Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) meets with chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Wang Huning.

Vietnam, China positive on bilateral relations

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), have expressed their joy at the positive progress made in the relations between the two parties and the two countries over recent times.

PM Chinh had a meeting on June 27 with Huning as part of his ongoing activities during his official visit to the northern neighbour.

During the course of the meeting both sides held an in-depth discussion and reached a consensus on measures relating to strengthening the friendship and co-operation that exists between the two countries in a multitude of fields. This includes exchanges and linkages between the Vietnam Fatherland Front and the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) and the CPPCC.

The Vietnamese PM conveyed the cordial greetings and best wishes from senior Vietnamese leaders and from Do Van Chien, president of the VFF Central Committee, to Huning.

The two parties and citizens of the two countries have given each other valuable support and assistance in previous historical struggles for national independence and in the current socialism building process, cited VOV.

The Vietnamese side always attaches great importance to maintaining and developing the comprehensive strategic co-operation partnership, considering it to be a long-term, consistent, strategic policy, as well as a top priority in its foreign policy, PM Chinh told his host.

The Vietnamese Government leader suggested that both sides continue to maintain regular high-level exchanges and contacts, and expand ties between localities. This is along with competently organise activities of friendship meetings, people-to-people exchanges, youth festivals, and people's forums in a bid to boost tourism co-operation in order to swiftly restore it to the same point as before the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that the VFF and the CPPCC should enhance exchanges of experience to optimise their role in the political life of each country, as well as considering organising the second friendship exchange between the two organisations and among localities along the shared border.

In response, Wang affirmed with the Vietnamese cabinet leader that the two countries are each other's important neighbours and share a wide range of common interests.

The Chinese side always regards Vietnam as a priority as part of its external policy on neighbours, and is therefore willing to work hand in hand with the nation to intensify the strategic exchanges and ramp up relations between the two Parties and countries in a sustainable and long-standing manner, he said.

The CPPCC therefore backs the strengthening of people-to-people exchange activities as a way of deepening the friendship between the two peoples and expanding economic, trade, and investment co-operation and transport infrastructure connectivity. This will serve to boost the frequency and quality of collaboration among their respective localities.

The CPPCC remains ready to boost exchanges, co-operation, and experience sharing with the VFF to make positive contributions to the growth of the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic co-operative partnership, Wang added.

Vietnam, Laos hold 8th deputy ministerial-level political consultation

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet and his Lao counterpart Phoxay Khaykhamphithoune co-chaired the 8th political consultation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane, Laos, on June 28.

Both sides expressed their delight at the positive development of the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries over the past years, including their close coordination to hold Laos visits by Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong in April 2023 and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in January 2023.

They pledged to jointly prepare for high-level visits and important cooperation mechanisms in the near future while working closely together with ministries, agencies and localities to implement high-level agreements, according to VNA.

At the event (Photo: VNA)

On global and regional issues, they shared the view that amid complicated and uncertain developments in the region and the world, the two sides need to further enhance their tradition of close coordination and mutual support at international and regional forums, especially the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and sub-regional cooperation mechanisms, particularly in strategic issues related to peace and stability in the region.

Viet affirmed that Vietnam will continue working closely with and offering all possible support to Laos to help the country successfully assume the role of ASEAN Chair in 2024, contributing to maintaining the bloc's unity and central role.

About the East Sea issue, they pledged to join other ASEAN member nations to maintain the bloc's common stance on the East Sea issue, settle disputes via peaceful means in line with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and strive to soon reach an effective and efficient Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Regarding collaboration between the two foreign ministries, they consented to continue with their cooperation agreement for the 2021-2025 period, maintain regular and effective consultation mechanisms at the ministerial and deputy ministerial levels, enhance the exchange of information and professional experience between their units, particularly in policy research; economic diplomacy; consular, overseas Vietnamese and border affairs; and personnel training.

The two sides also agreed to hold the 9th political consultation at the deputy foreign minister level in Vietnam next year.

Foreign arrivals to Vietnam in June rise by 6.4%

Vietnam welcomed a total of 975,010 international tourists in June, representing a rise of 6.4% compared to May, according to details given by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

This figure raises the total number of international tourists to the nation in the first half of the year to over 5.5 million.

The main international tourism markets include the Republic of Korea (RoK), China, Taiwan (China), the United States, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, and Australia.

The tourism markets which witnessed strong growth in terms of the number of visitors include the US, up 52%, Norway, up 51%, Singapore, up 48%, Laos, up 25%, Taiwan (China), up 21%, the Republic of Korea, up 15%, and Philippines, up 10%, reported VOV.

Photo: VOV

In contrast, other markets which experienced a downward trajectory were France, down 41%, Hong Kong (China), down 37%, Belgium, down 33%, Italy, down 31%, Canada, down 31%, Switzerland, down 28%, the Netherlands, down 27%, Indonesia, down 25%, and Denmark, down 22%.

According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the number of domestic tourists in June stood at an estimated 13.5 million, thereby bringing the total number of local visitors in the first half of the year up to 64 million.

During the six-month period, the tourism sector is anticipated to earn VND343.1 trillion in revenue.

Vietnam attends ASEAN plus three high level forum on migration policies

International migration plays an increasingly important role, affecting the development of nations, Deputy Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang said at the ASEAN Plus Three High Level Forum on Migration Policies in Beijing, China, on June 28.

International cooperation to manage migration flows is a topic of concern of many countries, Quang said, elaborating that it is necessary to strengthen close cooperation between ASEAN and partner countries, contributing to political stability, economic and social development, and people-to-people exchange between ASEAN and other countries in the region.

It also effectively addresses challenges in combating human trafficking, illegal immigration and transnational crimes, he added.

Vietnam has actively cooperated with China, Japan and the Republic of Korea to carry out projects and cooperative initiatives in immigration, cited VNA.

The Vietnamese delegation at the event (Photo: VNA)

He said that the country has signed an agreement with China on enhancing cooperation in combating human trafficking and a memorandum of understanding on immigration management cooperation between the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam and the National Immigration Administration of China.

He went on to say that within the framework of the ongoing visit to China by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, the two sides signed a plan implementing a campaign on prevention of illegal entry and exit which will serve as a basis for preventing and fighting against illegal border-crossing activities.

Vietnam has chaired two seminars, namely an ASEAN - Japan conference on applying technology in combating child trafficking and an ASEAN - China workshop on strengthening international cooperation in arresting wanted criminals, the deputy minister said, adding that these seminars affirmed Vietnam's commitment to cooperating with other countries in fighting and preventing illegal entry and exit, human trafficking and other related crimes.

Vietnam has also actively coordinated and effectively exchanged information with relevant authorities of other countries through talks and meetings to identify suspects and brokers of illegal entry and exit activities as well as handle cases relating to returning and receiving citizens who violated law.

As an ASEAN member country, Vietnam has always actively participated in cooperation frameworks and regional forums on the management of migration flows, Quang said.

Vietnam highly values the expanded cooperation mechanism of ASEAN Directors-General of Immigration Departments and Heads of Consular Affairs Divisions of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs (DGICM) with partner countries, dialogues to exchange experiences and views on migration management, making an important contribution to promoting legal immigration, improving the efficiency of border management, fighting human trafficking crimes of ASEAN member countries as well as in the whole region, he said.

Vietnam among top places for honeymoon

Travel+Leisure has listed Vietnam as one of the top 12 destinations for honeymooners, with experiences and affordable prices.

Accordingly, Hanoi is the place to be for a honeymoon that combines culinary and cultural exploration while experiencing the vibrant rhythm of the city.

As Vietnam’s traditional wedding season will fall in autumn and spring, from October to March, this site suggested that international tourists can make a fancy saying “I do” during an intimate ceremony on the shores of Phu Quoc island (Kien Giang Province) or perhaps a grand city wedding in a stylish ballroom in HCM City.

For couples in a relationship, the site suggested visiting the Valley of Love in Da Lat for those who enjoy hiking.

According to this site, Vietnamese weddings traditionally have taken place in the couple's hometown, but the trend has shifted in recent years. Today, destination weddings have come to the forefront, with idyllic islands such as Phu Quoc and coastal resorts such as Da Nang quickly becoming popular locations.

Many wealthy Indian couples have recently come to Phu Quoc to get married. The stunning sunsets on this island provide perfect photo opportunities, and the seaside lawn is popular for romantic beach weddings.

For couples in a relationship, the site suggested visiting the Valley of Love in Da Lat or the scenic views of Fansipan Mount in Sapa (Lao Cai province) for those who enjoy hiking.

Other ideal destinations for couples include Belize, Key Largo (Florida, USA), Napa and Sonoma (California, USA), Bermuda, Jamaica, Mexico, Honolulu (Hawaii, USA), Costa Rica, Portugal, Niagara-on-the-Lake (Ontario, Canada).

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