Vietnam, Brazil issue joint statement on deepening strategic partnership

Vietnam and Brazil have issued a Joint Statement, affirming their commitment to deepening their strategic partnership.

Announced during Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s state visit to Vietnam on March 27-29, the joint statement underscores the enduring friendship built on shared values of peace, respect for international law, cooperation and development.

Central to this renewed partnership is the Action Plan to Implement the Strategic Partnership for 2025-2030, a bold roadmap that outlines collaboration in six key pillars: politics, defence, security, and global challenges; economic, trade, and investment ties; science, technology, and innovation; climate change and environmental protection; education, culture, sports, tourism, and people-to-people diplomacy; as well as consular affairs and community support. Both leaders expressed confidence that the roadmap’s implementation will unlock new growth potential and deliver tangible benefits to both countries.

In a bid to accelerate cooperation, the two sides agreed to fast-track negotiations and finalise key agreements on investment facilitation, judicial cooperation, legal affairs, and cybersecurity. They also hailed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), reinforcing football diplomacy as a bridge to strengthen cultural ties.

The leaders also commended the fruitful outcomes of the Vietnam-Brazil Economic Forum, where government leaders and business executives discussed enhanced trade and investment prospects. Recognising economic collaboration as a vital pillar of bilateral ties, both sides pledged to boost trade volume to 15 billion USD by 2030 while diversifying trade to unlock new opportunities in sectors such as animal protein and aircraft manufacturing.

President Lula da Silva thanked Vietnam for its decision to open its market to Brazilian beef. In response, Brazil announced the removal of its import ban on tilapia and its decision to allow imports of various shrimp products in line with international standards. Regarding pangasius (tra fish), Brazil committed to expediting technical evaluations to facilitate trade in this sector.

The two sides also expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in the civil and military aviation sectors, emphasising the potential for partnerships in advanced industries.

Considering Vietnam’s strides in economic innovation and global integration, President Lula da Silva announced Brazil’s recognition of Vietnam as a market economy.

The two leaders reaffirmed their interest in expanding economic relations between Vietnam and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), of which Brazil is a member. As Mercosur’s rotating President in the second half of 2025, Brazil pledged to discuss a balanced and mutually beneficial framework for this goal, aligning with both nations’ economic policies.

They highlighted the potential for scientific and technological cooperation between Vietnam and Brazil, stressing the importance of expanding partnerships in research, development, and innovation to promote sustainable development and improve living standards.

A consensus was reached to sustain dialogue on bioenergy, renewable energy, and other initiatives supporting energy transition and reducing inequalities among nations, according to VNA.

President of Vietnam Luong Cuong and President of the Federative Republic of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva following their meeting with media (Photo: VNA)

State President Luong Cuong reaffirmed Vietnam's backing for Brazil's initiatives within the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty framework, of which Brazil is a founding member, and committed to joint efforts against hunger in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Vietnam also praised Brazil’s priorities in healthcare, trade, investment and finance, climate change, AI governance, the reform of the multilateral peace and security system, and BRICS institutional development during Brazil's rotating presidency.

Both sides reaffirmed their national commitment to multilateralism, full respect for the United Nations Charter, international law, as well as independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of states.

They reiterated the urgent need for global governance reform to amplify developing nations’ meaningful voices in decision-making bodies, allowing them to better integrate into the current geopolitical landscape.

Their adherence to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was underscored, alongside their welcome of the UN General Assembly’s unanimous adoption of the UN Convention against Cybercrime.

Lula da Silva extended a formal invitation to President Cuong and other high-ranking Vietnamese leaders to visit Brazil at a mutually convenient time, which was warmly accepted.

Hanoi welcomes first-ever charter flight from Iran

Over 200 Iranian tourists arrived in Hanoi on March 28 aboard the first charter flight from the Middle Eastern nation to the Vietnamese capital.

The charter flight operated by Asia Destination Management JSC (ASIA DMC) in collaboration with HG Group subsidiaries, including HG Aviation, Iran’s Meraj Airlines, and other strategic partners in Iran, has brought a group of Iranian tourists to Vietnam.

The event marks a step forward in strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in tourism, reported VOV.

Iranian tourists arrived in Hanoi on March 28 on the first charter flight from Iran to the capital city. (Photo courtesy of ASIA DMC)

According to Subhash Chandar, general director of ASIA DMC, the visitors chose Vietnam as their destination to celebrate Nowruz, Iran’s traditional holiday.

During their nine-day journey, they will explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter on a cyclo tour, passing through streets such as Hang Bac, Hang Giay, and Hang Gai. They will also visit iconic landmarks including Tran Quoc Pagoda and the Temple of Literature.

Beyond Hanoi, their itinerary includes top tourist attractions across the country such as Ba Na Hills, Hoi An Ancient Town, Cu Chi Tunnels, and Ben Thanh Market.

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, the country welcomed over 4.6 million international arrivals in the first quarter of the year, a 72% increase year on year.

Hanoi alone received approximately 1.85 million foreign visitors, up 17.4% from the same period last year, further cementing Vietnam’s reputation as a popular destination among international travelers.

Vietnamese cuisine shines at 2025 Francophonie Food Festival in Singapore

The 2025 Francophonie Food Festival, held in Singapore on March 29, showcased the rich culinary heritage of Francophone nations, with Vietnamese cuisine drawing significant attention.

The Vietnam Trade Office, in collaboration with Chef Quoc Vo’s Vietnamese Restaurant and Ganh Xua Restaurant, served iconic dishes such as bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli), banh mi (Vietnamese baguette), nem ran (fried spring rolls), and pho tron (mixed pho), alongside essential Vietnamese food products like dried vermicelli, rice paper, and fish sauce. Ready-to-use cooking dishes were also introduced, reflecting Vietnam’s growing food industry.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore Tran Phuoc Anh highlighted the role of cuisine in cultural diplomacy, emphasising fish sauce as a defining ingredient, cited VNA.

Virgile Prod'Homme, Research Director at Alliance Française Singapore, enjoys Vietnamese baguette. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese Trade Counselor Cao Xuan Thang noted that the festival strengthens economic and cultural ties while promoting Vietnamese exports.

Beyond cultural promotion, the event provided a platform for Vietnamese businesses to expand their reach in Francophone markets.

Diverse programs to be held in Quang Ninh during the upcoming April 30 - May 1 holiday

During the upcoming April 30 - May 1 holiday, Quang Ninh province will host a variety of cultural, sporting, and tourism events to attract both domestic and international visitors.

Quang Ninh will host 11 major events, including Ha Long Carnaval 2025, the Bach Dang Traditional Festival, the Quang Ninh Ethnic Culture Festival 2025, the National Excellent Archery Championship, the Cuong Anh Cup Sports Dance Championship, the Aqua Warriors Ha Long Bay 2025, the Quang Ninh OCOP Fair – Summer 2025, the Beer and Squid Festival, the Hot Air Balloon Festival, the Motorized Kite and Paragliding Festival, and the Ha Long City Lion and Dragon Festival.

Additionally, Uong Bi City will launch the "Welcome Summer" program, while Mong Cai City will hold tourism activities under the theme “Impressions of the Nation’s Frontier” in 2025. Notably, the province will introduce new Bai Tu Long Bay tours to create fresh tourism products, enhance visitor experiences, and extend the duration of tourist stays, cited baoquangninh.vn.

Ha Long Bay.

Notably, art and music programs are expected to attract a massive influx of visitors to Quang Ninh. One of the highlights is the "Skywave Ha Long" concert, featuring singer Son Tung M-TP along with many other famous artists. The event is anticipated to draw around 10,000 spectators and will take place in April at Sun Carnival Square, Ha Long City.

The "Legend of the Heritage Land" art program will be held in Ha Long City, Mong Cai City, and various tourist destinations. This program will showcase traditional music and dance performances that promote and celebrate Quang Ninh’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, history, and people. It aims to strengthen tourism promotion efforts while ensuring the province's tourism development follows a professional, high-quality, and sustainable approach, integrating tourism growth with the preservation and enhancement of ethnic cultural values.

These events are part of Quang Ninh’s broader initiative to host over 170 activities throughout 2025, aiming to attract 20 million visitors, including 4.5 million international tourists. With such a diverse and exciting lineup of events, the province is set to become a top destination for travelers during the holiday season.

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