Vietnam News Today (Sep. 29): Vietnam, Russia Agree to Boost Parliamentary and Economic Cooperation

	Vietnam News Today (Sep. 27): EU Remains One of Vietnam's Key Partners
	Vietnam News Today (Sep. 28): Vietnam Braces for Rare Storm as Bualoi Speeds toward Coast

Vietnam's National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man (right) welcomed Chairman of the Russian State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin to their talks in Hanoi on September 28. Photo: VNS

Vietnam, Russia agree to boost parliamentary and economic cooperation

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man held talks with Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin in Hanoi on Sunday, pledging to deepen parliamentary cooperation and expand collaboration in trade, investment, energy and education.

Talks in Hanoi between Vietnam’s National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man and Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin gave fresh momentum to 75 years of Vietnam–Russia relations.

Chairman Man welcomed Volodin back to Vietnam and recalled his positive impressions from his official visit to Russia in September 2024. He said the Russian leader’s visit was an important diplomatic activity, consolidating close and reliable ties between the two countries in a milestone anniversary year.

Reaffirming Vietnam’s consistent policy of valuing its traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, Man highlighted recent positive developments across all areas of cooperation. He proposed deeper collaboration between the State Duma and the Vietnamese NA, including sharing experience in building a 'smart parliament,' improving legal frameworks and supporting agencies in removing barriers to trade, investment, energy, science and technology, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

Volodin thanked Man, Vietnamese leaders and people for their warm reception, congratulated Vietnam on its socio-economic achievements and expressed confidence in the country’s continued success under the leadership of the Communist Party. He said the State Duma strongly supported strengthening comprehensive cooperation with Vietnam and would be ready to expand mechanisms and explore new areas of partnership, cited VNS.

Both leaders underlined the importance of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee in overseeing and supporting the implementation of high-level agreements, particularly those set out in the Joint Declaration on the Vietnam–Russia comprehensive strategic partnership adopted during President Vladimir Putin’s State visit to Hanoi and Party General Secretary To Lam’s visit to Moscow.

They agreed to further promote cooperation in trade and investment, including effective implementation of the Vietnam–Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement. They welcomed progress in energy and oil and gas cooperation and discussed prospects for cooperation on nuclear power projects in Vietnam. Chairman Tran thanked the State Duma for promptly ratifying agreements on oil and gas exploration and exploitation signed during General Secretary To Lam’s visit to Russia.

The two sides also agreed to deepen cooperation in education and culture, including training in fields where Russia has strengths and Vietnam has demand, as well as promoting the teaching of Vietnamese in Russia and Russian in Vietnam.

On the parliamentary channel, they committed to expanding exchanges between committees and friendship groups, enhancing information sharing and legislative experience and providing legal support to facilitate bilateral cooperation in all fields. Chairman Tran also proposed creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Russia and the Russian community in Vietnam to live, study and conduct business.

4th Inter-Parliamentary Committee session

Later the same day, the two countries’ top legislators co-chaired the 4th meeting of the Vietnam–Russia Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee.

Opening the session, the two leaders emphasized that the meeting took place as Vietnam and Russia celebrated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties with many significant activities. They agreed that the inter-parliamentary mechanism had proven effective in perfecting the legal framework and promoting cooperation in key areas, reflecting the determination of both legislatures to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership.

The meeting reviewed cooperation outcomes since the 3rd session in Moscow in September 2024 and discussed five main topics: legislative support for economic and trade relations; improving the business and investment environment; legislation and oversight to promote energy cooperation; the role of legislatures in upholding multilateralism, the United Nations Charter and international law; and strengthening humanitarian cooperation including education, culture and tourism.

The session took place in a spirit of trust and constructive dialogue. Lawmakers from both sides shared experiences in institution-building and proposed solutions to expand bilateral cooperation.

At the end of the meeting, both sides adopted a Joint Communiqué outlining future inter-parliamentary cooperation directions in line with the bilateral relationship and the new international context. The 5th session of the Committee will be held in Russia in 2026.

Vietnam, RoK step up cooperation in training strategic-level leaders

A study and fact-finding program aimed at enhancing the strategic policy-making capacity of Vietnam’s senior strategic leaders took place in Gwacheon, the Republic of Korea (RoK), from September 22 - 27.

The Vietnamese delegation, comprising 13 members and led by Nguyen Duy Bac, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA), engaged in the program jointly organized by the academy, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the RoK’s National Human Resources Development Institute (NHI). The agenda focused on policies for digital transformation driven by artificial intelligence (AI), science-technology transition, and innovation.

During their stay, the delegation visited a smart manufacturing plant, an R&D institute for electronic and IT applications, the LG Sciencepark, the Korea Basic Science Institute, and the local human resources development institute for science and technology, among other facilities.

The exchange was conducted under the guidelines of the Party and State of Vietnam, which set digital transformation as a strategic breakthrough for national development in the new era. Notably, the Politburo's Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW identifies science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as the key driving forces and top breakthrough solutions to accelerate the development of modern productive forces and strengthen national governance capacity, according to VNA.

The Vietnamese delegation at the closing ceremony of the training course. (Photo: VNA)

As part of their cooperation projects, the HCMA and KOICA have sent six Vietnamese delegations of strategic-level officials from the tenure of the 12th National Party Congress to study and research in the RoK.

At present, the two sides are carrying out a project on enhancing training capacity for Vietnam’s leadership and management officials for 2022–2024 and 2023–2025, targeting officials planned for the 13th and 14th Party Central Committees. This demonstrates the KOICA’s long-term commitment to supporting Vietnam in building high-quality human resources.

PeaceTrees Vietnam sows seed of Peace in Vietnam

PeaceTrees Vietnam (PTVN) – the first US-based NGO permitted to work in Vietnam to address the dangers of wartime explosives – recently celebrated the 30th anniversary on the journey of its humanitarian mission clearing unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the heavily bombarded Quang Tri Province.

PTVN reported that it cleared and restored over 46 million square metres of land (equivalent to 4,600ha), while over 157,000 dangerous explosive materials including bombs, mines, mortars, and grenades had been collected and destroyed.

The NGO also provided explosive ordnance risk education to more than 230,000 people, mostly children, building 24 classrooms and kindergartens, reaching 6,400 children in remote and ethnic minority communities, two community centers, 100 family homes, 12 libraries, while 4,200 scholarships had been given to disadvantaged children, especially girls and children of UXO victims.

More than 1,277 volunteers, sponsors, and diplomats have been brought to Vietnam through exchange programs, and more than 50,000 trees were planted on land once contaminated by the explosive remnants of war, VOV reported.

Friends of Vietnamese and the US join a group photo session in celebration of the 30th anniversary of PeaceTrees Vietnam (PTVN). (Photo: VNS)

Claire Yunker, Executive Director of PeaceTrees Vietnam (PTVN), shared the humanitarian cause over the past three decades.

“Thirty years ago in Quang Tri, a small group of Vietnamese and American partners stood together on land still scarred by war. The land was known to be dangerous, littered with unexploded ordnance, and the people lived with daily reminders of the past. With courage and trust, they envisioned a future of friendship and renewal – one that could be built step by step, hand in hand. That vision became the foundation of PeaceTrees Vietnam,” Claire Yunker said.

“Over three decades, together we have cleared thousands of acres of land and removed and destroyed more than 157,000 explosive remnants of war. We have built kindergartens, libraries, and community centers; supported livelihoods through new crops and agricultural training; provided scholarships and mine risk education for children; and nurtured PeaceTrees Friendship Park into the vibrant forest we see today.”

Founded in 1995 shortly after the normalization of US-Vietnam relations, PTVN began operations in January 1996, led by co-founders Jerilyn Brusseau and her husband, Danaan Parry.

Jerilyn Brusseau, co-founder, sent a deeply moving message from Seattle to the celebration by saying “Thirty years ago, July 11, 1995 changed the course of history for two nations. Let us move forward together on the path ahead – together planting peace trees, nurturing hope, honoring memories – until every field, every school, every village is safe, prosperous, and full of opportunities for the future.”

Tran Phu Cuong, director of the People’s Aid Coordinating Committee (PACCOM), under Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, reaffirmed:” Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, PACCOM are committed to continuing our partnership with PeaceTrees Vietnam; supporting the organization in effectively implementing programs and projects in Vietnam.”

He said PeaceTrees Vietnam had grown into a trusted bridge, connecting the goodwill of international friends with the urgent needs and aspirations of the Vietnamese people.

Vietnam, Laos strengthen cooperation in STEM and Robotics education

A workshop and hands-on training on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Robotics education was held in Kaysone Phomvihane city in Savannakhet province of Laos from September 26-27, attracting a large number of officials and teachers from both Vietnam and Laos.

The event was co-organized by the Consulate General of Vietnam in Savannakhet, the Vietnam STEM Alliance, and the Department of Education and Training of Lang Son province.

Speaking at the workshop, Consul General of Vietnam in Savannakhet Dang Thi Hai Tam said the programme was not only a forum for professional exchange but also vivid testimony to the close Vietnam–Laos friendship. She stressed that STEM and Robotics education are vital tools for the younger generation to master technology, nurture creativity, and link science and engineering with socio-economic development.

Teachers and students experiencing robotics. (Photo: VNA)

Tam expressed her hope that, following the workshop, teachers and students in Central Laos would organize a STEM Robotics competition in late 2025 to mark the 50th anniversary of Laos's National Day (December 2, 1975 – 2025). She affirmed that the Consulate General stands ready to support the initiative should local schools wish to participate, cited VNA.

At the event, Hoang Van Thao, head of the delegation from Lang Son’s Department of Education and Training, emphasized that Vietnam and Laos are close neighbours bound by a special friendship. In the context of globalisation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, cooperation in education – particularly in STEM, Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) – is essential for preparing high-quality human resources for the future, he said.

Thao noted that in recent years, Lang Son has taken comprehensive measures to promote STEM education, including adopting a 2025-2030 development plan, enhancing teacher training, establishing STEM and Robotics clubs in schools, organising robotics competitions, and working with the Vietnam STEM Alliance and international educational organisations. These efforts have helped students achieve notable results at national and international levels. He affirmed that Lang Son is ready to share experience and support Lao provinces in developing STEM education, thereby nurturing the young generation – the future of both nations.

During the two-day workshop, 20 teachers from Lang Son province provided practical training for their Lao counterparts in robotics to help them apply the knowledge in classrooms. The event offered teachers and students in Laos valuable hands-on experience and new approaches to implementing STEM education, while also opening up opportunities for bilateral cooperation between the education sectors of the two countries.

This practical initiative is expected to help develop a skilled workforce to meet the requirements of the new era, while further consolidating the enduring special friendship between Vietnam and Laos.

Bualoi landfall: Mass evacuation underway, initial damage reported

Authorities in several coastal localities of Vietnam have rushed to evacuate thousands of households from high-risk zones as Typhoon Bualoi is expected to make landfall late on September 28.

In Quang Tri province, 291 households with 1,402 people, including residents, workers at construction sites, and task forces, were relocated. On Con Co Island, around 200 residents, workers, and officers were moved into storm shelters to ensure safety before strong winds strike. The province also ordered over 8,500 fishing vessels to anchor safely.

In Ha Tinh province, thousands of households in coastal and vulnerable areas were evacuated to schools and community houses. In Thien Cam commune, about 800 households with nearly 1,750 residents had to be moved before 3 p.m. the same day.

In Nghe An province, authorities in Cua Lo town evacuated 151 households with more than 350 people from low-lying areas. In Thanh Vinh ward, over 2,000 residents living in deteriorated housing blocks were also relocated to safe zones.

Meanwhile, Hue City carried out an urgent evacuation of 328 households with 740 people due to risks of flooding and landslides.

Some other localities such as Quang Nam also proactively moved dozens of households to reinforced structures to ensure safety as the storm approached.

According to the Forward Command Committee for Storm Response, localities are continuing to review and relocate residents from danger areas, while deploying rescue forces and equipment to be on full alert as Typhoon Bualoi nears landfall.

Although Bualoi has not yet made landfall, heavy rain and strong winds battered central provinces on September 28, causing flooding and early damage in several areas.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, Bualoi’s circulation is affecting Quang Tri to Da Nang provinces, and expanding to Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Thanh Hoa provinces, with winds near its eye reaching 118–133 km/h.

Along the coast from Thanh Hoa to Quang Ngai provinces, winds blew at 75-86 km/h, with waves rising 5–7 meters, and up to 10 meters near the eye. Seawater levels rose by 1–1.5 meters, combined with high tides, increasing the risk of coastal inundation.

Preliminary reports show torrential rain was recorded in many areas. Ta Rut (Quang Tri) received over 270 mm of rain, Huong Nguyen (Thua Thien Hue) nearly 500 mm, and Que Phuoc (Da Nang) more than 200 mm. From now until September 30, central provinces are forecast to see 100–300 mm of rainfall, with some areas exceeding 450 mm, posing a high risk of flashfloods and landslides.

Initial damage was also reported in several localities. 75 houses in Quang Dien commune of Thua Thien Hue lost roofs in a pre-storm squall. In Da Nang city, many uprooted trees crushed cars, while two residents are missing after being swept away by floodwaters. In Nghe An, nearly 200 residents along the Lam River were urgently evacuated due to rising water levels.

Local authorities have deployed border guards, police, and military units to support evacuations and reinforce homes, while fishing vessels have been ordered to stay ashore. Emergency response measures are at the highest level as typhoon Bualoi is expected to make landfall late on September 28, cited VOV.

Many localities in the central region rush to evacuate residents before typhoon Bualoi makes landfall

At an online meeting of the Forward Command Committee with localities in Nghe An, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha emphasized the urgent requirements for responding to typhoon Bualoi.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, Bualoi was moving along the coast, with its eye heading toward Ha Tinh and Nghe An provinces, packing strong winds of more than 130km/h, and potentially causing severe damage upon its landfall in the evening.

He ordered localities to immediately evacuate residents to safe areas without delay. He stressed that evacuation should be carried out flexibly based on actual conditions, not rigidly restricted to within 200 meters from the shoreline, as the storm’s impact zone is very wide.

The Deputy Prime Minister requested localities to strictly implement the “four on-the-spot” principle (which involves having available local forces, supplies, equipment, and logistics), clearly identify priority areas for response, ensure the supply of essential electricity, water, and food, and assign specific forces and equipment to proactively carry out rescue operations.

Vietnam News Today (Sep. 25): Vietnam – Greece Relations Continue to Flourish Vietnam News Today (Sep. 25): Vietnam, RoK strengthen comprehensive strategic partnership in hi-tech cooperation; American businesses eye long-term growth in Vietnam market; Vietnam – Greece ...

Vietnam News Today (Sep. 26): State President’s Working Trip to US Achieves All Set Goals Vietnam News Today (Sep. 26): State President’s working trip to US achieves all set goals: Deputy FM; Vietnam attends ASEAN Defense Senior Officials’ Meeting in ...