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General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping talk over the phone on January 15. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, China prioritize strengthening bilateral ties

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam and General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping talked over the phone on January 15, during which both leaders affirmed commitments to prioritizing the enhancement of relations between the two countries.

The talks took place on the occasion of the 75th founding anniversary of Vietnam-China diplomatic relations (January 18, 1950 - 2025), and in the context that the two nations are preparing for the Lunar New Year Festival.

The two leaders noted the significance of the phone talks, viewing it as an important and positive start for the Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange. They said it reflects the high regard and top priority each side places on the relations between the two Parties and countries, setting the direction for their effective cooperation in 2025 and the years to come.

As the Year of the Snake is approaching, the two leaders wished for greater achievements in the socialist building of each country, for prosperity and well-being for the people of both nations, and for the continued healthy and stable development of the relations between the two Parties and countries, contributing to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world at large.

The two leaders praised the traditional Vietnam-China friendship over the past 75 years, saying it has maintained the positive development trend, reaped multiple achievements, and brought tangible benefits to the two countries’ people.

In 2024, high-level exchanges took place frequently, fostering a spirit of friendship and effective cooperation across various levels, sectors, and communities. Many agreements and high-level common perceptions, including the Vietnam-China joint statement issued in August 2024, are being actively implemented.

Lam expressed his sympathy with the families of the victims and to all those affected by the recent devastating earthquake in Tibet. The Vietnamese leader noted confidence that under the timely leadership and guidance of the CPC Central Committee, the Chinese people would quickly overcome the aftermath and stabilize their lives.

He also congratulated China on the significant achievements it has made under the leadership of the CPC, with Xi at its core, and expressed his belief that China will grow stronger and contribute more to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world, cited VNA.

For his part, Xi extended his warm congratulations to the CPV and Lam on the occasion of the 95th founding anniversary of the CPV (February 3, 1930 - 2025).

He lauded the comprehensive achievements Vietnam has recorded in recent years and hoped that the CPV, led by Lam, will continue to guide the Vietnamese people to successfully implement the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress, successfully organise the 14th National Party Congress, and achieve the centennial goals to celebrate the Party’s and the nation’s founding.

The Chinese top leader said he believed that Vietnam will steadfastly progress toward the new era of the nation’s rise on the path to socialism.

Lam emphasised that the Party, State, and people of Vietnam treasure the valuable support from their Chinese counterparts during historical periods, affirming that Vietnam always considers developing the bilateral relations a top priority in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, and diversification.

In reply, Xi also affirmed that the Party and State of China prioritize developing relations with Vietnam in its neighbourhood diplomacy.

On this occasion, the leaders jointly announced the launch of the Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange 2025. They also agreed to effectively coordinate in organising activities to celebrate the 75th founding anniversary of the diplomatic relations and the Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange 2025; and in raising public awareness, especially among younger generations, of the traditional friendship between the two countries.

They consented to strengthen strategic exchanges between the two Parties and countries, especially high-level exchanges that hold strategic orientation significance for the overall bilateral relations; improve the effectiveness of cooperation mechanisms on the channels of Party, Government, National Assembly/National People's Congress, and Vietnam Fatherland Front/Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference; promote defence and security cooperation as an important pillar of the bilateral relationship; create new breakthroughs in economic cooperation, accelerating the connection of three standard gauge railway lines between the two countries; and expand trade and investment cooperation in emerging fields.

Xi welcomed Vietnam's efforts to better quality and expand the consumption of its high-quality agricultural products in the Chinese market.

The two leaders exchanged information about the situation of each Party and country, agreeing to intensify the exchanges of experience and theory discussions on socialism building, and coordinate on international and regional issues to contribute to promoting peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

The Vietnamese Party chief suggested the two sides direct their sectors to seek effective methods and solutions to better manage and resolve differences, and to enhance cooperation in accordance with the scope of the bilateral relations, and on the basis of the UN Charter and international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

He invited the Chinese leader and his spouse to visit Vietnam again this year. Xi accepted the invitation with pleasure.

Ambassador Joanna Skoczek confident of growing Poland – Vietnam relations

The coming visit to Poland by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highlights the long-standing partnership and potential areas for cooperation, particularly in politics, economics, and cultural exchanges, said Polish Ambassador to Vietnam Joanna Skoczek.

Skoczek told the press ahead of Chinh’s departure that both Poland and Vietnam are each other’s important partners that have treasured a long-standing history of friendship, mutual understanding, and support.

This is the first official visit to Poland by a Vietnamese Prime Minister in 15 years that is taking place ahead of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (1950-2025), according to VOV.

Secretary of State Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski and Ambassador Joanna Skoczek unveil the official logo marking 75 years of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Poland in 2025. (Photo: Embassy)

The visit provides an opportunity for both sides to review bilateral cooperation and identify areas of mutual interest that can be further strengthened in the near future, she said.

According to the diplomat, many Vietnamese businesses will accompany the PM, providing opportunities for increased business-to-business interactions, boosting trade, investment, and scientific exchanges.

She highlighted major strengths in bilateral relations, including long-standing academic exchanges, cultural interactions, and the Vietnamese community in Poland, as well as Poland’s historical support to Vietnam during the implementation of the 1954 Geneva Agreement, and cultural preservation efforts during the 1980s-1990s.

She also recalled Poland’s response to Vietnam’s COVID-19 vaccine appeal, providing 1.4 million vaccines and medical equipment to the Southeast Asian nation.

Mutual understanding will be the key to successful cooperation, serving as the foundation for peace and prosperity in the current international security landscape, stressed the ambassador.

In her opinion, both countries have significant opportunities for cooperation in green transformation, digital transformation, recycling, renewable energy, digital public services, and e-health.

She expected that the visit would facilitate business negotiations and contract signings in the coming months.

Poland, with its experience in economic transformation, is ready to share lessons and expertise with Vietnam. And at the same time, Poland can learn from Vietnam’s approaches, fostering mutual growth and development, she concluded.

Vietnam to waive visas for citizens of three European countries from March 1

The Government on January 15 issued a resolution on visa exemptions for citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland as part of a tourism stimulus program in 2025.

The resolution specifies that citizens of these European countries will be granted visa-free entry for a stay of up to 45 days for tourism purposes. The program applies to those traveling under itineraries organized by Vietnamese international tour operators, regardless of passport types, provided they meet Vietnam’s legal entry requirements, reported VNA.

Aviation security staff verify passenger information before security screening at an airport in Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

This visa waiver policy will be effective from the first day of March to the last day of December 2025.

PM Pham Minh Chinh begins Poland visit

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, accompanied by his spouse and other Vietnamese officials, arrived at Frederic Chopin Airport in Warsaw on January 15 evening (local time), beginning an official visit to the Republic of Poland, at the invitation of Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Chinh and his entourage were welcomed at the airport by State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wladysław Teofil Bartoszewski, Polish Ambassador to Vietnam Joanna Skoczek and other Polish diplomats.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Poland Ha Hoang Hai, other officials of the Vietnamese Embassy, and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Poland were also present at the airport.

This is the first official visit by a Vietnamese Prime Minister to Poland in 15 years. The visit comes at a time when the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Poland are thriving. It coincides with celebrations of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, cited VOV.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh arrives in Warsaw, beginning an official visit to the Republic of Poland, at the invitation of Prime Minister Donald Tusk. (Photo: VGP).

During his stay from January 15 - 18, Chinh is expected to hold talks and have meetings with senior Polish leaders, visit leading educational and research institutions locally, attend a Vietnam-Poland business forum, and meet with leading Polish corporations.

He will meet with staff members of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Poland, participate in the Spring Homeland 2025 program, and extend Lunar New Year greetings to Vietnamese expatriates in Poland.

The visit aims to create breakthroughs and elevate Vietnam-Poland relations, so as to deepen ties with the Central and Eastern European region. Both sides are set to examine measures to enhance cooperation in areas such as politics-diplomacy, defense-security, economy-trade-investment, education-training, culture-sports-tourism, local cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, agriculture, environment, health care, information and communication technology, justice, development cooperation, and employment.

Poland is Chinh’s first stopover during his European tour that will also take him to the Czech Republic and Switzerland. In Switzerland he will also attend the 55th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Khanh Hoa among best recovery destinations in Asia-Pacific

Nha Trang and Cam Ranh in the central province of Khanh Hoa have been honored as top destinations in the world in 2024 and 2025.

With an impressive growth rate of 80 percent compared to the same period last year, Nha Trang City was ranked third among best recovery destinations in the Asia-Pacific region in 2024 by global travel analysis firm ForwardKeys.

Nha Trang was also ranked sixth in the list of 25 Best Places To Visit In Asia In 2025 as revealed by Travel+Leisure Magazine.

The list was voted by Travel+Leisure Magazine, including destinations Thailand, Singapore, Uzbekistan, India, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, and China.

Photo: VGP

Meanwhile, Malaysian newspaper The Star named Cam Ranh among 12 destinations for 2025 holidays.

According to the newspaper, Cam Ranh is a bayside city with beautiful white-sand beaches dotted with hotels and resorts.

Cam Ranh is one of Vietnam's top luxury resort destinations and the place is not just about the beaches, though, as people can also get lots of cultural exposure, especially in the nearby city of Nha Trang, The Star noted.

The newspaper suggests visitors check out the Long Son Pagoda, Vietnam's oldest Buddhist temple, the Christ the King Cathedral or Nha Trang Cathedral that was built in 1928, and the ancient Ponagar Cham Towers. These towers were built in honor of Yang Ino Po Nagar, the goddess of the Dua clan that ruled over the southern region of the Champa kingdom.

With more than 10.8 million visitors in 2024, Khanh Hoa's tourism revenue exceeded US$2.2 billion. Of the figure, 4.8 million were foreigners.

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