Vietnam News Today (May 21): Vietnam Attends UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice's 34th Session

	Vietnam News Today (May 19): Norway Hails Vietnam’s Continued Emphasis on Upholding International Law
	Vietnam News Today (May 20): Hanoi Named Top Cultural, Artistic Destination in Asia

The Vietnamese delegation at the 34th session of the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Vienna, Austria, on May 19 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam attends UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice's 34th session

A Vietnamese delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, attended the 34th session of the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ34) in Vienna, Austria, on May 19, outlining Vietnam’s push to strengthen its criminal justice system and spearhead international cooperation against cybercrime.

The session served as the final preparatory meeting for the 15th UN Crime Congress set for 2026 in the United Arab Emirates.

In her opening remarks, Deputy Minister Hang highlighted Vietnam’s role in hosting the signing ceremony for the Hanoi Convention, a new UN treaty on cybercrime, scheduled for October 25-26 in Hanoi. Co-chaired by Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the signing event marks a milestone as the first global legal instrument on crime prevention adopted by the UN in more than two decades.

She said through top-level diplomatic channels, Vietnam is delivering invitations from President Cuong to heads of state across all UN member countries to attend the ceremony, a milestone that underscores the country’s active role as a responsible member of the international community.

Over 1,000 delegates from UN member states reviewed reports from regional preparatory meetings held throughout 2025, finalised key documents that will form the basis for negotiations on the draft Abu Dhabi Declaration.

At a hybrid seminar attended by over 200 delegates the same day, Hang detailed plans for the Hanoi event, underlining close coordination with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the personal involvement of its Executive Director Ghada Fathi Waly.

She stressed that the Hanoi Convention represents the international community’s commitment to multilateralism, providing a legal framework for global cooperation in addressing cybercrime, a growing threat to socio-economic development worldwide, cited VNA.

The signing ceremony is not merely a formal event, but a powerful call to action for countries to sign and ratify the Convention swiftly, enabling it to enter into force and strengthen the global fight against cybercrime effectively, she said.

Waly expressed his optimism about the ceremony’s success, noting its significance as a lead-up to the UN’s 80th anniversary on October 24. Representatives from Algeria and Japan underscored the convention’s regional importance and praised Vietnam’s role as host of the signing ceremony.

As part of the CCPCJ34, the Vietnamese delegation held a working session with UNODC Executive Director Waly to discuss detailed preparations for the upcoming signing ceremony, as well as explore deeper Vietnam–UNODC cooperation in crime prevention. The delegation also met with representatives from several key countries involved in the negotiation of the Convention, including Russia, Algeria, Thailand, and Saint Kitts & Nevis. During these meetings, Vietnam delivered official invitation letters from President Cuong to the heads of state of participating countries and exchanged views on plans for cooperation at events scheduled for this October in Hanoi.

On the occasion, Deputy FM Hang and her entourage had a working session with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Gross, discussing cooperation in nuclear energy and IAEA support for building Vietnam’s legal and policy frameworks, transferring technology, and training personnel for its nascent nuclear power project, with an emphasis on safety and security. Hang invited Grossi to visit Vietnam again, and the latter accepted the invitation with pleasure. Grossi expressed his belief in Vietnam’s determination to build the nuclear power plant and support for the promotion of partnerships between the private area and the IAEA.

Nha Trang tops Agoda’s list of best slow travel destinations in Vietnam

Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled a list of the leading Asian destinations for slow travel, with Nha Trang, a coastal city in central Khanh hoa province, topping the list of destinations in Vietnam.

With its stunning coastline and relaxing atmosphere, Nha Trang is a haven for beach lovers who are keen to take their time soaking up the sun and sea, reveals Agoda.

Beyond its beaches, the website says, Nha Trang offers a wealth of experiences, from exploring the ancient Po Nagar Cham Towers to indulging in rejuvenating mud baths. The locality’s laid-back vibe makes it an ideal spot in which one can take their time whilst travelling.

Photo: VOV

The rankings were based on Agoda’s average booking duration data from nine Asian markets between January and May 2025. Rayong (Thailand) topped the list for the longest stays, followed by Kalegowa (Indonesia), Seoul (Republic of Korea), Tokyo (Japan), and Nha Trang (Vietnam). Other destinations include Boracay Island (Philippines), Taipei (Taiwan, China), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and Chennai (India).

Vu Ngoc Lam, country director of Agoda Vietnam, says Nha Trang’s combination of scenic beaches and relaxing coastal lifestyle makes it an ideal destination for slow travelers who want to explore at their own pace. He describes slow travel as a way to “regenerate” by stepping away from life’s fast pace and fully immersing oneself in the local culture and beauty of each destination.

Along with Nha Trang, Agoda also identifies Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City as prime destinations for slow travelers to seek out extended vacations.

President Ho Chi Minh’s legacy inspires the Vietnamese in Cuba

The Vietnamese Embassy in Cuba held a flower offering ceremony at the statue of President Ho Chi Minh in Havana on May 19 to commemorate the late leader's 135th birth anniversary (May 19, 1890 – 2025).

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long emphasised that the thought, moral example, and exemplary lifestyle of President Ho Chi Minh remain a lasting source of inspiration for the Vietnamese community in Cuba and worldwide, according to VNA.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Cuba holds a flower offering ceremony at the statue of President Ho Chi Minh in Havana to commemorate the late leader's 135th birth anniversary. (Photo: VNA)

The ambassador called on overseas Vietnamese in Cuba to continue studying and following President Ho Chi Minh’s moral example, applying his teachings in their studies and work to contribute to the home country's development.

He also urged the overseas Vietnamese to preserve cultural identity, strengthen solidarity and mutual support, and help build a strong Vietnamese community while fostering special solidarity and friendship in Vietnam- Cuba.

Vietnam among Singapore's 15 largest tourist source markets

Vietnam remains among Singapore’s top 15 tourist source markets with more than 393,000 arrivals in 2024, according to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

The above information was released at the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on strategic cooperation between the STB, national carrier Vietnam Airlines and Singapore's Sentosa Development Corporation which took place in Ha Noi on May 20.

The three sides will work together to promote Singapore as an ideal destination for both leisure and business travel from Vietnam, cited VGP.

The signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on strategic cooperation between the Singapore Tourism Board, national carrier Viet Nam Airlines and Singapore's Sentosa Development Corporation, Ha Noi, May 20, 2025. Photo: VNA

Singapore has always been one of Vietnam Airlines' key markets in Southeast Asia. The national flag carrier has served over 8.1 million passengers after more than 30 years since the launch of the first route between the two countries.

Currently, Vietnam Airlines operates 21 flights per week connecting Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City with Singapore. In 2024 alone, the airline transported more than 400,000 passengers on these routes. In the first four months of 2025, the number reached 116,000 passengers.

Hai Phong pledges to increase business connectivity with RoK

The northern port city of Hai Phong creates favourable conditions for foreign firms, including those from the Republic of Korea (RoK), to do long-term, efficient and sustainable business in the locality, said Le Anh Quan, vice chairman of the Hai Phong municipal administration.

Speaking at a seminar titled Opportunities and Challenges for Vietnamese and Korean Enterprises in Hai Phong City held on May 20, Quan, who is also chairman of the Vietnam – RoK Friendship Association, Hai Phong chapter, affirmed that the city highly values practical contributions of the business community, especially the Korean enterprises that have closely supported its development.

Currently, the RoK ranks first in total registered investment capital in Hai Phong, totalling US$14.2 billion and second in the number of projects (186 projects). Korean-led projects have been operating effectively, producing many high-tech products that boost exports, enhance scientific and technological capabilities, generate employment, and contribute significantly to local budget, VOV reported.

Leaders of Hai Phong and Korean businesses during an investment promotion forum in 2024. (Photo: haiphong portal)

Hai Phong will continue improving its investment climate and support businesses in accessing land, credit, and skilled labour, he assured delegates.

The city also aims to assist domestic businesses, especially small ones, in building partnerships with FDI enterprises and adopting advanced technologies to collaborate effectively with Korean firms, he added.

Seog Myeong Gug, chairman of the Korean Business Association in Hai Phong (KOCHAM Hai Phong), noted that the seminar offered opportunities to Korean and Vietnamese businesses to explore cooperation, particularly in supporting industries and human resources. He acknowledged that Korean firms previously sourced supporting products from Korea or other countries, at high costs, and many are now actively seeking local partnerships in Hai Phong and Vietnam.

Lee Kyung Hee, vice chairman of KOCHAM Hai Phong, underlined the need to improve education and vocational training to international standards, especially in key industries such as industrial engineering, automation, electronics, and artificial intelligence (AI). He also suggested expanding Korean and foreign language education, along with soft skills training in communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

He recommended building joint training programmes between Vietnamese and Korean vocational institutions, and encouraging Korean businesses to engage in curriculum development and offer internships so as to meet the actual needs of Korean enterprises in the city.

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