Vietnam News Today (May 13): Vietnam, EU Join Hands For Clean Environment

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Ambassador of the European Union Julien Guerrier. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

FM Bui Thanh Son receives EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier

On May 9, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son received new Ambassador of the European Union (EU) Julien Guerrier on the occasion of his starting tenure in Vietnam.

During the meeting, Minister Son assessed the positive development of the Vietnam-EU relationship in recent times, expressing satisfaction with the effective implementation of the Vietnam – EU Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation, as well as the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

He welcomed the new EU-Indo Pacific Strategy, prioritizing cooperation with Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development, climate change adaptation, sustainable development, etc.

The Foreign Minister proposed that the EU and its member states coordinate to assist Vietnam in effectively implementing the Resource Mobilization Plan (RMP), which was announced at COP28 to implement the Political Declaration on establishing the "Just Energy Transition Partnership" (JETP) between Vietnam and the International partner group, with the EU as the coordinator. Minister Son also expressed his hope that the EU Ambassador would urge the European Commission (EC) to promptly lift the "yellow card" for Vietnam's seafood exports and persuade the remaining 9 EU member states to promptly ratify the Vietnam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

During the meeting, Minister Son assessed the positive development of the Vietnam-EU relationship in recent times, expressing satisfaction with the effective implementation of the Vietnam – EU Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation, as well as the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

He welcomed the new EU-Indo Pacific Strategy, prioritizing cooperation with Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam, particularly in areas such as infrastructure development, climate change adaptation, sustainable development, cited WVR.

The Foreign Minister proposed that the EU and its member states coordinate to assist Vietnam in effectively implementing the Resource Mobilization Plan (RMP), which was announced at COP28 to implement the Political Declaration on establishing the "Just Energy Transition Partnership" (JETP) between Vietnam and the International partner group, with the EU as the coordinator. Minister Son also expressed his hope that the EU Ambassador would urge the European Commission (EC) to promptly lift the "yellow card" for Vietnam's seafood exports and persuade the remaining 9 EU member states to promptly ratify the Vietnam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

Minister Bui Thanh Son and Ambassador Guerrier agree to promote cooperation in EU areas of strength and Vietnam's urgent needs, such as addressing climate change, with immediate EU support for Vietnam in implementing the RMP.

Ambassador Guerrier noted that both sides have maintained active coordination and Vietnam has made efforts to implement measures to combat IUU fishing. He welcomed the delegation of Deputy Ministers from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam to work with the EC to review the implementation of the EU's recommendations and address some remaining issues. The EU Ambassador also expressed his delight at the highest number of Vietnamese exchange students awarded Erasmus scholarships by the EU in 2023 and praised the results of bilateral cooperation in peacekeeping.

On this occasion, Minister Son and Ambassador Guerrier also discussed some regional and international issues of mutual concern. Regarding the situation in the East Sea, both sides agreed on the need to resolve disputes through peaceful means, based on international law, including UNCLOS 1982, to ensure security, safety, and freedom of navigation in the area.

Minister Bui Thanh Son proposed to Ambassador Guerrier to promote high-level EU leadership visits to Vietnam during his tenure, expressing confidence that with the efforts of both sides, the Vietnam-EU relationship will be further strengthened and developed to new heights. The Vietnamese Government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and relevant ministries, departments, and localities will actively coordinate and support the Ambassador in successfully completing his mission in Vietnam, the Foreign Minister affirmed.

Vietnam wishes to contribute more to global peace, development: ambassador

Vietnam wishes to diversify its partners, consolidate a peaceful and stable international environment conducive to its development, and contribute to peace and development in the world, said Ambassador Mai Phan Dung.

The Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and other international organizations in Geneva made the remark in a recent interview granted to the Geneva Geostrategic Observatory. The interview was also published on Tribune de Genève, a Swiss newspaper.

He noted that multilateralism and international integration are at the heart of Vietnam's diplomacy. The country always attaches great importance to the multilateral mechanisms and forums of the UN and WTO, among others, and is proactively participating in multilateral negotiations in Geneva, including as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2023 - 2025 term.

Vietnam wishes to diversify its partners and strengthen a peaceful and stable international environment conducive to its development. This will not only help to better defend its national interests but also to take advantage of external resources for its sustainable development. It also allows the country to contribute to international efforts to solve many of the problems that countries are currently facing and also to promote peace and development in the world, he went on.

Dung said the multilateral system established after the Second World War has played a crucial role in the prevention of wars, the promotion of peace, and the international cooperation for the development of nations. However, today's global situation has changed significantly, creating new demands on the global multilateral system, according to VNA.

Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, the WTO, and other international organizations in Geneva (Photo: VNA)

Humanity has to face new challenges such as terrorism, poverty, food insecurity, epidemics, natural disasters, and climate change. The rise of many emerging countries has changed the balance of power. In addition, scientific and technological development has changed the way of thinking. Factors such as lack of trust, protectionist tendencies, heightened nationalism, and realpolitik also undermine the multilateral system.

In this context, a reform of the multilateral system is not only necessary but also urgent. This reform must be based on respect for the independence, sovereignty and legitimate interests of all nations. It must promote democratic and equitable participation of nations in decision-making processes, he underlined.

A comprehensive review of the multilateral system, encompassing the areas of security, economy, development and finance, is essential to address global challenges and strengthen the common interests of all nations, the ambassador opined.

At the same time, he added, it is crucial to modernize and optimize international organizations, improving their operational efficiency, streamlining budgets, and reducing administrative costs. In doing so, the multilateral system will be able to be revived, better respond to the challenges of the contemporary world, and promote global cooperation for the benefit of all.

Friendship Medal awarded to Polish Parliament's Member Grzegorz Bernard Napieralski

On May 9th, at the Vietnamese Embassy in Warsaw, on behalf of the Vietnamese State and under the authorization of the President, Ambassador of Vietnam to Poland Ha Hoang Hai presented the Friendship Medal to Grzegorz Bernard Napieralski, Member of the Parliament (Sejm) and Chairman of the Poland-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians' Group.

Participating in the ceremony were 20 out of 35 members of the Group, including Marek Borowski, former Speaker of the Lower House, Jan Ardanowsk, former Minister of Agriculture, Pawel Bejda, Deputy Minister of Defense, Marcin Kulasek, Deputy Minister of Public Properties.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Ha Hoang Hai emphasized that this prestigious award is the acknowledgment by the Vietnamese State of the contributions of Chairman Grzegorz Napieralski and the Poland-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians' Group for development of the bilateral relations between Vietnam and Poland in recent times. This is a meaningful event and an opportunity for both sides to further promote, expand, and enhance mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries, he said.

Ambassador Ha Hoang Hai proposed that Chairman Grzegorz Napieralski and the Poland-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians' Group continue to coordinate and work alongside the Embassy to further promote bilateral relations for the interest of the people of both countries, WVR reported.

Friendship Medal awarded to Polish Parliament's Member Grzegorz Bernard Napieralski: Ambassador of Vietnam to Poland Ha Hoang Hai presented the Friendship Medal to Mr. Grzegorz Bernard Napieralski, Member of Parliament (Sejm) and Chairman of the Poland-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians Group. (Photo: WVR)

Member of the Polish Parliament Grzegorz Napieralski expressed his honor in receiving the Friendship Medal, noting that the Poland-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians' Group is one of the largest groups of friendly parliamentarians in the Polish Parliament. Members of the Group come from various political parties in Poland, demonstrating the affection and aspiration for cooperation from the Polish Government and people towards Vietnam. The Friendship Parliamentarians Group affirmed that they will continue to collaborate with the Embassy as an active bridge to further develop the Vietnam-Poland relationship.

On this occasion, Ambassador Ha Hoang Hai also presented Polish Parliament's Member Grzegorz Bernard Napieralski with the Commemorative Medal "For Peace and Friendship among Nations" - the highest prestigious award of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations.

Vietnam, EU join hands for clean environment

An event themed “Vietnam - EU joining hands for a clean environment” took place in Ha Long city, the northern province of Quang Ninh, on May 12.

The event was held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the Quang Ninh provincial People’s Committee, the EU Delegation to Vietnam, and Sun Group.

In her remarks, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang emphasized that the protection of the marine environment is facing numerous challenges such as pollution risks posed by untreated waste and wastewater, as well as people’s limited awareness of the issue, cited VNA.

Ambassador and head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam Julien Guerrier addresses the Vietnam - EU Day in Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province, on May 12. (Photo: baotintuc.vn)

She said to address these challenges, aside from efforts by the entire political system, the MoFA has actively promoted cooperation with other countries and international organizations in terms of environmental protection and climate change response.

The EU and its member nations have significantly contributed to environmental protection and climate change response worldwide, she went on, noting that they have actively assisted Vietnam in this regard through cooperation projects on climate change response, biodiversity conservation, forest protection, and waste treatment, among others.

The Vietnam - EU Day in Ha Long, initiated by the MoFA, aimed to help raise businesses and people’s awareness of responsible behavior towards the environment and the natural ecosystem, thereby helping prevent the pollution and degradation of the marine environment.

It was also meant to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between Quang Ninh and the EU Delegation, as well as the embassies of the EU countries, contributing to the flourishing Vietnam - EU comprehensive partnership and cooperation, according to Hang.

The official added that Vietnam wishes to continue receiving the effective cooperation and assistance from the EU and its members in promoting the awareness and capacity of protecting the environment and recovering soil, forest and marine ecosystems.

For his part, Ambassador and head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam Julien Guerrier highlighted the event’s importance to Vietnam’s efforts towards green and sustainable development.

Speaking highly of Vietnam’s commitments to building a green and circular economy and achieving net zero emissions by 2050, he affirmed that the EU will always stand side by side and support the country to carry out the initiatives on climate change response and environmental protection so as to help fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals.

After the opening ceremony, nearly 200 delegates engaged in the collection of waste along Bai Chay beach and on Ha Long Bay. They were also joined by a large number of local residents and tourists.

Iridescent cloud spotted in Ho Chi Minh City sky

An Iridescent cloud or five-coloured cloud hung in the sky of Ho Chi Minh City, southern Vietnam, on May 12 afternoon, capturing great public attention.

The phenomenon appeared at around 4pm and was immediately recorded by Facebookers and Tiktokers who then shared the clips through social media.

An Iridescent cloud or five-coloured cloud appears in Ho Chi Minh City sky on May 12 afternoon. (Photo: Hong Van)

This was a beautiful and large five-coloured cloud that has not been seen in the locality for the past decades, according to local residents.

Notably, viewers were very excited as the cloud appeared on May 12 that is also Mother’s Day, cited VOV.

According to Wikipedia, cloud iridescence or irisation is a colorful optical phenomenon that occurs in a cloud and appears in the general proximity of the Sun or Moon. The colors resemble those seen in soap bubbles and oil on a water surface. It is a type of photometeor.

This fairly common phenomenon is most often observed in altocumulus, cirrocumulus, lenticular, and cirrus clouds. They sometimes appear as bands parallel to the edge of the clouds.

Iridescence is also seen in the much rarer polar stratospheric clouds, also called nacreous clouds.

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