| Vietnam News Today (Sep. 11) notable headlines Party leader To Lam: Vietnam-Australia partnership developing strongly Vietnam prepares for upcoming ASEAN Summit, related meetings Vietnam, Germany mark 50 years of diplomatic ties built on dialogue, respect, and trust Vietnam seeks stronger locality-to-locality cooperation with New Zealand Vietnam's trade volume nears US$600 billion in January-August period Vietnam committed to future of UN peacekeeping operations: Ambassador Vietnam and Australia strengthen cooperation in human resource training Vietnam’s agriculture posts record trade surplus, builds global position Vietnam attends ASEAN meeting on transnational crime |
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| Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam (R) and Australian Governor General Sam Mostyn during their meeting in Hanoi on September 10. (Photo: nhandan.vn) |
Party leader To Lam: Vietnam–Australia partnership developing strongly
Vietnam’s Party General Secretary To Lam praised the substantive and effective progress in Vietnam–Australia relations, particularly following th 2024 upgrade of their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, during his meeting with Governor-General Sam Mostyn in Hanoi on September 10.
At the meeting, General Secretary Lam affirmed that Vietnam always attaches great importance to the friendly relations and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Australia. He emphasized that the bilateral relationship is growing strongly, substantively, and effectively, with both sides becoming each other’s key partners in politics, economy, and science and technology.
As Vietnam enters a new stage of development with major policy decisions to achieve national goals, the General Secretary welcomed Australia’s support and companionship in implementing these key policies, particularly in education, human resource development, science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation.
He proposed that the two countries further expand cooperation in human resource and workforce development, particularly in high-skilled labor. He also suggested that both sides continue implementing existing cooperation programs in science and technology and broaden talent exchanges, creating favorable conditions for scientists and young entrepreneurs from the two countries to interact and collaborate in pioneering fields.
The Vietnamese leader expressed his hope that with the strong political will of both sides, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries would grow even stronger in the coming time, cited VOV.
For her part, Governor-General Mostyn expressed her deep impression of Vietnam’s land and people, congratulated the important achievements of the Communist Party and State of Vietnam, and affirmed that Vietnam is one of Australia’s most trusted partners. She stressed Australia’s desire to continue working closely with Vietnam across all fields to build a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.
Both host and guest also highlighted the strong people-to-people connections between the two countries. The Vietnamese community in Australia has been growing steadily and making positive contributions to the country’s development and to bilateral relations, while the Australian community in Vietnam serves as an important bridge fostering cooperation in economy, science, and education.
On climate change, both sides agreed that this is a global challenge and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation toward green and sustainable development.
Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn and her husband Beckett SC are in Hanoi on a state visit to Vietnam at the invitation of President Luong Cuong and his spouse.
Vietnam prepares for upcoming ASEAN Summit, related meetings
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang has underscored Vietnam’s commitment to closely coordinating with ASEAN Chair 2025 Malaysia, fellow member states and partners to ensure the success of the 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings slated for October.
Giang, head of Vietnam's ASEAN SOM, pledged as much at the Senior Officials’ Meetings (SOM) of ASEAN, ASEAN+3 and the East Asia Summit (EAS) that took place on September 9–10 in Port Dickson, Malaysia.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining ASEAN's unity, centrality and leadership in addressing both traditional and non-traditional security challenges, strengthening institutional capacity, and fostering synergy between ASEAN-led mechanisms to build a comprehensive and effective cooperation network serving the interests of the people.
He reaffirmed Vietnam’s readiness to support Timor-Leste in building capacity to soon fulfil its membership obligations, drawing on Vietnam’s 30-year membership.
The Deputy Foreign Minister also proposed measures to strengthen intra-bloc and ASEAN-partner cooperation, particularly in economic integration, connectivity, science and technology, digital transformation, and energy transition.
As Vietnam performs the role of country coordinator for ASEAN–New Zealand and ASEAN–UK relations, Deputy FM Giang suggested measures to advance cooperation with both partners, including drafting orientation documents and identifying priority areas of collaboration.
On regional and global issues, Giang reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent support for dialogue, cooperation and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, especially the 1928 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), with the ultimate aim of maintaining peace, security and stability to foster development.
At the events, senior officials from the ten ASEAN member states, along with representatives from Timor-Leste and dialogue partners such as China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United States, India, Australia, New Zealand, and Russia, thoroughly reviewed the agenda and examined more than 80 draft documents to be submitted to the leaders.
Under ASEAN 2025's theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability," leaders are expected to participate in nearly 40 activities covering strategic issues from politics and security to economic cooperation, connectivity, culture, digital transformation, energy and food security, education and innovation – with the shared goal of building an inclusive, sustainable and people-centered ASEAN.
The SOM discussed Timor-Leste’s admission as ASEAN’s 11th member in October and considered requests by new partners to join the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), according to VNA.
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| Participants at the event (Photo: MOFA) |
Amid global challenges, members stressed stronger ASEAN resilience, closer coordination between its political-security and economic pillars, and synergy between ASEAN Vision 2045 and the UN 2030 Agenda.
With partners, ASEAN reiterated its central role in shaping regional cooperation, particularly in digital transformation, the green economy and energy transition.
At the ASEAN+3 SOM, China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea proposed initiatives in economic, financial, energy and food security, alongside projects on disaster management, transnational crime, women’s empowerment, child protection and climate adaptation.
At the EAS SOM, participants reaffirmed the forum’s 20-year role in addressing regional political and security issues, emphasizing dialogue, trust-building, international law, and a rules-based regional order with ASEAN at its core. Views were also exchanged on the East Sea, Myanmar and the Middle East, reaffirming peaceful settlement of disputes in line with international law, the UN Charter, and UNCLOS 1982, as well as the principles of the TAC.
On the sidelines of the meetings, Giang also held bilateral discussions with ASEAN SOM heads and partner representatives to discuss bilateral cooperation and enhance coordination at multilateral forums.
Vietnam, Germany mark 50 years of diplomatic ties built on dialogue, respect, and trust
The Vietnamese Embassy in Germany held a ceremony on September 9 in Berlin to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day and 50 years of Vietnam-Germany diplomacy, highlighting bilatreal co-opreration founded on dialogue, respect and trust.
In his speech, Head of Division for Asia and the Pacific at the Federal Foreign Office Frank Hartmann recalled President Ho Chi Minh's enduring words "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom", a truth that still resonates today.
This year marks two major milestones, including 80 years of independence and 50 years of Vietnam-Germany diplomatic relations, adding that the relationship has changed a lot since 1975 and are growing stronger.
Diplomatic ties have become a dense network, encompassing economic partnerships, educational cooperation, and city twinning, he stressed, noting that the Vietnamese community in Germany has deeply integrated into the host society and served as a vital bridge connecting the homeland.
He also mentioned the "next chapter" in the relationship between the two countries, with a view to taking the strategic partnership to new heights. He affirmed that 80 years of Vietnam’s independence reflect a legacy of courage, perseverance, and continuous innovation. Likewise, 50 years of bilateral relations represent five decades of dialogue, mutual respect, and trust, reported VOV.
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| Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Nguyen Dac Thanh (middle) and ambassadors pose for a group photo (Photo: VNA) |
In his commemorative address, Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Nguyen Dac Thanh said the relationship has been built on the unique people-to-people exchange from many decades ago, adding that based on the profound social exchange, over the past 50 years, the friendship and cooperation between the two countries have seen comprehensive development. Notably, both nations signed the Hanoi Declaration on establishing the Vietnam - Germany Strategic Partnership for the future in 2021.
In addition, the Vietnam-Germany Strategic Action Plan for 2023–2025 outlines five key areas of priority cooperation including strengthening the commitment to maintaining a rules-based order and expanding relations in the field of security policy; deepening economic relations and promoting connectivity, energy and digital transformation; establishing a promising partnership on climate, energy and environment; enhancing relations in the fields of education, science, technology and innovation; and intensifying people-to-people exchanges.
Germany is currently Vietnam’s largest trading partner within the European Union and its 12th largest worldwide. It also ranks as Vietnam’s fourth-largest European investor. Both sides are actively ramping up labor cooperation and vocational training to meet the high demand for skilled workforce for businesses and localities in Germany.
According to Ambassador Nguyen Dac Thanh, the Vietnam–Germany relationship has been grealty forged by the Vietnamese community in Germany. Through cultural activities such as art exhibitions, culinary events, and traditional performances, the community not only promotes the country's image and cultural identity but also enriches the vibrant and diverse cultural landscape of many German cities, especially Berlin.
On this occasion, the Vietnamese diplomat called on the German government, federal ministries, relevant agencies, and the city of Berlin to continue supporting the Vietnamese community by creating favorable conditions for deeper integration, greater success, and active contributions to German society as well as enhancing their role as a vital bridge between the two nations.
Vietnam seeks stronger locality-to-locality cooperation with New Zealand
Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Phan Minh Giang has highlighted the potential and strengths of the City of Palmerston North, noting its complementarity with Vietnam’s development priorities, especially in science and technology, innovation, green transition, and high-quality agriculture.
At a working session with Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith, Giang underlined Vietnam’s efforts to achieve its two centenary goals, aimed at realising the vision of a strong, prosperous, and happy nation. He expressed his confidence in New Zealand and Palmerston North's support as a key contributor to the effective implementation of the Vietnam – New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, bringing tangible benefits to people and businesses in both countries.
The Ambassador also suggested promoting exchanges and cooperation, including exploring partnerships between Palmerston North and Vietnamese provinces, cities, and localities. He took the opportunity to thank Smith and requested continued support for the Vietnamese community, cited VNA.
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| Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Phan Minh Giang (L) pays a courtesy visit to Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith. (Photo published by VNA) |
Smith acknowledged Vietnam’s growing regional significance and praised its socio-economic achievements. He affirmed that Palmerston North will continue to work closely with the Vietnamese Embassy in New Zealand to advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and expressed readiness to deepen cooperation with Vietnamese localities in the future.
During his visit to Palmerston North on September 7–8, Giang met with leaders of several educational institutions and applied research centers and also engaged with the local Vietnamese community living, working, and studying in the city.
Situated near the capital Wellington, Palmerston North offers strong potential for collaboration in education, training, high-quality human resource development, energy, high-tech agriculture, advanced crop and livestock management, and food safety.
Vietnam's trade volume nears US$600 billion in January-August period
Vietnam’s total trade reached US$597.93 billion in the first eight months of 2025, up 16.3 percent year-on-year, reported the National Statistics Office.
Specifically, export turnover grew 14.8 percent to US$305.96 billion, while import value rose 17.9 percent to US$291.97 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of US$13.99 billion.
During January-August, State sector announced the export and import volume of US$76.69 billion and US$94.77 billion, up 3.2 percent and 17.9 percent, respectively, according to VGP.
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| Photo: VGP |
Meanwhile, the exports and imports of foreign direct investment (FDI) sector hit US$229.27 billion and US$197.2 billion, up 19.3 percent and 25.1 percent, respectively.
In August alone, exports were worth US$43.39 billion, up 14.5 percent from the same period last year, while imports were estimated at US$39.67 billion, up 17.7 percent.
The U.S. remained the largest importer of Vietnamese goods, with US$99.1 billion and China was Vietnam's top supplier of goods, with US$117.9 billion.
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