Vietnam News Today (Feb. 15): Vietnam-Iran Ties Built on Foundation of Mutual Respect and Friendship

	Vietnam News Today (Feb. 13): Vietnam Reaffirms Commitment to AI Development Cooperation
	Vietnam News Today (Feb. 14): Vietnam Wants to Boost Trade With Southern Common Market

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son holds talks with Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane in Hanoi on February 14. (Photo: VNA)

Deputy PM, FM holds talks with Lao Foreign Minister

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane promised to effectively carry out the 2021–2025 cooperation agreement and collaborate on building a cooperation framework for the next phase.

Son welcomed Phomvihane on his first overseas official visit as the Lao FM this year, a crucial time as both countries prepare for their respective National Party Congresses.

He believed that the visit would yield substantive outcomes, further solidifying close-knit ties between the two foreign ministries, contributing to the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.

Phomvihane praised Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements in recent years, noting its rising global stature, especially under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the effective governance of the Government.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the continued strong, effective and substantive development of Vietnam-Laos cooperation across various sectors. Political trust has been further reinforced through regular high-level delegation exchanges and cooperation mechanisms, notably the meeting between the two Politburos in September 2024, the 47th session of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee in January 2025, and the political consultation at the foreign ministerial level in December 2024.

Two-way trade hit 2.25 billion USD last year. To achieve the target of 5 billion USD set by the two Prime Ministers, both sides agreed to expedite the issuance of preferential policies and incentives for bilateral trade, strengthen economic connectivity, particularly by improving border trade infrastructure to facilitate the smooth flow of goods between border areas, cited VNA.

They acknowledged the drastic and effective leadership of the two Politburos in addressing challenges to key projects, generating momentum for major projects in the time ahead.

Host and guest promised to effectively carry out the 2021–2025 cooperation agreement and collaborate on building a cooperation framework for the next phase. They also reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining political consultations at foreign ministerial and deputy ministerial levels.

Highlighting the importance of raising public awareness of the special Vietnam-Laos solidarity, particularly among the younger diplomats, they pledged to continue supporting the Vietnamese community in Laos. This includes ensuring stable livelihoods and addressing key issues such as granting citizenship and residency cards for long-term Vietnamese residents in accordance with Lao regulations.

On global and regional issues of shared interest, they consented to work closely together and offer mutual support at multilateral forums, particularly within ASEAN and Mekong sub-regional cooperation mechanisms. They also expressed strong support for ASEAN’s common stance on strategic regional issues, including the East Sea.

Following the talks, Phomvihane presented Orders and certificates of merit from the Lao Party and State to Vietnamese Foreign Ministry’ collectives and individuals, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the Vietnam-Laos Friendship Year 2022.

Vietnam-Iran ties built on foundation of mutual respect and friendship

The Iranian Embassy held a ceremony in Hanoi on February 13 to mark the 46th National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran (1979-2025), with the attendance of numerous ambassadors, chargé d'affaires, heads of international organizations in Vietnam, and members of the diplomatic corps.

In his speech, Ali Akbar Nazari, Iranian Ambassador to Vietnam, said that 46 years ago, the greatest revolution of the 20th century unfolded in Iran, marking a historic turning point as one of the most significant socio-political revolutions in the country's history. From the moment of its victory, the Middle East nation faced external challenges aimed at obstructing its reconstruction and development efforts."

According to Ambassador Nazari, over the past 46 years, Iran has achieved remarkable progress. The country’s Human Development Index has continuously improved thanks to the government’s social justice and poverty reduction policies, along with long-term development programs. As a result, today, most Iranians have full access to essential services and infrastructure.

The literacy rate has risen significantly, particularly among girls and women. Iran has also made great strides in science, technology, and innovation, spanning from healthcare and medicine to nanotechnology, from peaceful nuclear technology to stem cell research, and from defense capabilities to deterrence strategies.

Nearly 10,000 knowledge-based enterprises in Iran have enhanced the country's global standing in various technological fields. In recent years, young Iranian scientists have successfully launched at least 10 satellites into orbit using domestic technology, underscoring Iran's commitment to advancing space technology and exploring new frontiers.

The key objectives of Iran’s foreign policy are to safeguard national interests, ensure national security, and expand economic diplomacy. Iran continues to work toward peace and stability in the region based on principled and responsible approaches, including dialogue and cooperation among regional nations.

In this context, Iran has strengthened its good-neighbor policy and expanded exchanges with neighboring countries. With a proactive, effective, and dynamic foreign policy, the nation has stepped up multilateral cooperation with regional organizations such as the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Economic Cooperation Organization, and the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, aiming for a stronger and more prosperous region for all, Ambassador Nazari said.

Highlighting the Vietnam-Iran friendship, the Iranian diplomat stressed that the relationship is built on mutual respect and friendship. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 52 years ago (1973-2025), the two sides have expanded cooperation in politics, economics, and culture while also offering mutual support in the international arena, according to VOV.

Secretary of the Lai Chau provincial Party Committee Giang Pao My (first left), Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang, and Iranian Ambassador to Vietnam Ali Akbar Nazari. (Photo: Iranian Embassy in Vietnam)

The year 2024 has witnessed frequent high-level exchanges between the two nations, including the visit of Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs to Iran for the 8th Political Consultation, a reciprocal visit by the Commander of Iran's Law Enforcement Forces to Vietnam, a meeting between Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong and Iran’s Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Ali Asghar Shalbafian Hosseinabadi, as well as the visit of the Vice President of the Iran Chamber of Commerce and an Iranian business delegation to Vietnam Expo.

In the economic sphere, trade relations between the two countries have continued to see positive growth. More Iranian specialty products, such as Persian carpets, dates, and pistachios, are now available in the Vietnamese market. Meanwhile, Iran remains an important export destination for Vietnam’s Halal products.

In recent years, the Iranian Embassy in Vietnam has also made cultural impressions through various events, such as Iran Film Week, the second exhibition on Iranian art, colors, and patterns at the Hanoi Museum, the Hanoi Lotus Festival, the Cultural and Culinary Festival, and the International Food Festival. The embassy is also working with relevant agencies to organize the second Iran Film Week in Hanoi in early 2025.

At the event, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang applauded and congratulated the Iranian government and people on their comprehensive achievements in science, technology, economy, and gender equality. She expressed confidence that Iran would continue to make remarkable progress in building a prosperous and happy nation.

On the foundation of the strong existing partnership and with the determination of both nation’s leaders, Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Hang affirmed her belief that in 2025, Vietnam and Iran would further beef up cooperation across multiple fields, including politics-diplomacy, trade, science and technology, tourism, education, and culture.

Vietnam international trade fair to host 500 global companies this April

The 34th Vietnam International Trade Fair (Vietnam Expo 2025) is scheduled to take place in Hanoi from April 2 to 5, drawing the participation of some 500 enterprises across the globe.

The event, since 1991, will be jointly held by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Vinexad JSC.

Themed Step Together in Digitised World, Vietnam Expo 2025 aims to inject fresh technological momentum into Vietnam's longest-running trade promotion platform. It seeks to both facilitate traditional business partnerships and optimize technological solutions to enhance competitive edge and create valuable opportunities for participants, according to a Vinexad representative.

The exhibition will feature several specialized zones, including an international pavilion hosting foreign businesses and trade organisations seeking business and investment opportunities in Vietnam and the region. Meanwhile, a domestic export promotion and investment area will highlight the competitive capabilities, key export industries, and investment potential of Vietnamese localities.

Additionally, the event will also showcase high-tech products, machinery, electronic components, supporting industry solutions in dedicated areas as well as e-commerce platforms and digitalised solutions, VNA reported.

he 34th Vietnam International Trade Fair (Vietnam Expo 2025) is scheduled to take place in Hanoi from April 2 to 5. (Photo: VNA)

Beyond product displays, the expo will host supply-demand matching sessions, specialized seminars, and high-level forums across various themes.

The event has garnered enthusiastic support from local investment, trade, and tourism promotion centres, which will organize collective displays featuring key export products and high-quality OCOP (One Commune One Product) items for both domestic and international consumers.

It is expected to host more than 20,000 visitors. Detailed schedules and information will be available on the official website: https://vietnamexpo.com.vn/ and the Vietnam Expo in Hanoi fanpage.

Hoi An among the world’s most romantic destinations, says Time Out

Once again, Vietnam’s Hoi An has made headlines for its enchanting beauty, securing a spot in Time Out’s list of the most romantic places to visit.

A globally recognized romantic getaway

Vietnam’s charming ancient town of Hoi An has been recognized by the renowned British travel magazine Time Out as one of the world’s most romantic destinations, ranking fourth on its prestigious list.

With its well-preserved historical architecture, glowing lanterns, and serene atmosphere, Hoi An has long been a favorite for couples seeking a picturesque escape.

A dreamy destination for couples

According to Time Out, the town’s famous lantern-lit streets provide the perfect setting for romantic evening strolls, allowing couples to immerse themselves in Hoi An’s timeless charm.

“This is a place where travelers can wander hand in hand through centuries-old architecture and let the magic of the town unfold at sunset,” the article describes.

Photo: Bliss Hoian

One of the most enchanting experiences in Hoi An, as highlighted by Time Out, is taking a traditional boat ride on the Thu Bon River, where visitors release glowing paper lanterns onto the water - a scene so mesmerizing that it feels like something out of a dream.

Hoi An’s continued global recognition

This is not the first time Hoi An has been celebrated for its romantic appeal. In 2022, Time Out also listed the town among the 21 most romantic places in the world to visit for Valentine’s Day.

In the latest 2024 rankings, Hoi An shares the spotlight with other iconic romantic destinations, including:

Venice, Italy

Niagara Falls, Canada/USA

Marrakech, Morocco

Paris, France

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Prague, Czech Republic

Kyoto, Japan

Montreal, Canada

With its captivating blend of history, culture, and romance, Hoi An continues to be a dream destination for travelers around the world.

Vietnam urges stronger ASEAN – China cooperation amid regional complexities

Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet has underlined the need to sustain ASEAN – China cooperation momentum amid growing regional complexities, calling for concrete actions to strengthen political trust, security collaboration, and responses to emerging challenges.

A Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet attended the 31st ASEAN – China Senior Officials' Consultation in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, China, on February 12–13.

The meeting, part of the annual dialogue series between ASEAN and its partners, aimed to review cooperation progress, set future directions, and prepare for the ASEAN Summit and ASEAN foreign ministers' meetings in the latter half of 2025.

Participants underscored the significance of the ASEAN – China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for both sides and the broader region.

Speaking on behalf of ASEAN regarding political and security cooperation, Viet highlighted this as a key pillar of ASEAN – China relations. Over the years, both sides have maintained robust dialogue, strengthened mutual trust, and worked toward a shared vision of peace, security, and development.

In the face of an evolving strategic landscape with potential complexities and uncertainties, he called for sustained cooperation momentum. He urged China to remain actively engaged in ASEAN-led mechanisms and collaborate with the bloc to uphold standards of conduct.

Dealing with the rise of non-traditional security threats, the Vietnamese diplomat outlined three key cooperation priorities: ensuring the concrete and practical implementation of agreements made by both sides' leaders, strengthening responses to emerging challenges such as cybercrime, transnational crime, and online scams, and expanding sub-regional collaboration, particularly in the Mekong sub-region, to tackle water security, sustainable water resource management, and climate change.

On this occasion, Viet announced that Vietnam would host the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime and expressed hope that countries would soon finalize internal procedures to participate in the event in Hanoi.

Reaffirming ASEAN’s consistent stance on the East Sea, he welcomed recent progress in negotiations on a code of conduct (COC) in the East Sea and encouraged both sides to push for further breakthroughs. He stressed the importance of self-restraint and avoiding actions that could complicate the situation, reinforcing the common goal of peace, security, safety, and stability in the East Sea, VOV reported.

Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet, Head of ASEAN SOM Vietnam, speaks at the 31st ASEAN – China Senior Officials' Consultation (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

China’s Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong reaffirmed that ASEAN remains a priority in his nation’s neighborhood policy. He pledged Beijing’s support for ASEAN’s community-building efforts and its role as a united, independent, and strategically autonomous player at the center of regional affairs. With positive developments across multiple fronts, he noted that ASEAN – China ties stand among the most dynamic, substantive, and effective partnerships.

Since 2020, ASEAN and China have been each other’s largest trading partners. Delegates expressed hope for the early conclusion of negotiations on the ASEAN – China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) Version 3.0 and the effective implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

ASEAN’s key cooperation frameworks, including the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, the ASEAN Strategy for Carbon Neutrality, and the ASEAN Power Grid, are expected to open new avenues for collaboration with China, particularly in green, sustainable, and smart development. Digital transformation, innovation, emerging technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and generative AI, as well as electric vehicles, supply chain resilience, and smart agriculture, are among the top priorities for optimizing future cooperation.

Building on the successes of 2024, the two sides agreed to further enhance cooperation in 2025, designated as the ASEAN – China Year of People-to-People Exchanges. This initiative aims to strengthen connectivity, boost friendships, and deepen mutual understanding between ASEAN and China.

The meeting also included discussions on regional and global developments, including major power relations, the East Sea, the Middle East, and Myanmar.

Amid a shifting and unpredictable geopolitical landscape, participants stressed the need to uphold the principles of the UN Charter, promote multilateral values, and build an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional architecture with ASEAN at its core. They also underscored the importance of contributing positively and responsibly to peace, cooperation, and security.

On the sidelines, Deputy Minister Viet met with his Chinese counterpart Sun Weidong to discuss bilateral relations and coordination within multilateral forums such as ASEAN and the UN.

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