Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang (R) and visiting French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu in Hanoi on May 5. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam treasures strategic partnership with France: Defense Minister

Vietnam attaches importance to its strategic partnership with France, which has been developing extensively and intensively across various fields, including defense, Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang affirmed at his talks with visiting French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu in Hanoi on May 5.

At the talks following a welcome ceremony for the French minister, Giang highlighted the significance of the guest's current visit in stepping up bilateral defense cooperation, considering it evidence of the spirit of "closing the past and looking towards the bright future."

He said based on a joint vision statement on Vietnam-France defense cooperation for 2018-2028 and an amended agreement on the defense ties, numerous positive outcomes have been achieved across various fields, including delegation exchanges, dialogue and consultation mechanisms, training, defense industry, military medicine, the sharing of historical memories, war legacy remediation, UN peacekeeping missions, and mutual consultation and support at multilateral forums and mechanisms.

The Vietnamese minister suggested the two sides make greater efforts to enhance defense cooperation in these areas and actively engage in exchanges to achieve early consensus on the Vietnam-France defense cooperation program for 2025-2028, cited VNA.

In reply, Lecornu highlighted the importance of the bilateral collaboration in sharing historical memories and addressing the consequences of war between the two countries.

He expressed his hope that the bilateral defense ties will be deepened towards greater effectiveness to make it commensurate with the strategic partnership.

The two ministers also discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern. Regarding marine issues, they stressed the importance of peace, security, stability, freedom of navigation and overflight, the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) in the East Sea, and the effective pursuit of an effective and practical Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea.

Concluding their talks, the two ministers signed a letter of intent on enhancing defense cooperation between Vietnam and France.

Vietnam shows keen interest in Cambodia's Funan Techo canal project

Vietnam is greatly interested in the Funan Techo canal project and respects the legitimate interests of Cambodia in accordance with the 1995 Mekong Agreement, relevant regulations of the Mekong River Commission (MRC), the time-honored and friendly neighborliness between the two nations.

The statement was made by spokesperson of the Vietnam Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang on May 5 in reply to a reporter’s question about Vietnam’s response to Cambodia’s recent statements regarding the implementation of the project.

Vietnam always treasures and places top priority on its sound neighborliness, traditional friendship, all-around cooperation and long-term sustainability with Cambodia in its external policy, wishing that the bilateral relationship would continue to deepen and become more practical and effective across various fields for the benefit of the two countries’ people, according to VOV.

Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang.

Party and State leaders of the two countries have consistently affirmed that the historical tradition of solidarity and solidarity between Vietnam and Cambodia is a factor of paramount importance, a great source of strength for the past cause of national liberation and independence protection as well as the current process of construction and development of each nation.

Vietnam always supports, rejoices at, and highly evaluates the achievements recorded by Cambodia in recent years, Hang said.

Hang expressed the wish that Cambodia would continue working hand in hand with Vietnam and other MRC countries to share information and fully assess the impacts of this project on water resources and ecological environment of the Mekong sub-region, alongside appropriate management measures to ensure harmonious interests of the riparian countries, effective and sustainable management and use of the Mekong river's water resources for the sustainable development of the basin, solidarity among the riparian countries and the future of later generations.

Foreign media spotlights Vietnam's Dien Bien Phu Victory

As Vietnam is preparing for celebrations of the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory on May 7, international media outlets have continued to spotlight this historic event.

The Mexican newspaper Voces Del Periodista, in its May issue, highlighted the pivotal shift in the military strategy from "lightning war" to "solid advance" as a defining moment in the anti-French resistance. This decision, described by General Vo Nguyen Giap as the most challenging one of his military career, proved to be a crucial turning point in the course of the war.

In the opening lines of his article, author Mouris Salloum George vividly recounted the 56 days and nights of relentless struggle that unfolded at Dien Bien Phu.

Amid the towering mountains and makeshift shelters, the Vietnamese army and people defied all odds to conquer the most formidable stronghold of the French colonialists in Indochina under the leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh. Seven decades later, the echo of Dien Bien Phu's triumph continues to resonate, etching an indelible mark on the annals of 20th-century heroism, he wrote.

The article on Voces Del Periodista (Photo: VNA)

The author, who is also the President of the Mexican Journalists’ Association, explicitly pointed out that one of the decisive factors of the Dien Bien Phu Victory was the solidarity spirit of the Vietnamese people.

In an article published in the special issue of the Latin American news agency Prensa Latina, former Director of International Relations of the Venezuelan President's Office Dr. Sergio Rodríguez Gelfenstein described the Dien Bien Phu Victory as an incomparable symbol of bravery and a bright star for the national liberation movement, signaling the downfall of colonialism worldwide.

He affirmed that the Dien Bien Phu Victory and the signing of the Geneva Accords marked the complete failure of French colonialism in Indochina, thwarting its plans to expand colonial rule in Southeast Asia. Furthermore, it inspired oppressed colonial peoples worldwide to rise up and struggle for independence.

Meanwhile, Pasaxon (The People), the official newspaper of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, and the Lao National Radio also published articles praising the victory that “resounded across the five continents and shook the globe”.

They affirmed that it was not only the victory and pride of the fraternal Vietnamese people but also all peace-loving nations worldwide.

Great potential for Vietnamese products at African Investment, Commerce Forum

The forum running the theme ‘Your Road to the African Market’ was organized by the Arab-African Centre for Investment and Development (CAAID), featuring the participation of roughly 800 delegates from 39 countries and territories globally.

The event underscored the importance of realizing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and fostering increased intra-regional trade, and facilitated hundreds of business-to-business meetings while strengthening partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders seeking entry to the African market.

An accompanying exhibition displayed diverse sectors, including export, trade, agriculture, food processing, tourism, services, technology and digital transformation. Additionally, sectors like energy, construction, public administration, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, investment, finance, transportation, and environment were represented.

The Vietnamese Embassy and the Vietnam Trade Office in Algeria collaborated to set up a booth showcasing various Vietnamese, VOV reported.

At the forum's opening ceremony.

Visiting the Vietnamese booth and trying out products, the forum participants highly appreciated the quality of Vietnamese goods, while some business representatives expressed their desire to connect with Vietnamese businesses to exchange expertise and identify potential opportunities for future cooperation.

Vietnamese Commercial Counselor in Algeria Hoang Duc Nhuan said it is the fourth time Vietnam has participated in the event with a view to get a better understanding of trade and investment policies across Africa.

This is viewed as a good opportunity for Vietnamese businesses and goods to take advantage of investment incentives to make deeper inroads into this market, he added.

Despite facing a very difficult global situation, Vietnam's trade turnover with Africa last year reached a high growth rate of 5.7%.

According to Vietnam's customs data, the export turnover between Vietnam and Africa surged by 31.7% in the first quarter of this year, with their import and export turnover hitting US$75 million, posting a year-on-year rise of 16%.

Vietnam develops railway tourism associated with “awakening” heritage

Traveling by train is currently a new trend, as rising prices of domestic air tickets are leading to an increase of 10-15 per cent in tour prices. The railway industry, therefore, is striving to innovate and coordinate with tourism businesses to improve quality and associate tourism with “awakening” heritage.

Nguyen Cong Hoan, General Director of Flamingo Redtours, said that organizing sightseeing tours by train to central localities such as Quang Binh, Thua Thien-Hue, Da Nang, and Quang Nam helps reduce prices and, at the same time, increase experiences. In fact, railway services are improved and able to meet the increasing needs of tourists.

At the recent Hanoi Tourism Festival, Flamingo Redtours launched tours across Vietnam by train, with five-day itineraries such as Quang Binh - Phong Nha Cave - Bang Onsen Hot Mineral and Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An ancient city with prices of around VND5 million (US$197).

In late March, a train route named “Central Heritage Connection” linking Hue's ancient capital in the central province of Thua Thiên - Hue and nearby Da Nang City was put into operation. It is a new product that combines transportation and tourism services, promising new and interesting experiences of history, culture, and heritage for passengers.

During the about three hours of this train journey, tourists can admire the magnificent natural beauty along Hai Van Pass, dubbed Thien Ha De Nhat Hung Quan (the world’s most magnificent gate) and also among the 10 most beautiful drives in the world as selected by renowned US magazine Travel Leisure, with one side being Truong Son Mountain Range and the other the sea before reaching Da Nang, which boasts one of the six most beautiful beaches on the planet. On the way back, from Da Nang to Hue, they can set foot in the former capital of Hue, home to various heritage sites.

In particular, riding either trips departing Hue for Da Nang and vice versa in the morning or the afternoon, tourists can enjoy the splendid sunrise or sunset on Lang Co, one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, and taste signature local delicacies.

The train used for this route consists of five modern passenger carriages and another for community activities. It is expected to become an impressive “mobile” check-in place for travelers, cited VNS.

A train route named “Central Heritage Connection” linking Hue ancient capital in the central province of Thua Thien - Hue and nearby Da Nang City has been put into operation. Photo: kenh14.vn

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, railway travel has seen positive developments. In 2023, the number of domestic holiday-makers traveling by train reached 10 million, a year-on-year increase of 15 percent; and 1.5 million foreign tourists, up 20 percent. The growth of the railway industry has shown the recovery and outstanding development of Vietnam's railway tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic and, at the same time, reflected the trend of increasing demand for using this means of transportation.

Vietnam's North-South railway, also known as the Reunification Express, stretches about 1,730 kilometers between the country’s two biggest cities Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh over the course of two days.

Last year, the British travel guide Lonely Planet named it one of the most incredible rail trips in the world.

“Some railways rattle through historic cities; others swoosh beside spectacular coastlines. A few have an epic history, and one or two are remarkable for the colorful characters onboard. The Reunification Express line fulfills all these criteria,” said Lonely Planet.

The site also stressed that travelers cannot find a more atmospheric way to travel between Vietnam's metropolises.

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