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Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (R) shakes hands with Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Cuba discuss measures to further beef up bilateral cooperation

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla discussed directions and measures to promote the traditional solidarity, special friendship, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations during their talks in Hanoi on February 19.

Son expressed his delight at the fruitful development of the Vietnam – Cuba relations in all Party, State, and people-to-people diplomacy channels, reaffirming that the Party and State of Vietnam attach importance to the special relationship with Cuba, the first country in the Western Hemisphere to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam.

Vietnam always closely follows and shares concerns about Cuba’s situation, he stated, expressing his belief that the Party, State, and people of Cuba will overcome all difficulties and challenges, continue to steadfastly advance on the path of peace protection and national development, and enhance Cuba’s role and position on the international arena, cited VNA.

For his part, Bruno Parrilla, who is on an official visit to Vietnam from February 18 to 20, stated that the Party, State, and people of Cuba always treasure and sincerely appreciate the solidarity and valuable support that the Party, State, and people of Vietnam have extended to Cuba over the years.

He expressed his admiration and appreciation for Vietnam’s remarkable and comprehensive achievements over nearly 40 years of its “Doi moi” (renewal) process, as well as the country’s growing role and position in the region and the world. He affirmed that Cuba considers Vietnam a successful model and hopes to share experiences with Vietnam across various fields.

The two sides agreed to closely coordinate and implement measures to further deepen bilateral cooperation through high-level exchanges, effective implementation of agreements and mechanisms between the two Parties and States, particularly those reached during Party General Secretary and State President To Lam’s state visit to Cuba in September 2024; and expand cooperation in trade, agriculture, energy, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.

They also pledged to boost coordination in organizing the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Year 2025 to celebrate the 65th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties.

The two officials reaffirmed their commitments to strengthening coordination and mutual support at international organisations and multilateral forums, particularly at the United Nations, thus contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

CN Traveler suggests Phu Quoc among world's top affordable travel destinations

Condé Nast Traveler ranks Vietnam as one of the most budget-friendly destinations for travel in 2025, with Phu Quoc being highlighted as a must-visit location in the S-shaped country thanks to its pristine beaches and resorts that cannot be found anywhere else.

Recently, the prestigious American travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler released its list of 19 Cheap Places to Travel in 2025. Belize, a Central American country, topped the rankings, followed by Mexico and Mongolia. Vietnam ranked fourth, not only due to its affordability but also for its rare natural beauty.

The list was curated based on US dollar exchange rates, airfare prices and deals, and the quality of hotels at each destination. Instead of expensive destinations like the Maldives, travelers can fully experience the beauty of the Indian Ocean in Madagascar, CN Traveler exemplifies.

In addition to well-known destinations such as Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City, the renowned American magazine suggests that travelers expand their journey to coastal and island locations, with Phu Quoc being a prime example in its list of the world's most affordable destinations for 2025. The pearl island boasts pristine beaches and resorts that CN Traveler describes as unmatched anywhere else.

Phu Quoc is one of Vietnam's affordable travel destinations for 2025. (Source: Sun Group)

Setting foot in Phu Quoc, visitors will immediately be captivated by a breathtaking natural landscape. Bai Kem and Bai Sao in the southern part of the island stand out as some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. These twin beaches feature emerald-green waters, creamy white sand as smooth as gelato, and radiant golden sunlight—all blending together to create the perfect tropical paradise.

Among them, resorts near Bai Kem, such as New World Phu Quoc, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, and Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, stand out for their high-end services and distinctive styles. For instance, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay is themed around a fictional 1920s French university, with each building designed according to a different academic faculty.

New World Phu Quoc draws inspiration from Vietnam's traditional three-compartment houses and fishing villages. For those wanting to watch fireworks from their bed every night, La Festa Phu Quoc – Curio Collection by Hilton in Sunset Town is the perfect choice.

Beyond luxury resorts, the pearl island offers a diverse range of accommodation choices to suit every traveler's budget. Mini and boutique hotels in Sunset Town start at just VND500,000 (~ US$20) per night, offering full amenities and rooms with direct views of Kiss Bridge and the blue sea, highly rated by visitors on booking platforms.

Beyond lodging experiences, Phu Quoc also offers a plethora of exciting recreational activities, such as the world's longest three-wire cable car ride to Hon Thom Island. With a ticket price of only VND700,000 (approximately US$28), this activity is deemed affordable by many visitors compared to the extraordinary experience it provides, allowing travelers to admire the vast blue ocean from above for 20 minutes. The pearl island is also one of the few places in the world where visitors can enjoy two fireworks shows in one night, visible from every corner of Sunset Town.

Previously, in December 2024, the world-renowned travel magazine Travel + Leisure also recognized Phu Quoc as one of the most affordable destinations in the region. According to the American magazine, a three-day vacation in Phu Quoc costs significantly less than a weekend in Singapore or Koh Samui (Thailand). The cost in Phu Quoc is only one-third to one-fourth that of other famous tourist destinations in the region, Travel + Leisure commented.

The Republic of Korea's KBS also recognizes Phu Quoc as a cost-effective travel destination. According to surveys conducted by the broadcaster, Korean tourists are highly satisfied with the accommodation costs in Phu Quoc. Additionally, the combination of affordable prices and high-quality food has made this island a favorite among meticulous Korean travelers.

The consistent international recognition of Phu Quoc as an affordable travel destination highlights its remarkable transformation. Once labeled as an overpriced tourist spot two years ago, the pearl island has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable tourism development, solidifying its place on the global travel map.

Prime Minister proposes stronger cooperation with Cambodia in various fields

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha in Hanoi on February 19, during which he urged Cambodia to continue granting citizenship to people of Vietnamese origin residing in Cambodia.

The Vietnamese leader proposed the two sides continue promoting border cooperation and collaboration in combating transnational crimes, particularly drug trafficking, human trafficking, and online fraud.

Expressing his pleasure at the growth of Vietnam-Cambodia relations, PM Chinh affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to and prioritizes the development of relationship with Cambodia, supporting the neighboring country’s peace, stability, and prosperity as well as Cambodia’s growing role and position both regionally and globally.

The PM recalled Cambodia’s support during Vietnam’s past struggle for independence and Vietnam's assistance to Cambodia in the fight against the Pol Pot genocidal regime. He praised the collaboration between Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security and Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior and commended the successful talks between the two ministers, which reflected the deep mutual understanding and commitment to implementing high-level agreements.

He expressed his confidence that both ministries will continue to build on this cooperation to address issues of mutual concern, while sharing insights on strategic matters, advising leaders of the two countries on security issues, and promoting collaboration in digital transformation, population data systems, and other key areas.

PM Chinh proposed that Cambodia and its Ministry of Interior focus on increasing efforts and cooperation to combat transnational crimes, especially those related to drugs, human trafficking, and online fraud gangs based in Cambodia. He also emphasised the need for joint efforts to address hostile forces undermining the relationship between the two countries, assist in repatriating Vietnamese citizens exploited by online fraud networks, and address the citizenship issue for people of Vietnamese origin who are working and living stably and legally in Cambodia.

The Vietnamese Government leader called for increased collaboration in border demarcation, and settlement of outstanding issues, and building a shared border of peace, stability, friendship, cooperation and development, according to VNA.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha in Hanoi on February 19. (Photo: VNA)

For his part, Sar Sokha said that his visit aims to further implement agreements and cooperation mechanisms between the two countries. He told his host that Cambodia’s economy and society have made a strong recovery, highlighting Vietnam’s continued support and collaboration.

Echoing the Vietnamese PM’s views, Sar Sokha stressed that no country can thrive alone in the current context, and cooperation with neighboring countries is essential. He expressed deep appreciation for the enduring Vietnam-Cambodia relationship, which has been cultivated by generations of leaders and people of both nations. He assured that Cambodia’s younger leaders, including himself, are committed to further strengthening this partnership for even greater success.

He pledged that Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior will work closely with Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security as well as ministries, sectors and localities to combat cross-border crimes, particularly drug trafficking and fraud crime in cyberspace.

Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior will also increase exchanges and human resources training, and raise public awareness about the strong ties between the two countries, especially among the younger generations, he said. Sar Sokha reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to nurturing the bilateral relationship and facilitating the legal status for people of Vietnamese origin to enable them to live and work stably and legally in Cambodia.

Ho Chi Minh City named among world’s Top 25 trending destinations

The world's largest travel guidance platform, TripAdvisor, has announced its Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best Destinations 2025, featuring Ho Chi Minh City among the top 25 trending destinations globally.

The Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. It’s typically awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of our eight million listings, fewer than 1% are able to achieve this milestone.

Accordingly, the southern metropolis ranked 18th in the list. TripAdvisor shared that the southern city sets the cultural and economic pace for the country.

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon.

“The former Saigon boasts charming French colonial architecture and wide boulevards, usually thronged and choked with traffic. Taxis are an option for seeing the sprawling city. The War Remnants Museum shows the Vietnam War through Vietnamese eyes,” it noted.

The travel guidance platform also suggested that visitors should not miss out on the impressive Jade Emperor Pagoda, the frenetic Ben Thanh Market, or a tour through the Mekong Delta.

Rounding off the list included Osaka and Kyoto of Japan, Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia, Lima of Peru, Auckland of New Zealand, Seoul and Jeju Island of the Republic of Korea, Johannesburg of South Africa, Sharm El Sheikh and Giza of Egypt, Bogota of Colombia, Hong Kong (China), Phnom Penh of Cambodia, Doha of Qatar, Banff of Canada, Santiago of Chile, and Singapore.

Vietnam considers ASEAN a strategic priority in foreign policy: President

Vietnam always considers ASEAN a strategic priority in its foreign policy and always tries its best to work with ASEAN Member States to build a united and strong ASEAN Community, said President Luong Cuong.

President Luong made the above statement during a reception for Ambassadors and Chargé d'Affaires of ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste in Hanoi on February 19.

Amid ongoing conflicts and tensions in many regions around the world, the Vietnamese President stressed that the ASEAN Member States must work together to maintain a peaceful environment for development. He called for stronger solidarity and enhanced political trust among the regional nations, VGP reported.

President Luong Cuong hosts a reception for Ambassadors and Chargé d'Affaires of ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste, Ha Noi, February 19, 2025.

He assured Vietnam's support for Malaysia to successfully assume its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, and wished Malaysia will continue to reap successes in leading ASEAN toward significant achievements, building a sustainable and exclusive group.

Luong urged the ASEAN member countries to translate commitments and agreements into tangible results; and boost coordination in addressing both traditional and non-traditional challenges; and uphold achievements, towards driving ASEAN's robust development in the coming time, contributing to global peace, stability, and prosperity.

He also welcomed Timor-Leste's gradual participation in ASEAN activities, affirming that Vietnam always supports and cooperates with other ASEAN member states to help Timor-Leste meet the necessary criteria to officially join the bloc.

To contribute to ASEAN's collective efforts in shaping the region's future, Vietnam is preparing to host the ASEAN Future Forum 2025, with the aim of fostering an open and constructive platform for dialogue on key issues facing ASEAN and the region, he said, adding that Vietnam highly values the participation of senior leaders from the ASEAN Member States and Timor-Leste.

President Luong expressed his hope that the ASEAN diplomats will continue to serve as important bridges, contributing to the enhancement of friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and other Southeast Asian nations, towards building a united and strong ASEAN Community - a cornerstone of peace and stability in Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific and Indo-Pacific regions.

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