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Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son (fifth, left) meets with President of the Belgian House of Representatives Peter De Roover (fourth, right) on October 10. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Belgium, EU deepen cooperation across key sectors

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son held meetings with President of the Belgian House of Representatives Peter De Roover and European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela on October 10 on the sidelines of the second Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, aiming to strengthen Vietnam’s cooperation with Belgium and the European Union (EU) across priority areas.

At his meeting with De Roover, the Belgian parliamentary leader extended sympathy to the Vietnamese people over recent storm and flood damage. Son thanked Belgium and the international community for their concern and support, calling it a valuable source of encouragement for the Vietnamese people.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive development of bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to effectively implementing outcomes from the Belgian King and Queen’s state visit to Vietnam in April. They welcomed the cooperation agreement signed between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the Belgian Parliament in February, describing it as an important foundation for expanding bilateral collaboration in the coming years, cited VNA.

Son praised Belgium’s active role within the EU and urged its parliament to soon ratify the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) in 2025, saying it would encourage Belgian businesses to expand investment in Vietnam’s key sectors such as logistics, seaports, and renewable energy. He also called on Belgium to support Vietnam in developing a sustainable maritime economy and fisheries, and to advocate for the European Commission’s early removal of the “yellow card” imposed on Vietnamese seafood exports related to illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

As strategic partners in agriculture, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in circular and smart agriculture, as well as in addressing saltwater intrusion and drought in the Mekong Delta, contributing to Vietnam’s green transition and sustainable development.

De Roover voiced support for enhancing exchanges between parliamentary committees, young lawmakers and friendship groups, and for closer coordination at regional and global inter-parliamentary forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF), Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting (ASEP), and ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA).

He reaffirmed Belgium’s commitment to multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam, particularly in trade, investment, high-tech agriculture, smart logistics, and climate change response.

Son appreciated the Belgian Parliament for being the first foreign legislature to adopt a resolution supporting Vietnamese Agent Orange victims, proposing both sides implement the resolution through concrete projects to overcome war aftermath, restore ecosystems, and support those affected by Agent Orange.

He also suggested Belgium consider granting visa exemptions for holders of Vietnamese diplomatic and official passports to facilitate bilateral exchanges. He took this occasion to convey National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s invitation to De Roover to visit Vietnam soon and the Belgian parliamentary leader accepted with pleasure.

Later the same day, the Vietnamese Deputy PM met with European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela. Both sides recognised the strong alignment between the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy and Vietnam’s development orientation, agreeing to boost cooperation projects in green infrastructure, digital connectivity, innovation, and high-quality human resource development, thereby further consolidating the Vietnam–EU Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation.

As part of his trip, Son also visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Belgium and the Vietnamese Mission to the EU, commending staff for their efforts in strengthening friendship and cooperation between Vietnam, Belgium and the EU.

Active contributions to UNHRC – key foundation for Vietnam’s re-election

Successfully completing its 2023-2025 tenure provides an important foundation for Vietnam to further enhance its reputation and create favorable momentum for its re-election to the UNHRC in the 2026–2028 tenure.

Vietnamese delegates have actively joined multiple meetings and debates within the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), highlighting Vietnam’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights and stressing the importance of bridging political division and fostering cooperation and trust through dialogue.

The session, concluded on October 8 after nearly five consecutive weeks, spotlighted Vietnam’s active participation and important contributions, laying an important foundation for the Southeast Asian country to seek re-election to the UNHRC.

In his speech at an emergency discussion on September 16 regarding Israel’s attack on Qatar, Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization (WTO), and other international organizations in Geneva, who led the Vietnamese to the event, condemned the use of force and violations of international law, the UN Charter, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. He called on all parties to exercise restraint, avoid escalating tensions, resolve disputes by peaceful measures, and create favorable conditions for negotiating a comprehensive ceasefire agreement.

Vietnam chaired the drafting and delivery of a joint statement on promoting the human right to vaccination, which received broad support and is now co-sponsored by 51 countries from all continents, according to VNA.

Deputy head of the Vietnamese delegation in Geneva Cung Duc Han (fourth from left) and members of the inter-agency Vietnamese delegation, during the voting on resolutions. (Photo: VNA)

The Vietnamese delegation also engaged in discussion sessions on topics related to youth and human rights, the impact of climate change on human rights, access to clean water and sanitation, and the rights of older persons, during which they briefed on measures that Vietnam has implemented to promote and protect the rights of vulnerable groups.

Alongside other ASEAN countries, the Vietnamese delegation also made joint statements on shared regional concerns, including technical cooperation, capacity building, and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism.

The Vietnamese delegation actively participated in all activities of the UNHRC, from bilateral and multilateral consultations to contributing to the drafting of documents, co-sponsoring initiatives, and delivering joint statements in a spirit of dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect.

These efforts clearly demonstrated Vietnam’s consistent policy on promoting and protecting human rights, and making practical contributions to the UNHRC’s activities in line with the UN Charter and international law.

Vietnam’s active and responsible presence at this session holds great significance as it marked Vietnam’s final session as a member the UNHRC for the 2023–2025 term, affirming the country’s proactive, constructive, and responsible role in global human rights issues.

Successfully completing its 2023-2025 tenure provides an important foundation for Vietnam to further enhance its reputation and create favorable momentum for its re-election to the UNHRC in the 2026–2028 tenure, thereby contributing actively and proactively to the Council’s work under the UN motto "Respect - Understanding, Dialogue - Cooperation, All Human Rights for All".

Vietnam-EU Forum 2025 to spotlight green growth and sustainability

The “Vietnam - EU Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum 2025” will be held in Ho Chi Minh City on October 17 focusing on future-oriented economic strategies with a strong emphasis on green growth and sustainable development.

Themed “Unleashing New Driving Forces” the forum will bring together government officials, business leaders, trade associations, and experts from both Vietnam and the EU.

In an era of heightened global uncertainty characterised by trade tensions, post-pandemic supply chain disruptions, geopolitical instability, shifting consumer behaviours, and rising protectionism, Vietnamese businesses face mounting challenges. This underscores the urgent need to diversify trade partnerships, strengthen resilience, and better align with global market dynamics, reported VOV.

Photo: VOV

The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) provides a critical opportunity to deepen economic ties and build more diverse and sustainable supply chains with European partners. To fully capitalize on this framework, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has tasked the Department of Foreign Market Development with organizing this forum to foster bilateral dialogue and practical cooperation.

The forum aims to promote trade and investment collaboration between Vietnam and the EU, offering timely policy updates and insights into evolving regulatory environments. It will also help businesses adapt their strategies, optimise production and export plans, access European distribution channels more efficiently, and encourage structured, ongoing engagement between public and private sector stakeholders on both sides.

Military medical forces mobilized to aid residents in post-flood disease prevention

The General Department of Logistics and Engineering held a ceremony in Ha Noi on October 11 to deploy medical teams to assist residents in preventing disease outbreaks following the floods caused by the circulation of Storm No.11.

The General Department of Logistics and Engineering has established three medical teams to operate in three locations, including Linh Son Ward, Thai Nguyen Province, Yen Binh Commune, Lang Son Province, and Tien Luc Commune, Bac Ninh Province.

The primary tasks include coordinating with the military medical forces of Military Region 1 and the health authorities of Thai Nguyen, Lang Son, and Bac Ninh provinces to conduct disinfection spraying, environmental and domestic water treatment in residential areas, schools, medical stations, public spaces, and places where water has stagnated for long periods. The teams will also guide residents in collecting and burying waste and dead animals, as well as clearing drainage systems.

Efforts will focus on preventing common post-flood diseases such as acute diarrhoea, conjunctivitis, dermatitis, dengue fever, intestinal diseases, and waterborne infections, cited NDO.

Military medical staff load Chloramin B – a water disinfectant chemical – onto a truck.

Local communities will be advised to eat well-cooked food, drink boiled water, maintain personal hygiene, and avoid using contaminated water. Epidemiological monitoring will be carried out to ensure early detection, containment, and timely response to any potential outbreaks.

The teams will also work with local military medical units to organize mobile medical groups visiting isolated villages and residential areas to provide health check-ups, distribute medicines, and guide residents on disease prevention.

They will support localities in vaccination efforts, disinfection, and the distribution of medical supplies and preventive medicines, while ensuring medical support for units performing relief duties.

Speaking at the deployment ceremony, Colonel Le Van Dong, Deputy Director of the Department of Military Medicine, requested the three medical teams to act proactively and swiftly, arriving at the affected areas as early as possible to assess the situation and implement disease prevention measures without delay.

He expressed his confidence that, with thorough preparation and a strong sense of responsibility, the members of the three medical teams, together with Military Region 1’s medical forces and local health authorities, will wholeheartedly serve the people, delivering timely and effective medical assistance.

Guinness World Records honors world's largest lacquer painting in Hanoi

The World Records Union presented its Guinness World Record certificate to Vietnamese artist Chu Nhat Quang, recognising his artwork as the largest lacquer painting in the world, at a ceremony in Hanoi on October 11.

The artwork features President Ho Chi Minh of Vietnam reading the Declaration of Independence in Hanoi on September 1, 1945, proclaiming the birth of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The image of swallows flying in a radiant sky blends harmoniously with the joyful spirit of the people, welcoming a new era and a hopeful future.

The other side of the painting captures the joyous spirit of victory glowing beneath the radiant sky of the Fatherland. People are seen rejoicing and celebrating, holding festivals that honor peace and the promise of a bright future. A bridge linking iconic architectural landmarks from North to South symbolizes the enduring unity of the nation and its people.

To complete the massive 2.4m x 7.2m single-panel lacquer painting, Quang spent years researching materials and refining techniques to push the boundaries of traditional lacquer art.

The idea was initially inspired by artist Nguyan Thanh Tung, Quang’s brother-in-law and mentor, who shared his vision of creating a monumental, seamless lacquer painting portraying President Ho Chi Minh in the historic moment of reading the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, VOV reported.

The lacquere painting "President Ho Chi Minh Proclaiming the Declaration of Independence".

“Creating a single-piece lacquer painting is an enormous challenge. But that seamlessness gives the artwork its soul — it feels more complete and alive,” said Quang.

To realise this dream, the two artists not only thought as painters but also as engineers. They studied the structures of aircraft wings, ship hulls, and traditional Vietnamese craft techniques to design a multi-layered wooden panel that could naturally expand and contract, resist colour fading, and remain environmentally friendly.

At the award ceremony, art critic Mai Thi Ngoc Oanh, Permanent Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fine Arts Association, affirmed the award honors the creativity, courage, and determination of Vietnamese artists to transcend limits.

Quang’s work not only revives the sacred moment of national history when President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed independence but also stands as a bridge between tradition and modern creativity, helping to promote Vietnamese art to the world, she stressed.

According to Austin Johnson, a representative of the World Records Union (WorldKings), the record was validated after independent measurements confirming that it is the largest single-piece lacquer painting ever created.

Born into a family with a deep artistic heritage, Chu Nhat Quang displayed artistic talent from an early age. He studied Fine Arts at Santa Ana College (USA) and Applied Design at RMIT University.

His mentor, Nguyen Thanh Tung, who has lived and worked in the United States and Canada, passed on to him a deep passion for lacquer art and a commitment to preserving Vietnamese culture.

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