Vietnam News Today (Apr. 27): Vietnam’s 1975 Victory Hailed as Global Milestone in 20th Century
	Vietnam News Today (Apr. 28): Vietnam–Japan Friendship Concert Celebrates Peace and Solidarity

Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdes Mesa speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)

People-to-people exchange deepens Vietnam-Cuba special friendship

The bilateral relationship between Cuba and Vietnam continues to thrive, expanding in both breadth and depth, said Salvador Valdes Mesa, Politburo member of the Communist Party of Cuba and Vice President of Cuba, at the "Vietnam–Cuba Friendship Meeting" held in Ho Chi Minh City on April 28.

Speaking on behalf of the Party, State, Government and people of Cuba, Vice President Valdes Mesa extended congratulations to the Vietnamese people on the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – 2025) and the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam (February 3, 1930 – 2025).

The Cuban Vice President said that 2025 also marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, noting the historic friendship was established and nurtured by leader Fidel Castro and President Ho Chi Minh during the challenging years of the struggle for national liberation, reunification, and the building of socialism.

He highlighted Fidel Castro’s famous saying "For Vietnam, Cuba is willing to shed its own blood" as a vivid expression of the Cuban people's affection to Vietnam during the country's struggle for national independence and reunification, cited VNA.

Valdes Mesa emphasised that in the "Vietnam-Cuba Year of Friendship" in 2025, the two countries jointly celebrate 65 years of comprehensive and profound bilateral relations, reflected in cooperation across sectors, including agriculture, construction, healthcare, education, judicial affairs, and social organizations.

The Party, State, Government and people of Cuba believe that Vietnam will achieve new milestones in its development journey and the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam scheduled for 2026 will be a success.

Welcoming Vice President Valdes Mesa and the high-level Cuban delegation, Truong Thi Hien, Chairwoman of the HCM City’s Vietnam–Cuba Friendship Association, remarked that despite the geographical distance, Vietnam and Cuba are proud to share a close, loyal and sincere relationship, which has been nurtured by generations of leaders and people of both countries.

She stressed the association's support to the United Nations General Assembly's resolutions calling for an immediate end to the United States' embargo against Cuba. The city’s Union of Friendship Organizations and the Vietnam–Cuba Friendship Association are working closely with the Cuban Consulate General in HCM City to host various people-to-people exchange activities, further cementing the special traditional friendship between the two nations, she added.

At the meeting, representatives from Ho Chi Minh City’s Union of Friendship Organizations, Battalion 261 Giron, a symbol of Vietnam-Cuba solidarity during wartime, and former Vietnamese students in Cuba reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, and expressed their belief that the Cuban people, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Cuba, will overcome difficulties to achieve prosperity.

Indonesia’s Halal market offers major opportunities for Vietnamese businesses

A seminar on promoting international cooperation in the Halal industry between Vietnam and Indonesia was held on April 28 in Ho Chi Minh City by the Investment and Trade Promotion Center (ITPC) in collaboration with the Indonesian Consulate General.

In his speech, Tran Phu Lu, Director of ITPC, said Vietnam and Indonesia are strengthening economic cooperation toward sustainable and mutually beneficial development. According to the General Department of Customs, bilateral trade between the two countries reached US$4.2 billion in the first quarter of 2025, up 17% year-on-year. Vietnam’s exports totaled US$1.4 billion, mainly consisting of coffee, raw plastics, steel, textiles, and phones with components. However, trade potential remains largely untapped.

In Ho Chi Minh City alone, trade with Indonesia stood at US$1.6 billion in 2024, a 23% increase from the previous year, underscoring the need to further intensify trade activities.

The Halal industry is opening up vast prospects as it is forecast that by 2033, the global Halal market will hit close to US$6,000 billion for food and beverages alone, and around US$10,000 billion across all Halal-related sectors.

With a population of over 280 million, mostly Muslims, Indonesia is the world’s largest Halal market, offering tremendous potential for Vietnamese exports. Nevertheless, strict Halal standards and complex certification procedures present significant challenges.

To support businesses, ITPC and the Indonesian Consulate General organized the seminar to realize bilateral cooperation commitments following the upgrade of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2025. The two sides agreed to bolster cooperation in emerging fields such as the digital economy, green economy, AI solutions, and particularly Halal products.

At the event, Agustaviano Sofjan, Consul General of Indonesia in Ho Chi Minh City, emphasized that the upgraded ties between Vietnam and Indonesia lay a solid foundation for expanding all-around cooperation. He noted that collaboration in the Halal industry will be a priority, serving not only the Muslim community but also global consumers who value quality and safety standards.

Indonesia is ready to share its experience and assist Vietnam in developing Halal products, particularly in food processing, cosmetics, tourism, and financial services. He also urged businesses to actively connect and explore cooperation opportunities, according to VOV.

The global Halal market is forecast to generate trillions of US$ annually, presenting huge opportunities for Vietnamese businesses (Photo: congthuong.vn)

Soneta Asmara, Indonesian Consul for Economic Affairs in Ho Chi Minh City, remarked that amid global supply chain fragmentation, enhancing bilateral and regional linkages is crucial for driving growth. She pointed out that Indonesia and Vietnam are emerging as key growth engines in ASEAN, supported by young populations, rapid urbanization, strong infrastructure investment, and robust foreign direct investment inflows.

Both countries are also actively engaged in free trade agreements and the development of strategic sectors like electric vehicles, green energy, and high-tech industries.

On the technical side, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hang, Marketing Manager of the Halal Certification Authority (HCA), provided detailed insights into Halal certification procedures in Indonesia. According to her, most imported products must obtain Halal certification by October 17, 2026, under Regulation No. 42/2024. Non-Halal products must be clearly labeled.

The certification process includes document review, on-site inspections, issuance of certificates, and registration on Indonesia’s SIHALAL system in accordance with BPJPH standards. Vietnamese businesses can apply through BPJPH-recognized organizations such as HCA, with requirements related to Halal supervisors and compliance with SJPH Standard No. 20/2023.

“We are committed to supporting Vietnamese businesses throughout the certification and labeling process to help them access not only the Indonesian market but also other Muslim-majority markets,” Hang affirmed.

Vietnam – a symbol of peace, post-war development: Italian scholar

Five decades since national reunification (April 30, 1975–2025), Vietnam has transcended the scars of war to become a success story in the world, an Italian scholar has remarked.

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency, Professor Masina Pietro Paolo from the University of Naples “L’Orientale” highlighted peace as the cornerstone of Vietnam’s current strength and global standing. He emphasised that after suffering from the great pain and losses during wartime, the Vietnamese people understand better than anyone the value of peace. Vietnam has steadfastly pursued peaceful and friendly ties with its neighbours and strengthened international cooperation across political and economic spheres.

The transformation of Vietnam–US relations from former foes into comprehensive strategic partners stands as a striking example of post-war reconciliation and the triumph of peace, he noted.

Half a century since the war's end and national reunification, Vietnam remains committed to building on the achievements of Doi moi (Renewal) and deeper international integration while staying determined to implement strategic breakthroughs and major national policies to herald a new era of national development. Though much needs to be done, the country's progress so far has made it a standout success globally, Masina said.

He talked about Vietnam’s efforts to bring into play national solidarity during its development journey, pointing out that the strong cohesion within Vietnamese society remains a vital resource for overcoming contemporary challenges, reported VNA.

Professor Masina Pietro Paolo from the University of Naples “L’Orientale” in the interview with the Vietnam News Agency (Photo: VNA)

Discussing how Vietnam has applied the factors that led to the April 30 victory, including the combination of military acumen and diplomatic skills, and the harnessing of the strengths of both the nation and the era, in national development, he stressed the importance of diplomacy and the ability to rally the international community's support.

According to Masina, Vietnam raised the banners of peace and justice, mobilizing widespread global support. Waves of anti-war protests erupted across the US and worldwide, including in numerous Italian cities like Genoa, Reggio Emilia, and Rome. The solidarity shown by progressive movements and peace advocates around the globe played a crucial role in pressuring the US to withdraw its troops.

He also highlighted the pivotal role of President Ho Chi Minh in shaping Vietnam’s image as a peace-loving and freedom-cherishing nation. Today, President Ho Chi Minh’s ideological legacy and international prestige continue to serve as invaluable resources in enhancing Vietnam’s diplomatic relations.

The spirit of solidarity with Vietnam during wartime was deeply and sincerely felt among the Italian public. Many Italians contributed medicine to aid the Vietnamese people, and thousands volunteered to donate blood. Additionally, various Italian delegations visited Hanoi, affirming strong international solidarity with Vietnam’s just cause for independence and reunification, according to the professor.

Laos leader hails April 30 as a glorious victory for Vietnam

On April 29, Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith led a high-ranking delegation of the Lao Party and State to Vietnam to attend the celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the country's reunification.

The Lao high-level delegation also included Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, Chief of the Party Central Office Thongsalith Mangnomek, Vice President of the National Assembly Souvone Leuangbounmy, and leaders from several ministries and localities.

President Luong Cuong received Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith.

President Luong Cuong affirmed that the victory on April 30, 1975, is a proud and glorious historic event for the people of Vietnam. He emphasized that it was a triumph of patriotism, revolutionary spirit, resilience, and the aspiration for freedom and independence.

The President expressed profound gratitude to Laos for standing side by side with Vietnam, sharing hardships, and wholeheartedly supporting the Party, State, and people of Vietnam both in the past struggle for independence and in the current efforts to protect and build the nation.

Regarding the inauguration and operation of Berth No. 3 at Vung Ang Port, President Luong Cuong stressed that this is a major political and diplomatic event and a vivid symbol of the rare, pure, and loyal relationship between Vietnam and Laos.

Berth No. 3 at Vung Ang Port will meet the growing transportation needs of both countries, serving cargo transit and trade cooperation with Laos and contributing to the economic development and integration of both nations.

For his part, Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith warmly congratulated Vietnam and affirmed that the 50th anniversary of national reunification is an event of great stature and significance for Vietnam.

Thongloun Sisoulith emphasized that the April 30, 1975 victory was a remarkable triumph for the global revolutionary forces and boosted just struggles around the world. It was a glorious victory for the Vietnamese people and for all three nations - Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia - and earned admiration and respect from peace-loving friends worldwide.

The Lao leader highlighted the pivotal role of the Communist Party of Vietnam in leading the people to numerous great achievements, with the historic 1975 Spring Victory being a shining milestone in Vietnam's history.

He expressed strong belief that Vietnam will continue to achieve even greater successes and confidently advance into a new era of national development, cited VNN.

President Luong Cuong meets with Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith. (Photo: VNA)

Thongloun Sisoulith reaffirmed that the Berth No. 3 project at Vung Ang Port stands as a symbol of Vietnam-Laos friendship in the new era. It is a strategic cooperation model with special significance for politics, economics, national defense, and security. The completion of this crucial joint project is the result of long-term efforts, determination, and close cooperation between the two nations.

He sincerely thanked Vietnam for consistently giving Laos the highest priority through heartfelt support and assistance during the common struggle against enemies and in the ongoing work of national protection and development.

Earlier, President Luong Cuong and Party General Secretary and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith attended the inauguration and launch of Berth No. 3 at the Laos-Vietnam International Port within the Vung Ang Economic Zone in Ky Anh Town, Ha Tinh Province.

With a cargo handling capacity of up to 2.15 million tons per year, the berth covers a land area of 43,928 square meters and a water area of 42,000 square meters. Its operation will bolster the infrastructure needed for economic and social development in the region and facilitate the increasingly high volume of goods transportation between Vietnam and Laos.

25 Vietnamese dishes featured in top 100 Southeast Asia street food list

A total of 25 Vietnamese dishes have been featured in the updated list of the top 100 Southeast Asian street foods, compiled by TasteAtlas, a renowned website dedicated to discovering fresh ingredients, traditional dishes, and authentic restaurants worldwide.

With 25 dishes represented, Vietnam stands out as the country with the most entries on TasteAtlas' list.
Leading the way, Banh Mi secured the third spot with a 4.6 out of 5 rating. The website describes this popular Vietnamese sandwich as a variation of the classic baguette, with diverse fillings. Additionally, five other Banh Mi variations were listed, including Banh Mi Thit Nguoi (Meat and Cold Cuts Banh Mi), Banh Mi Heo Quay (Roasted Pork Belly Banh Mi), Banh Mi Dac Biet (Cold Cut Banh Mi), Banh Mi Ga Nuong (Grilled Chicken Banh Mi), and Banh Mi Xiu Mai (Meatball Banh Mi), which ranked 11th, 13th, 65th, 81st, and 99th, respectively.

Pho bo (Beef Pho) claims 9th spot in the list of 100 Southeast Asia Street Food by TasteAtlas (Photo: Internet)

Meanwhile, Pho Bo (Beef Pho) claimed the ninth position with a rating of 4.5 stars. Other variations of Pho, such as Pho Ga (Chicken Pho) and Pho Hai San (Seafood Pho), were ranked 37th and 53rd, respectively, cited VOV.

Founded in 2015, TasteAtlas serves as a global food guide that maps traditional dishes from around the world. According to founder Matija Babic, the rankings are based on expert opinions and culinary critiques to ensure their credibility.

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