates.

At the meeting, both sides agreed to continue maintaining conferences, letter exchanges, hotline communications, liaison officers, and joint law enforcement patrols along the border. They also consented to strengthen information exchange on issues related to border gate management, entry-exit control, and combating organized criminal activities, including illegal immigration networks, illegal transport of cash and precious metals through border gates, smuggling and trade fraud.

The two sides will actively support cross-border exchange activities, including the Vietnam–China Spring Night Festival, a cycling tournament, trade exhibitions, and other major trade events. They will also facilitate convenient clearance for businesspeople, artists, public officials and official vehicles of both countries, VNA reported.

Vietnamese, Chinese border guards disseminate laws in Lang Son's Tan Thanh market (Photo: VNA)

They also committed to promoting the official opening of the Muong Khuong–Qiaodou bilateral border gate, upgrading the Bat Xat–Pa Sa auxiliary border gate, and supporting the development of a standard-gauge cross-border railway project. In addition, the two sides will step up cultural, artistic, physical and sports exchanges on the occasion of major holidays of both countries to further strengthen friendship and mutual understanding.

At the event, the heads of the two delegations presented the title of “Friendship Ambassador” for the third quarter of 2025 to one officer of the Hekou Exit-Entry Border Inspection Station and one officer of the Kim Thanh Road Border Gate No. 2 Border Guard Post.

Vietnamese Banh mi selected among world’s top 25 best sandwiches

CNN Travel, the travel and lifestyle division of the cabled news network CNN, has ranked the Vietnamese delicacy banh mi (baguettes) second among the top 25 most delicious sandwiches in the world.

According to the website, the baguette sandwich, a culinary remnant of French colonialism, was adapted to the Vietnamese palate.

The website revealed that banh mi are now sold from food carts on every street corner in Ho Chi Minh City and across Vietnam, and are widely loved well beyond the country’s borders.

The traditional banh mi, CNN Travel noted, centers on pork, with cha lua as the highlight. It is typically served with pickled carrot and daikon, fresh coriander, a smear of mayonnaise, and a mix of other toppings. Many places also offer tofu versions or banh mi filled with thinly sliced lemongrass chicken.

Vietnam’s banh mi (baguettes) is increasingly recognised worldwide for its culinary appeal.

The article emphasized that the taste of banh mi is crunchy, fresh, savoury and utterly delicious.

Previously, TasteAtlas, a website dedicated to highlighting fresh ingredients, traditional dishes, and authentic restaurants worldwide, also named banh mi among the best-rated street foods in Asia. Meanwhile, Australian news outlet ABC News also published an article exploring why the local delicacy has become an Aussie obsession.

Rounding off the list of top 25 included Bocadillo de jamón Ibérico Spain, Torta ahogada of Mexico, Tramezzino of Italy, Shawarma of Middle East, Pambazo of Mexico, Muffaletta, New Orleans of the United States, Chivito of Uruguay, Pan bagnat of France, Smørrebrød of Denmark, Spatlo of South Africa, Montreal smoked meat sandwich of Canada, Po’boy, New Orleans of the United States.

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