Vietnam News Today (Oct. 24): Vietnam, Bulgaria Establish Strategic Partnership

	Vietnam News Today (Oct. 22): Germany’s Hessen State Ready to Support Vietnam in Developing Int’l Financial Centers
	Vietnam News Today (Oct. 23): PM to Attend 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Malaysia

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam (L) and Bulgarian President Rumen Radev at the press briefing in Sofia on October 23. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Bulgaria establish Strategic Partnership

Vietnam and Bulgaria have officially elevate their relations to a Strategic Partnership, ushering in a new era of cooperation between the two nations.

The announcement was made at a joint press briefing following talks between General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam and Bulgarian President Rumen Radev in Sofia on October 23, as part of the Vietnamese leader’s official visit to Bulgaria from October 22–24.

At the event, General Secretary Lam said that building upon the positive development and great achievements of Vietnam – Bulgaria ties after 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, and with confidence in a bright future for the relationship, the two sides adopted a joint statement on establishing the Vietnam – Bulgaria Strategic Partnership. He described it as a critical milestone that lays the groundwork for the two countries to advance their relations for the benefit of their people as well as for peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

The Party leader stressed that the new cooperation framework will provide a solid foundation to consolidate and deepen Vietnam-Bulgaria relations, capitalizing on each nation's strengths to ensure both countries continue rapid and sustainable development in the new context.

With a view to concretising the joint statement, he said the two leaders discussed and reached consensus on strengthening political trust through high-level exchanges across all channels of Party, State, National Assembly, and people-to-people exchange, in both bilateral and multilateral frameworks, enhancing existing cooperation mechanisms and creating new ones, while deepening collaboration in specific sectors.

Defense and security cooperation will be fostered in line with the new partnership framework, including training and academic collaboration between defense academies, cooperation in UN peacekeeping, cybersecurity, and military medicine.

Amidst global economic headwinds, both nations agreed to make economic, trade, and investment cooperation the central pillar of the Strategic Partnership. They pledged close coordination to maintain and consolidate free trade, expand market access, and effectively implement the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) so as to double two-way trade in the coming years. Bulgaria is expected to serve as a gateway for Vietnam to enter the EU market, while Vietnam will play a similar role for Bulgarian goods to penetrate the ASEAN market.

General Secretary Lam stated that science – technology is an important pillar in the Strategic Partnership, with expanded cooperation in IT, digital transformation, digital economy, e-government, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, AI, and green energy, according to VNA.

Acknowledging huge room for cooperation in education – training, culture, tourism, health care, labor, and agriculture, the two leaders concurred to promote high-quality human resources training, organize cultural and tourism programs, exhibitions, and music exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and people-to-people connections. They will continue to facilitate the Vietnamese community's deeper integration and active contribution to the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.

Furthermore, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitments to close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums such as the UN, and the Asia–Europe Meeting (ASEM). They laid stress on the significance of ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, highlighting settlement of disputes via peaceful means in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Meanwhile, the Bulgarian President hailed the talks with General Secretary Lam as successful, conducted in an atmosphere of mutual trust and understanding. He said both sides reviewed their long-standing friendship and cooperation, set major orientations to deepen traditional ties, and identified new areas of collaboration based on shared potential and needs. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

He expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s achievements in its Doi moi (renewal) process, national development, and international integration, noting that the country’s robust economic performance and increasing political position make it an important player in the Southeast Asian region.

President Radev said he hopes both sides will step up effective collaboration in traditional areas such as defense – security, education – training, science – technology, agriculture, culture – sport, tourism, and people-to-people exchange. He underscored that the Vietnamese Party chief’s visit has opened new opportunities and visions for the bilateral relations.

Vietnam, South Africa usher in new chapter of more intensive and effective cooperation

Vietnam and South Africa have affirmed a shared commitment to elevate their bilateral relations and bolster collaboration across areas.

Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong and South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa made the announcement at a joint press briefing following their talks in Hanoi on October 23 as part of the latter’s state visit to Vietnam from October 23 – 24.

President Cuong hailed the South African leader’s trip as a historic milestone which opens a new chapter to advance the bilateral relations for the benefit of their people as well as for peace and development in the region and the world.

Vietnam always attaches much importance to fostering the sound friendship with South Africa, he said, laying stress on the successful talks where both leaders reached consensus on orientations and measures to deepen the bilateral cooperation.

Notably, they concurred to upgrade the cooperation framework to a new height, laying groundwork for the political relations while creating breakthroughs in economic, trade, and investment ties as well as other key areas.

Vietnam proposed South Africa further open market for its products and facilitate their entry not only into South Africa but also into the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The Vietnamese side also called on South Africa to offer incentives for Vietnamese businesses to explore and invest in its market, while expressing readiness to welcome major South African corporations operating in the fields of technology, finance, and mining to invest in Vietnam.

Besides, President Cuong affirmed that both sides agreed to promote collaboration in significant and potential domains such as defense – security, energy, mining, agriculture, aquaculture, and local partnerships, while stepping up people-to-people exchanges, cultural and artistic activities, sports, and tourism to enhance mutual understanding, reported VNA.

Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong (R) and South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa at the press briefing in Hanoi on October 23. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam and Africa pledged to continue coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums such as the UN, the African Union (AU), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Non-Aligned Movement, serving as bridges to foster collaboration between their respective regions.

Vietnam called on South Africa to back ASEAN and Vietnam’s stance on the East Sea issue to ensure peace, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as settlement of disputes via peaceful means in line with international law, including the UN Charter and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The State President emphasized that both leaders were unanimous to encourage competent agencies to negotiate toward signing important agreements to establish a stronger legal framework for future cooperation.

He expressed his confidence that the Vietnam – South Africa partnership, built on the goodwill and sincere spirit, will develop in a deeper and more effective manner for the prosperity of the two regions and the world as a whole.

For his part, President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted that the bilateral relationship has steadily expanded across diverse areas, including politics, economy, trade, investment, science and technology, education, defense, agriculture, justice, and biodiversity conservation. He affirmed that both sides are moving toward upgrading their ties to a strategic partnership, reflecting a shared commitment to comprehensive cooperation.

Seeing Vietnam as a key partner of South Africa in Southeast Asia, he expressed his interest in strengthening engagement with ASEAN, building on the spirit of solidarity of the Bandung Conference and the historical connections between the two continents.

The South African leader was also delighted as Vietnam accepted the invitation to attend the G20 Summit, considering it an opportunity for both nations to jointly promote multilateralism, peace, and shared prosperity.

President Ramaphosa expressed his belief that his visit will lay a solid foundation for more substantive cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries and contributing to regional and global peace and development.

New Zealand’s largest naval logistics ship visits Ho Chi Minh City

The Royal New Zealand Navy’s logistics ship HMNZS Aotearoa, commanded by Commander Rob Welford, arrived at Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi International Port on October 23, beginning a five-day friendship visit to Ho Chi Minh City to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and New Zealand (1975-2025).

Caroline Beresford, New Zealand’s Ambassador to Vietnam, and representatives from Naval Region 2 Command, Military Region 7 Command, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of External Relations, and the Department of Foreign Relations under the Ministry of National Defense attended the welcome ceremony.

Commander Welford said the visit comes at a special time as both countries celebrate five decades of diplomatic ties and have upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in February 2025. He added the visit demonstrates both nations’ commitment to intensifying exchanges, mutual understanding, and defense cooperation, cited VOV.

A Royal New Zealand Navy warship docks at Saigon Port in Ho Chi Minh City for a diplomatic visit to Vietnam in 2023 (Illustrative photo)

Measuring 173.2 meters in length, with a 24.5 meter beam and a displacement of 26,000 tonnes, HMNZS Aotearoa is the Royal New Zealand Navy’s largest tanker and replenishment vessel. Built to provide wide-ranging logistical support, the ship is also equipped for humanitarian assistance missions.

HMNZS Aotearoa previously visited Ho Chi Minh City in 2023 alongside the frigate HMNZS Te Mana. Its return, the second visit in three years, highlights growing defense cooperation between New Zealand and Vietnam.

During the visit, the ship’s command team will pay courtesy calls on leaders of the municipal People’s Committee, Military Region 7 Command and Naval Region 2 Command; visit local landmarks; take part in cultural and sporting exchanges; and conduct a joint exercise under the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES) with the Vietnam People’s Navy.

Lonely Planet names Quy Nhon among top 25 Best Destinations in 2026

World-renowned travel guide Lonely Planet has named Quy Nhon, in the central coastal Binh Dinh province, among the top 25 Best Destinations in 2026.

According to the guide, Quy Nhon is a coastal city where natural beauty and culture blend together seamlessly. “Here, soft, sandy beaches meet ancient Cham temples and fishing villages, and a thriving culinary scene flourishes,” it shared.

Lonely Planet highlighted the city’s laid-back atmosphere, which is enhanced by the absence of heavy tourist crowds. It suggested that visitors stroll along the well-kept promenade at sunset, savor towering plates of fresh seafood, and end their evening at a cozy cocktail lounge or beachside bar.

Quy Nhon is home to many beautiful beaches (Photo: Hien Phung Thu)

The travel guide also recommended exploring beyond Quy Nhon, hopping on a motorbike to discover secluded coves and pristine beaches. “Local favorites include the crescent-shaped Ky Co Beach and the peaceful cove of Bai Xep, which transforms into an open-air dining spot as night falls. Early risers can explore the mazelike alleyways of nearby villages, where street vendors tempt with delicacies like banh xeo muc (crispy squid pancakes) for breakfast,” Lonely Planet stressed.

Other destinations on the top 25 list include Cádiz (Spain), Utrecht (Netherlands), Cartagena (Colombia), Quetzaltenango (Xela, Guatemala), Akaria-Flinders Rangers and Outback (Australia), Phuket (Thailand), Barbados (Caribbean), and British Columbia (Canada).

Storm Fengshen dissipates as cold air dominates over central Vietnam

Storm Fengshen (Storm No. 12) has dissipated over the sea, reducing associated rainfall. A tropical depression in the East Sea is also weakening rapidly and is unlikely to reach mainland Vietnam due to the influence of cold air.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, both the storm and the tropical depression have quickly weakened under the impact of cold air.

As of 7:45 AM today (October 23), Storm No. 12 (Fengshen) has dissipated at sea, and the rainfall it caused has significantly reduced. The tropical depression in the East Sea is also expected to weaken rapidly and is unlikely to move inland.

Early this morning, after entering the coastal waters between Hue and Da Nang, the tropical depression (previously Storm No. 12) weakened into a low-pressure area.

At 7:00 AM, the center of this low-pressure area was located at approximately 16.1 degrees North latitude and 108.5 degrees East longitude. The strongest winds near the center have dropped below level 6 (less than 39 km/h). In the next 12 hours, this low-pressure area will continue to move southwest, gradually weakening and dissipating. This is the final bulletin regarding Storm No. 12.

However, meteorological experts warn that due to the combined influence of strengthening cold air, easterly wind disturbances, and the storm’s circulation, heavy rainfall in central Vietnam and strong winds at sea may still occur. People are advised to closely follow upcoming forecasts for heavy rain and strong winds at sea.

Regarding the tropical depression heading toward the East Sea, as of 7:00 AM today, its center was located at approximately 20.4 degrees North latitude and 121.4 degrees East longitude. The strongest winds near its center reached level 7 (50-61 km/h), with gusts up to level 9. It is moving southwest at a speed of about 20 km/h, VNN reported.

The tropical depression quickly weakens when encountering cold air and is unlikely to reach mainland Vietnam. Source: NCHMF

Over the next 12 hours, the tropical depression will continue moving south-southwest at approximately 20 km/h, entering the East Sea. By 7:00 AM tomorrow (October 24), its center will be located over the eastern waters of the northern East Sea, with wind speeds at level 6 and gusts up to level 8.

In the subsequent 12 hours, the tropical depression will continue moving southwest at the same speed. By 7:00 AM on October 25, it is expected to be about 250 km east of the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Archipelago and will have weakened into a low-pressure area.

Due to the combined effects of the strengthening cold air, the eastern region of the northern East Sea is experiencing strong winds at levels 6-7, with gusts reaching level 9. Sea waves are 3-5 meters high, resulting in rough sea conditions.

Vessels operating in these hazardous areas may be affected by thunderstorms, whirlwinds, strong winds, and high waves.

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