| Vietnam News Today (Nov. 24) notable headlines PM meets UN Secretary-General, Australian counterpart on G20 Summit sidelines Vietnam and Australia strengthen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership International media praises Vietnamese Government’s urgent response to severe floods Another strong cold front to hit Northern Vietnam in two days “Red Rain” listed among 86 films eligible for Oscars Vietnam sets CPTPP–EU cooperation as priority for 2026 CPTPP Chairmanship Vietnam calls on G20 to set fair and transparent AI governance standards Vietnam reaffirms support for UN’s central role in global development Vietnam Fatherland Front appeals for support to flood victims |
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| Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) meets with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. (Photo: VNA) |
PM meets UN Secretary-General, Australian counterpart on G20 Summit sidelines
Within the framework of his working trip to attend the G20 Summit and conduct bilateral activities in South Africa, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held meetings with United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on November 22 afternoon (local time).
Meeting the UN Secretary-General, PM Chinh expressed his support for the UN chief's views and approach at this year’s G20 discussions, particularly regarding reform of the international financial system, green transition, and narrowing development gaps. He also appreciated the Secretary-General’s efforts in ensuring that the G20 remains aligned with UN goals and supports developing countries in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Secretary-General Guterres once again thanked and congratulated Vietnam on successfully hosting the signing ceremony of the UN Convention against Cybercrime (Hanoi Convention), affirming the fact the country was invited to attend the G20 Summit for two consecutive years strongly reaffirms partners’ high recognition and appreciation of its growing reputation, position, and role in global affairs.
He showed his deep sympathy to the Government and people of Vietnam for the damage caused by storms and floods, adding that relevant UN agencies will support the country in overcoming the consequences of the floods.
The Secretary-General also affirmed that the UN will continue to stand with Vietnam in its new stage of development, particularly in supporting climate change response and the implementation of the SGDs.
At the meeting with his Australian counterpart, PM Chinh expressed his sincere thanks to the Australian Government for providing more than 3 million AUD (over 1.93 million USD) in humanitarian assistance to help Vietnam overcome the consequences of recent storms and floods.
He affirmed that Vietnam always attaches great importance to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Australia, and proposed the two sides continue to effectively implement the Action Programme for this partnership framework, and regularly organize dialogue and consultation mechanisms, thereby helping to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen political trust.
The Vietnamese leader also suggested Australia actively discuss measures to further increase two-way trade and soon achieve the goal of 20 billion USD, particularly by opening markets and facilitating the export of goods from both sides into each other’s market. He reaffirmed Vietnam’s desire to promote cooperation pillars in science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, AI training, green technology, as well as cultural activities and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, cited VNA.
For his part, PM Albanese affirmed his special affection for Vietnam and expressed his sympathy for the great losses the country has suffered due to recent natural disasters and floods in the central localities. He expressed his confidence that Vietnam is a resilient nation and that the Vietnamese people will surely overcome and recover from the consequences of these natural disasters soon.
The PM noted that Australia has also experienced major natural disasters such as cyclones. For this reason, he stressed that the two countries need to further strengthen cooperation in responding to climate change, while hoping that Vietnam will continue to join hands and contribute to international efforts to respond to climate change.
Sharing PM Chinh’s vision for the development of science–technology, innovation, and digital transformation, PM Albanese expressed his desire for the two sides to make breakthroughs in cooperation in these fields, especially in training human resources and developing biomedical technology.
He affirmed that Australia always prioritises its relationship with Vietnam and regards the country as a leading partner in Southeast Asia. He emphasized that the upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has opened a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries.
PM Albanese also pledged that Australia will continue to prioritise official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam, particularly in areas where Vietnam has demand, such as climate change adaptation, energy transition, digital transformation, and circular economy.
Being impressed by Vietnam’s rising position and growing role, the Australian leader affirmed his support for the country’s successful assumption of the rotating Chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2026, as well as his backing for Vietnam in successfully hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Year 2027.
Vietnam and Australia strengthen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in South Africa on November 23, affirming their determination to enhance the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries in various areas.
Meeting in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, the two leaders also agreed to increase Vietnam - Australia cooperation in disaster response, and in trade, science and technology, and innovation.
Prime Minister Chinh expressed his sincere gratitude to the Australian Government for providing over AUD3 million in humanitarian aid to help Vietnam recover from the recent storms and floods. He emphasised that Vietnam values its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Australia and proposed that both sides continue to implement effective cooperation mechanisms, hold regular dialogues and consultations, and strengthen mutual trust and understanding.
On economic and trade matters, the Vietnamese Prime Minister suggested intensifying measures to increase bilateral trade toward the US$20 billion goal, highlighting the importance of market access and facilitating the export of goods between the two countries.
He also reaffirmed Vietnam’s aspiration to further develop cooperation pillars in science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, AI training, green technology, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
For his part, Australian Prime Minister Albanese conveyed his deep regard for Vietnam and expressed sympathy for the heavy losses caused by natural disasters in the central provinces.
He underscored his confidence in the resilience of the Vietnamese people and noted that, having experienced similar extreme weather events in Australia, enhancing collaboration with Vietnam on climate change adaptation is increasingly vital.
Sharing PM Chinh’s vision on science and technology development, innovation, and digital transformation, Prime Minister Albanese expected that both coutries would make breakthroughs in bilateral cooperation in these areas, especially in human resource training and the development of biomedical technologies, according to VOV.
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| Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) meets Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in South Africa on November 23. |
Prime Minister Albanese affirmed that Australia always prioritises its relationship with Vietnam, regarding Vietnam as a leading partner in Southeast Asia. He highlighted that upgrading ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership opens a new chapter in bilateral relations.
He also committed that Australia would continue to prioritise ODA support for Vietnam, particularly in areas of national need such as climate change adaptation, energy transition, digital transformation, and the circular economy.
Expressing his impression of Vietnam’s increasingly important role and stature, Prime Minister Albanese voiced support for Vietnam successfully assuming the rotating chairmanship of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2026 and for hosting a successful APEC Year in 2027.
International media praises Vietnamese Government’s urgent response to severe floods
A number of major international news agencies are closely monitoring the severe flooding in the provinces of Gia Lai, Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa, which have been hardest hit by recent torrential rains and widespread flash floods. The global community has praised Vietnam’s swift response, decisive direction and strong inter-agency coordination in tackling the natural disasters.
Reports by leading outlets such as Reuters, AFP, AP and numerous other international media have all highlighted the scale of human and material losses, as well as the heavy impact on agriculture.
According to Reuters, citing data from the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention under the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, rainfall in several areas exceeded 1,900 mm in just one week.
German broadcaster DW quoted Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung as saying that local authorities had mobilised the military, police and security forces to evacuate residents to safer locations. The Vietnamese army deployed a wide range of equipment, from boats and ships to helicopters, to reach isolated communities.
Meanwhile, Channel News Asia (Singapore) reported that rescue teams on the ground had to reach households one by one, in some cases breaking through windows or rooftops to free those trapped inside.
Alongside domestic efforts, numerous international organisations and NGOs have swiftly mobilised assistance. The Diplomat reported that UNICEF, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and partners from the US, the EU, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, and others have begun providing material aid, financial support and personnel to the hardest-hit areas. The cooperation between the Vietnamese Government and the international community has been described as prompt and effective, significantly strengthening relief efforts in the flood-stricken area, reported VNA.
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| Relief rice is transported to localities heavily affected by recent flooding. (Photo: VNA) |
In Australia, ABC News on November 22 broadcast footage from Vietnam Television’s VTV1 channel, showing people being evacuated from waterlogged rooftops and ongoing rescue attempts carried out under adverse weather conditions.
Domestically, the Vietnamese Government has approved an emergency relief package worth 700 billion VND (26.56 million USD) for the worst-affected provinces. As of 12:00 on November 22, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committees at all levels had raised more than 2.8 trillion VND in donations to support flood-hit communities.
The international media and organisations have commended Vietnam’s timely response, strong direction and well-coordinated rescue operations, considering them clear evidence of the country’s disaster-response capacity, solidarity and commitment to safeguarding its people amid increasingly complex climate-related challenges.
Another strong cold front to hit Northern Vietnam in two days
Another strong cold air mass is moving southward and is expected to hit Northern Vietnam in a couple of days, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF).
The new cold is to affect the Northeast and North-Central regions from the afternoon of November 24, before spreading to the Northwest and Central regions, said NCHMF experts.
From November 25, temperatures will drop significantly in Northern and North-central regions, with some highland areas experiencing severe cold. Minimum temperatures are expected to range from 12–15°C, with high mountain regions falling below 10°C.
Heavy rainfall is forecast across central provinces from Thua Thien-Hue, Da Nang to Quang Ngai and Gia Lai. The rain, combined with complex terrain, may cause flooding in low-lying urban and industrial areas, flashfloods in small rivers and streams, and landslides in mountainous regions.
The northern and north-central regions are enduring the first strong cold of this winter, sending temperatures falling to 13-17°C in the lowlands and 5-7°C in the highlands, according to VOV.
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| Northern Vietnam will experience continued cold as a new strong cold front approaches on November 25. |
Early on November 21, light frost was observed around Fansipan Peak (Lao Cai province), as the temperature nosedived to 0°C marking the first occurrence of frost in the 2025-2026 winter season.
Early cold air waves this season have appeared with strong intensity and frequent occurrences. Dr. Hoang Phuc Lam, Deputy Director of the NCHMF, stated that the strongest cold air activity usually occurs from December to February.
Winter temperatures this year in northern provinces are anticipated to remain close to the long-term average. Severe cold spells are likely to begin in late December 2025 and intensify in January and February 2026.
Dr. Lam noted that these cold waves may bring deep cold not only to the northern mountainous areas but also to the Red River Delta and North-central provinces including Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh.
In particular, the severe cold spells could cause frost, ice, and snowfall on high mountain peaks in northern provinces such as Lao Cai and Lang Son. Residents are advised to monitor weather forecasts closely and take measures to protect health, crops, and livestock during the upcoming cold periods.
“Red Rain” listed among 86 films eligible for Oscars
According to The Hollywood Reporter, among the 86 foreign films eligible for consideration at the Oscars selected by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences of the US, Vietnam’s representative film “Red Rain” has been included.
The “Red Rain” movie is produced by the People’s Army Cinema and directed by Meritorious Artist Dang Thai Huyen. The film has participation of artists such as Do Nhat Hoang, Le Ha Anh, Nguyen Dinh Khang, Lam Thanh Nha, Hua Vi Van, Steven Nguyen, Le Hoang Long, and others.
The film recounts the brave and resilient fight of soldiers from Squad 1 of K3 Tam Son at the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel during the historic 81 days and nights.
“Red Rain” created a sensation when it immediately stirred the box office upon release. Within less than 24 hours after its premiere, the film earned more than 30 billion VND. In under a month, “Red Rain” surpassed 700 billion VND in revenue, a record figure, making it the highest-grossing Vietnamese theatrical film in history, as well as the highest-grossing historical, and revolutionary resistant war film.
After leaving cinemas, “Red Rain” was widely released on Viettel’s TV360 platform and continued to draw massive attention, reaching more than 1 million views within only 24 hours of release, reported NDO.
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| A scene from “Red Rain”. (Photo: Galaxy Studio) |
This aligns with the film’s goal of reaching a wide audience both inside and outside Vietnam, especially viewers in remote, mountainous, and island areas, thereby helping to spread the film’s values and significance.
“Red Rain” is also being screened for free as part of the Film Week celebrating the 2025 Vietnam Film Festival in many localities nationwide.
On September 30, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Decision No. 3479/QD-BVHTTDL submitting “Red Rain” to the preliminary selection round of the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars) for the Best International Feature Film category, organized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences of the US.
According to the announcement of the US Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the shortlist for the Best International Feature Film category will be released on December 16.
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