50 years of Vietnam–Mexico relations: shared vision for sustainable cooperation

An international seminar was held in Hanoi on April 23, offering a platform to reflect on past achievements and promote future bilateral initiatives.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam–Mexico diplomatic ties (1975–2025), the event brought together representatives from diplomatic agencies, research institutes, universities, and experts from both countries.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Phan Chi Hieu, President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS), highlighted the positive progress in bilateral relations, particularly in political, cultural, and multilateral cooperation. However, he noted untapped potential in economic, trade, education, scientific research, and tourism collaboration.

Hieu expressed confidence that bilateral relations would grow deeper and more substantive, contributing to regional peace and prosperity, according to VNA.

President of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences Dr. Phan Chi Hieu. (Photo: Cong Thuong Newspaper)

Fernando Gonzalez Saiffe, Director General for Asia-Pacific at Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized the significance of the 50-year milestone and reaffirmed the two countries' shared vision for the future. He said Vietnam is one of Mexico’s most important partners in Southeast Asia and underscored the country’s desire to expand the presence of its businesses in Vietnam, especially in agriculture, renewable energy, digital innovation, and tourism.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Mexico Nguyen Van Hai noted that since the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) took effect, bilateral economic ties have grown impressively, with two-way trade reaching around 15 billion USD in 2024—a 27.5% increase from the previous year. The Vietnamese Embassy in Mexico will continue to serve as a bridge, supporting businesses in exploring each other’s markets, strengthening engagement, and promoting bilateral investment, with a view to elevating the relationship to a strategic partnership, he added.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cu Chi Loi, former Director of VASS Vietnam Institute of American Studies, pointed out the dynamism and complementarities of the two economies, suggesting the two countries consolidate political dialogues, build a stable legal framework, and accelerate ongoing agreement negotiations. He noted that the average annual trade growth rate has reached nearly 15% since both countries joined the CPTPP.

Nguyen Tuong Lan, Director of ITA Travel Company, highlighted the opportunities for expanding economic and tourism cooperation. However, challenges remain in terms of regulatory frameworks, language, culture, and logistics costs. He stressed the importance of trade promotion, improved visa policies, tourism infrastructure, and especially the establishment of direct air routes between the two nations.

Participants agreed that while Vietnam–Mexico relations have achieved positive momentum, more effort is needed to unlock their full potential. People-to-people exchanges, business connectivity, and stronger locality-to-locality partnerships were identified as key drivers for sustainable bilateral cooperation in the new era.

Vietnam shines in 2025 Trip.Best Global Rankings

Vietnam has earned global recognition in the 2025 Trip.Best Global Rankings by Trip.com, securing top spots across multiple categories and further cementing its reputation as a world-class travel destination.

Accordingly, 20 Vietnamese hotels were featured in the Global 100 Scenic Hotels and Global 100 Instagrammable Hotels categories.

The country also saw 16 local restaurants recognized among the world's best fine dining spots, while two Vietnamese destinations were named as top family-friendly travel locations.

Among the standout winners, the InterContinental DaNang Sun Peninsula Resort made Asia proud by ranking 66th in the Global 100 Luxury Hotels, placing it among the Top 5 Scenic Hotels in Asia.

Meanwhile, Capella Hanoi emerged as a major star, earning a spot in all three of its nominated categories: Global 100 Luxury Hotels, Global 100 Gourmet Hotels, and Global 100 Instagrammable Hotels, according to VOV.

Vietnam is honored in three prestigious categories as part of the 2025 Trip.Best Global Rankings (Photo: VOV)

Beyond Vietnam's iconic cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, the rankings also honored representatives from the country's stunning coastal provinces, including Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Ninh Thuan, Phu Yen, Binh Dinh, Quang Nam, and Thua Thien-Hue.

Vietnam’s culinary scene also made waves, with acclaimed restaurants like Gia and Anan Saigonearning places on the Global 100 Fine Dining list. In addition, Akuna and Cau Go were recognized for their stunning settings in the Global 100 Restaurants for Views and Experiences.

The Trip.Best rankings, curated by Trip.com, are powered by AI-driven analysis of verified user ratings, reviews, and booking data. The annual list showcases the best in accommodations, attractions, dining, and nightlife, offering travelers a trusted, data-backed guide to planning memorable travel experiences across the globe.

Vietnamese State President’s visit to Laos continues nurturing bilateral friendship: Lao diplomat

The state visit to Laos by Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong on April 24-25 is a continuation of the great friendship and special solidarity between the two Parties, States, and peoples, helping further enrich and nurture the affection and closeness between the high-level leaders of both countries, according to Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh.

This time, the two sides will review their cooperation based on the contents of the Minutes of the 2024 meeting between the Politburos of Laos and Vietnam, as well as the cooperation between the two governments, Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh talked to the Vietnam News Agency ahead of the visit.

Despite the continued rapid, complex, and unpredictable developments in the regional and global situations, under the leadership of the two Parties, the Governments, the National Assemblies, the Lao Front for National Construction and the Vietnam Fatherland Front, mass organizations, and local authorities of both countries have coordinated closely and actively implemented cooperation agreements, treaties, and plans, achieving concrete results across all areas of collaboration.

Regarding bilateral economic collaboration, the diplomat said that this relationship has been continuously expanding and accomplishing many successes. The two countries have implemented cooperation projects on infrastructure, joint investment and border trade, which are important foundations for their economic development.

In the coming time, Laos and Vietnam should continue strengthening infrastructure connectivity, such as roads, railways, and digital infrastructure, to facilitate the movement of goods and people.

Attention should be paid to expanding joint investments through the organization of transport services, integrated goods production, and the promotion of international cooperation between small- and medium-sized enterprises from both sides, VNA reported.

Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh (Photo: VNA)

It is also essential to share administrative and technical expertise to enhance the capacity of the private sector and economic officials, and promote efficient and transparent cross-border trade by removing restrictions and improving import-export procedures, she stressed.

Regarding Vietnam’s Great Victory on April 30, 1975, the diplomat said that it was a world-shaking triumph and a historic turning point not only for the Vietnamese people but also of great significance to the revolutions in Laos, Cambodia, and the global revolutionary movement. It contributed to advancing the global struggle of people around the world for national independence, peace, democracy, and social progress, helping defeat neo-colonialism in Indochina and across the globe.

Laos and Vietnam formed a special combat alliance rooted in their profound solidarity. With deep affection, the Party, State, and people of Laos gave their wholehearted support and created all favorable conditions for Vietnam to open the “Ho Chi Minh Trail” through Lao territory, enabling the effort to "cut through the Truong Son range to save the nation" and ultimately achieve Vietnam's complete liberation of South and national reunification.

The victory achieved by the Vietnamese army and people was a tremendous source of encouragement and motivation for the people of Laos in their efforts to protect and develop their country. The Party, State, and people of Laos consider this achievement and victory as their own, seeing it as a shared success in the common struggle for freedom and progress, affirmed the ambassador.

South Africa invites Vietnam to attend G20 Summit

General Secretary To Lam had a phone conversation with President of the African National Congress (ANC) and President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa on April 22.

In an atmosphere of comradeship and brotherhood, the two leaders briefed each other on the situation of each Party and each country, and affirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting the relationship between the two ruling Parties in shaping and promoting the multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and South Africa for the benefits of their people and for peace and development in the region and the world.

The two sides agreed to enhance political trust, effectively promote the cooperation framework "Partnership for Cooperation and Development" between Vietnam and South Africa, including actively exchanging and soon signing a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the two Parties, creating a legal framework for the implementation of cooperation activities, cited VGP.

General Secretary To Lam.

The two sides agreed to boost economic, trade and investment cooperation, soon increase bilateral trade turnover commensurate with the potential of the two sides; strengthen cooperation in the fields of education, defense and security; and explore the possibility of expanding cooperation to other potential areas such as energy, mining, sustainable use of resources, infrastructure development, climate change.

They also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern, affirming their common commitment to promoting multilateralism, South-South cooperation and sharing a common vision of a world that respects international law.

Vietnam News Today (Apr. 20): Vietnam, China to Deepen Ties with Strategic Future Vision Vietnam News Today (Apr. 20): Vietnam, China to deepen ties with strategic future vision; Vietnam, EU strengthen judicial cooperation; Pho Festival 2025 promotes Vietnamese culinary ...

Vietnam News Today (Apr. 21): International Troops to March in Vietnam’s Reunification Day Parade Vietnam News Today (Apr. 21): Vietnam stays on course for 8% growth despite tariff risks; Mekong Delta boosts diverse types of tourism; Vietnamese cuisine highly ...