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Party General Secretary To Lam of Vietnam.

Vietnam and Singapore examine ways to foster Strategic Partnership

Party General Secretary To Lam of Vietnam and Secretary-General of the People’s Action Party (PAP) and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong of Singapore held phone talks on December 20, discussing ways to foster the strategic partnership between the two countries.

To Lam congratulated Wong on his election as PAP Secretary-General, commending the party’s significant contributions to Singapore’s comprehensive development over the past 60 years. He expressed his belief that under Wong’s leadership, Singapore would continue to achieve greater economic success and international recognition.

The General Secretary acknowledged Singapore’s steadfast support for Vietnam since the early days of its renewal and international integration process, particularly through capacity building and policy development in socio-economic advancement. He reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to enhancing its Strategic Partnership with Singapore, focusing on deep, substantive, and effective cooperation.

He proposed further strengthening political trust through high-level exchanges and fostering cooperation between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the People’s Action Party. He highlighted the importance of bilateral cooperation in areas such as digital transformation and renewable energy, aiming to create breakthroughs in line with modern development goals, cited VOV.

Defense and security cooperation, including the establishment of a National Population Data Center integrating platforms like Singpass and VNeID, were also discussed to facilitate travel and promote financial, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

Agreeing with To Lam’s proposals to advance bilateral cooperation, Wong emphasized Singaporean businesses’ growing interest in investing in Vietnam, particularly in emerging sectors such as renewable energy, carbon credits, high-tech industries, clean energy, semiconductor manufacturing, and artificial intelligence. These orientations, he said, align with both countries’ development priorities and their shared goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the robust bilateral relations over the past 50 years since diplomatic ties were established and the past decade of Strategic Partnership. They highlighted the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIPs) as a success story in bilateral cooperation, with 18 such parks serving as hubs for sustainable development.

Vietnam and Singapore are also actively pursuing cooperation in the Green - Digital Economic Partnership, focusing on digital transformation, green economy, circular economy, innovation, clean energy, and climate resilience.

The leaders agreed to strengthen the two countries’ close coordination within ASEAN and other regional and international forums to foster a resilient, prosperous, and sustainable ASEAN while reinforcing its central role in the region.

They entrusted relevant agencies in both countries with the task of finalizing plans to elevate bilateral ties to a new level.

On this occasion, Wong extended an invitation to To Lam and his spouse to visit Singapore in 2025. To Lam accepted the invitation and also invited Wong and his spouse to visit Vietnam at a mutually convenient time.

Vietnam helps Laos develop resident, citizen identity management system

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Public Security, Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Long and his Lao counterpart Senior Lieutenant General Khamking Phuilamanyvong co-chaired a conference in Vientiane on December 20 to review the progress of a project on building a resident and citizen identity management system in Laos.

The Vietnamese official led a delegation of the Ministry of Public Security on a working visit to Laos from December 19-20.

In his speech, Long emphasised the strategic importance of the project to the two countries' cooperation, saying that it aims to not only modernise social governance but also demonstrate both sides' determination to tighten their friendship.

He noted during the project implementation, the two ministries have agreed on many important aspects.

Notably, the project approval decisions were issued, creating favorable conditions for developing resident data towards providing personal identity numbers to Lao citizens in March 2025.

He affirmed that these achievements show the close and consistent leadership of the two states, as well as the effective coordination between the two ministries to ensure the project progress and quality.

Long suggested the Lao Ministry of Public Security give advice to the Lao Government to establish a committee for consistently steering this work from central to local levels, and assign responsibility directly to heads of local police agencies.

The official proposed temporary decisions be issued to create a legal framework and then fine-tune legal documents to secure the legal system's consistency, according to VNA.

Participants at the conference in Vientiane on December 20 to review the progress of a project on building a resident and citizen identity management system in Laos (Photo: VNA)

He also highlighted the importance of upgrading infrastructure to ensure the interoperability of systems. Phuilamanyvong acknowledged the significant support from the Vietnamese ministry in supporting its Lao peer in implementing the project, suggesting the two sides enhance their coordination, regularly share information and analyse data to improve data and digital infrastructure policies.

The project helps Lao improve state management, protect its national security, and benefit the Lao people, he stressed, adding that it also contributes to the elevation of the Laos - Vietnam relationship to a new level.

On December 19 afternoon, the Vietnamese delegation paid a courtesy visit to General Vilay Lakhamphong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security of Laos.

State President Luong Cuong receives outgoing Australian ambassador

State President Luong Cuong on December 20 received Australian Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski, who paid a farewell visit upon completing his working term in Vietnam.

Cuong congratulated Goledzinowski on successfully completing his working term and commended his significant contributions to strengthening Vietnam-Australia relations.

He affirmed that Vietnam considers Australia one of its foremost partners in the region. The two countries share a high level of strategic trust and common perspectives on regional and international issues.

The president reiterated Vietnam’s desire to further enhance cooperation with Australia for the benefit of both peoples and to contribute to regional and global peace and stability, VOV reported.

State President Luong Cuong (R) and outgoing Australian Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski, during their meeting in Hanoi on December 20.

Goledzinowski for his part noted that Australia - Vietnam relations have seen remarkable progress, highlighted by numerous activities commemorating 50 years of diplomatic ties and regular high-level exchanges.

The Ambassador expressed optimism about Vietnam’s prospects as it enters a new era and emphasized Australia’s commitment to strengthening economic, trade, and investment ties. Revealing that many Australian businesses are eager to invest in Vietnam, he reiterated Australia’s plan to support Vietnam’s development efforts while advocating for mutual interests in multilateral forums.

Goledzinowski underscored the importance of resolving the East Sea issue in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He affirmed his commitment to fostering the Vietnam-Australia partnership in any future role.

Cuong welcomed the Ambassador’s remarks and expressed satisfaction with the tremendous progress in bilateral relations during his working term. He highlighted achievements across various fields, including politics, defense, security, economy, trade, culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges. Notably, the upgrade of bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2024 marked a significant milestone, providing a framework for deepening cooperation.

The President said he believes that Goledzinowski’s experience would continue to positively influence Vietnam-Australia relations, regardless of his future positions.

Vietnam - RoK cultural exchange held in Nha Trang

The Khanh Hoa provincial People's Committee and Ulsan city of the Republic of Korea (RoK) organized a cultural exchange in Nha Trang city of the south-central Vietnamese province on December 20.

The event aimed to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the Vietnam - RoK diplomatic relations (December 22, 1992 - 2024) and the 22nd anniversary of cooperative ties between Khanh Hoa and Ulsan (April 19, 2002 - 2024).

Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of the Khanh Hoa provincial People's Committee Dinh Van Thieu highlighted that since the establishment of cooperative ties in 2002, Khanh Hoa and Ulsan have achieved remarkable strides across various fields, gradually becoming key partners of each other, VNA reported.

A performance at the event. (Photo: VNA)

In 2024, to continue promoting multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and the RoK in general, as well as between the two localities in particular, the Khanh Hoa People's Committee and the Ulsan administration signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The MoU focuses on key areas of cooperation such as mutual visits, tourism, culture, sports, human resources training, and people-to-people exchange.

For his part, Lee Hee Seok, President of the Ulsan Federation of Culture and Arts Organisations, said he hopes that this programme would help introduce the Korean culture to the Vietnamese people, and that cooperation between Ulsan and Khanh Hoa will continue to flourish so that more cultural exchanges will be held in the future.

The event, themed Ulsan Arirang, introduced the Vietnamese and Korean cultures through performances of traditional musical instruments, court dances, folk dances, modern dances, solo theatrical performances, and traditional songs from both countries. Additionally, the event showcased lively and youthful K-Pop performances praising the beauty of nature, people, culture, and history of the RoK.

Hoi An earns global acclaim as a "magical world heritage site"

Hoi An, Vietnam, has been named one of Asia's best travel destinations by Lonely Planet, earning acclaim for its preserved charm and cultural experiences.

On December 17, renowned American travel guide Lonely Planet named Hoi An, Vietnam, among the top travel destinations in Asia.

Hoi An’s ancient charm and vibrant atmosphere attract visitors from around the world. Photo: Lonely Planet

Ranked fourth on the list, Hoi An was described as a "magical world heritage site" by writer Zinara Rathnayake, who lauded the well-preserved charm of the ancient town despite its growing popularity among tourists.

Visitors to Hoi An can wander its lantern-lit alleys, enjoy coffee, shop, or take in the breathtaking sunsets.

The town is especially famous for its made-to-order tailoring, housing over 300 tailors that make it a global hub for bespoke fashion.

Other activities include cycling through serene rural roads, exploring lush rice paddies, visiting local markets, and discovering artisan workshops.

Hoi An's inclusion in Lonely Planet's prestigious list underscores its reputation as a must-visit destination.

Since 1973, Lonely Planet has been a leading name in travel, publishing over 145 million guides worldwide and earning its place as the go-to source for travelers.

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