The meeting between representatives of the Communist Review and Yonhap TV in Seoul on September 28, 2026 (Photo: VNA)

Viet Nam, RoK promote cooperation in policy communications

The Communist Review is enhancing ties with Korean media agencies and working on plans to launch a Korean-language version of its website to enhance external communications and contribute to Vietnam’s economic development goals.

A delegation from Tap chi Cong san (Communist Review) had a working session with leaders of Yonhap TV in Seoul on September 28, focusing on modern media operations, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to content creation, and future cooperation in policy communications.

Pham Minh Tuan, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Communist Review and head of the delegation, said the publication is enhancing ties with Korean media agencies and working on plans to launch a Korean-language version of its website to enhance external communications and contribute to Vietnam’s economic development goals.

He expressed his hope that Yonhap TV will share its experience in developing such a platform and provide support once the Korean-language version is launched. He also invited the Korean side' leaders and reporters to pay a working visit to Viet Nam, cited VNA.

Introducing the Communist Review’s operations, Tuan said that in addition to Vietnamese, its online platform provides news in five other languages, namely Chinese, English, French, Spanish and Lao. The Vietnamese-language version alone attracts around one million visits each day.

As a political-theory and in-depth research publication, the Communist Review holds a vast database on the guidelines, orientations and policies of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the Vietnamese State. It has also been tasked with directly applying AI to the management, utilisation and dissemination of this policy database.

At the meeting, Yonhap TV shared its experience in running a 24/7 news channel. To manage the high costs of television staffing in the Republic of Korea, it has increased the use of AI, especially for automatically translating written news into multiple languages, and is working to enhance translation accuracy.

Yonhap TV spoke highly of the Communist Review’s position and said AI application will enable the publication to further strengthen its role in researching and disseminating political and social information.

Highlighting Vietnam’s strong economic growth and rising foreign investment, the Korean broadcaster stressed the important role of the media in communicating information to the world.

It said the Communist Review is one of the reliable “information windows” for investors and the international community seeking to understand Vietnam’s guidelines and policies, and expressed its wish to build a long-term partnership based on the publication’s rich historical database.

Canadian media highlight new milestone in Vietnam–Canada relations

The state visit to Canada by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and President To Lam and the elevation of Vietnam–Canada relations to a Strategic Partnership have drawn attention from Canadian media and researchers.

The coverage by Canadian media and researchers shows that the top Vietnamese leader's state visit was seen not only as an important diplomatic milestone but also as an opportunity for the two countries to deepen substantive cooperation, diversify partnerships and seek new drivers of development amid a changing global landscape.

The Canadian Press ran an article titled “Vietnam’s leader To Lam upgrades Canada to a Strategic Partner”, which was republished by CTV News, noting that the visit came as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was promoting cooperation among middle powers amid mounting economic pressures.

Reporter Dylan Robertson quoted General Secretary and President Lam as saying during his visit that in a volatile world, trust, responsibility and shared interests in and of themselves are strategic values.

The Canadian Press also cited Vina Nadjibulla, co-founder of the Centre for Strategic Statecraft, who said Canada and Viet Nam share similarities in their efforts to strengthen resilience, diversify partnerships and maintain autonomy while avoiding excessive dependence on or pressure from any major power.

According to Nadjibulla, both countries are seeking to diversify supply chains and reduce overreliance on the US. While Viet Nam has a significant trade surplus with Canada, Canadian businesses have yet to fully tap opportunities in the Southeast Asian market of around 100 million people.

The article also highlighted Viet Nam's role as chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2026 and prospects for stronger cooperation between the CPTPP and the European Union, thereby expanding linkages among middle powers in response to policies that exert economic pressure.

Meanwhile, CBC News published an article by Jennifer Yoon which mentioned potential benefits for Canada from stronger ties with Viet Nam. It noted that the visit could mark a turning point in bilateral relations as Viet Nam has become Canada's largest trading partner in Southeast Asia.

Speaking to CBC, Julie Nguyen, Chair of the Canada–ASEAN Initiatives at the York Centre for Asian Research, said it was time for the two countries to elevate their partnership to the next level to ensure economic resilience and security.

She said that to achieve its goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045, Viet Nam needs to move into advanced manufacturing, science, technology and artificial intelligence (AI) development, noting that all of these products and services could be provided by Canada, according to VNA.

CBC quoted Jeff Nankivell, Oresident and CEO of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, as saying Viet Nam could play an important role in Canada's efforts to conclude a free trade agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

According to Nankivell, both countries need to diversify their partnerships in response to the impacts of US tariff policies. In the energy sector, he said Viet Nam is a potential market for Canadian liquefied natural gas, crude oil and nuclear technology, while the two could step up cooperation to meet Viet Nam's growing energy demand.

Television network CityNews covered the welcoming ceremony for the top Vietnamese leader at Rideau Hall, highlighting the historic significance of the visit and noting that bilateral trade has doubled over the past five years.

The report also cited Nankivell on opportunities for energy cooperation and interviewed Julie Nguyen, co-founder and director of the Canada–Vietnam Trade Council, about the Vietnamese community in Canada and its role in connecting businesses and expanding export markets.

Television reports by The Canadian Press also carried remarks by Prime Minister Carney and General Secretary and President Lam on new directions for bilateral cooperation.

Carney stressed that the relationship goes beyond trade to encompass education, innovation, security and supply chains. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese leader proposed making science and technology a new pillar of bilateral relations, with priority given to joint research on applied AI, clean energy and maritime technology.

The Hill Times published an opinion article by Vina Nadjibulla titled “Canada–Vietnam ties are about more than trade”, which wrote that although Ottawa and Hanoi have different geopolitical positions, both are seeking greater resilience, diversified partnerships and room for manoeuvre in an increasingly competitive world.

According to the author, Viet Nam's foreign policy, based on national interests, self-reliance and flexibility in relations with major powers, offers a perspective of interest as Canada seeks to reduce risks stemming from excessive dependence on the US market. The value of bilateral relations, therefore, lies not only in trade but also in their potential to help both countries strengthen resilience to global changes.

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada also published commentaries by former parliamentarian Bryon Wilfert and researcher Julie Nguyen on the significance of the visit.

Wilfert said Canada should seize opportunities from Viet Nam and translate the Strategic Partnership framework into concrete cooperation in agriculture, energy, critical minerals, aerospace, clean technology, semiconductors and education. He also proposed enhancing direct air connectivity to promote trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.

Meanwhile, Nguyen analyzed similarities between Canada and Viet Nam as middle powers seeking to maintain strategic autonomy in relations with larger neighbouring countries. She said Viet Nam's experience in preserving independence, maintaining flexibility in international relations and pursuing long-term development interests offers lessons of interest to Canada.

Vietnamese field hospital returns home after UN peacekeeping mission

The Ministry of National Defense held a welcome ceremony in Ho Chi Minh City on September 27 for Vietnam’s Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 7 following its successful completion of a United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan.

Major General Pham Manh Thang, director of the Viet Nam Department of Peacekeeping Operations, praised the hospital’s achievements during its deployment, attributing them to thorough preparations, solidarity and a strong sense of responsibility among its officers and staff.

He asked the returning personnel to complete post-deployment health checks, reviews and handover procedures before resuming duties at their respective units.

He also encouraged them to apply the knowledge, skills and experience gained in South Sudan to medical examination, emergency treatment and health care for soldiers and civilians, reported VOV.

Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang, Deputy Minister of National Defense, and Head of the Ministry of National Defense Steering Committee on Participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, presides over the welcome ceremony (Photo: Ministry of National Defense)

During its deployment in South Sudan, Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 7 maintained continuous and safe medical operations, treating more than 2,200 patients and successfully performing over 30 complex emergency surgeries.

The hospital also completed 17 scientific papers, four of which were published in international journals, and deployed hospital management software in its operations.

Alongside its medical duties, the hospital carried out community outreach activities and provided assistance to local residents, helping strengthen cooperation with other forces at the UN mission.

Lieutenant Colonel Tran Duc Tai, director of Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 7, thanked relevant agencies and the families of hospital personnel for their support throughout the deployment. He affirmed that the hospital’s officers and staff would continue improving their professional skills and stay ready to undertake future assignments.

Northern Viet Nam set to face two cold spells in early October

Northern Viet Nam is forecast to be affected by a cold spell from the night of September 30, followed by another surge around October 4–5, bringing more rain and lower temperatures in early October.

After several days of hot and humid weather, conditions in northern Viet Nam are expected to change from late September as a weak easterly cold-air mass begins to affect the region from around the night of September 30.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, the first cold-air spell will bring scattered showers and thunderstorms to the northern region, with daytime temperatures on October 1 predicted to fall by around 2–4°C compared with September 28.

A further surge of cold air is expected around the night of October 4–5 that will bring increased rainfall to the region, with heavy rain possible in some areas. Scattered showers and thunderstorms, locally heavy, are also forecast from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh provinces further down the central region.

Before the cold air arrives, the northern region will probably be sunny from September 28–30, with some areas experiencing hot weather. In Hanoi, temperatures are set to hover around 33–35°C on September 28–29, with some areas exceeding 35°C, cited VOV.

Two cold spells are set to hit northern Viet Nam in early October. (Illustrative image)

For Hanoi, rainfall during October 1–10 is forecast at around 30–60mm. Lao Cai could receive 30–50mm, while Lang Son and Son La are likely to record 20–40mm.

The shift in weather is typical of the transition into the cooler season, with northern Viet Nam moving from hot and humid conditions towards cooler temperatures accompanied by periods of rain and thunderstorms. Meteorological experts have warned of possible lightning, hail, strong winds and other hazardous weather during the seasonal transition.

Meanwhile, central and southern Viet Nam are anticipated to see less rainfall in the coming days, although scattered showers and thunderstorms may still occur locally.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park wins double honors at World Travel Awards 2026

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in the central province of Quang Tri was honored with two awards at the World Travel Awards 2026, reaffirming the destination’s appeal and its outstanding natural and biodiversity values.

The awards were presented at the World Travel Awards 2026 ceremony for Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean, held in Maldives on September 27.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang was named “Asia's Leading National Park 2026” and “Viet Nam's Leading Nature Destination 2026.” This marks the second time the national park has simultaneously received the two World Travel Awards titles.

The dual recognition at both the national and regional levels further enhances the profile of Phong Nha-Ke Bang, creating additional opportunities to promote its heritage values and attract international visitors.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang is renowned for its distinctive karst landscapes, spectacular cave systems, underground rivers and rich natural forests. Its geological and geomorphological formation over hundreds of millions of years has created a unique landscape featuring world-famous caves such as Phong Nha, Thien Duong, Hang En and Son Doong.

In addition to its geological and geomorphological significance, the national park is home to a rich forest ecosystem and high biodiversity, including numerous rare and valuable plant and animal species.

These outstanding natural values provide a foundation for developing tourism products centered on nature, exploration and experiential travel, while placing greater emphasis on preserving the heritage and promoting sustainable tourism development.

The recognition at the World Travel Awards is also expected to contribute to wider international promotion of Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Quang Tri Province and Viet Nam, helping bring the destination's exceptional natural heritage closer to visitors and tourism markets around the world.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, located in central Viet Nam, is renowned for its exceptional geological, geomorphological and biodiversity values, VGP reported.

Representatives of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park receive the award - Photo: Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site, the park features spectacular limestone karst landscapes, extensive cave systems, underground rivers and vast tropical forests. Its remarkable cave network includes Phong Nha, Thien Duong and Son Doong, while its diverse ecosystems provide habitats for numerous rare and endangered species.

These outstanding natural values make Phong Nha-Ke Bang a major destination for nature-based, adventure and experiential tourism, while highlighting the importance of heritage conservation and sustainable tourism development.

Earlier, UK newspaper The Times unveiled its list of the 11 most beautiful destinations in Viet Nam for 2026, with Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park among those selected. The recognition further affirms the appeal of the World Natural Heritage Site on both the domestic and the global tourism maps.

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