Brazilian Secretary for Asia and the Pacific at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Eduardo Paes Saboia speaks at a recent event held at the Vietnamese Embassy in Brazil. (Photo: Vietnamese Embassy in Brazil)

Brazil ready to upgrade partnership with Vietnam, says diplomat

Brazil stays ready to elevate diplomatic relations with Vietnam to new heights to bring into full play their cooperation potential, as well as to increase their coordination in addressing global common challenges, said Secretary for Asia and the Pacific at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Eduardo Paes Saboia.

The diplomat, in a recent interview with Vietnam News Agency marking 35 years of bilateral diplomacy and 17 years of their comprehensive partnership this year, also noted that Brazil considers Vietnam an important partner in Southeast Asia and in South-South partnerships.

Both countries have great potential for stronger cooperation and they wish to promote cooperation in many important areas such as defense, science-technology, innovation, agriculture, environmental sustainability, technical cooperation and energy transition.

According to Saboia, economic and trade relations have been growing steadily in recent years. During talks in Brasilia last September, President Lula da Silva and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining this growth momentum, aiming to raise bilateral trade turnover from US$6.7 billion last year to US$10 billion in 2025 and US$15 billion by 2030.

The two sides signed four cooperation agreements on education, national defense, agriculture and diplomatic training during the visit, laying a solid foundation for further enhancing bilateral cooperative partnership, cited VOV.

Most recently, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira also came to Hanoi from April 9-11 to promote cooperation between the two countries. Both sides hammered out measures to further strengthen bilateral political dialogue, and economic, trade and cultural cooperation, among many other areas.

He revealed that a delegation from the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation will come to Vietnam in May 2024 to prepare for the first meeting of the Brazil-Vietnam Science, Technology and Innovation Committee, as part of efforts to ramp up cooperation in research, development and innovation between the two countries.

In his view, both Brazil and Vietnam are committed to supporting multilateralism, the rule of law, and the settlement of disputes through peaceful means, with the United Nations as the centre for global governance, stability and prosperity. The climate crisis is considered one of the most important challenges of the world today and the two countries are united and determined to tackle it.

He noted that, during its G20 Presidency Year 2024, Brazil prioritises stepping up global governance reform, combating inequality and promoting energy transition in the context of the world facing a climate crisis. Queen. Brazil highly appreciates Vietnam’s contribution to these discussions as a special guest not only of the G20 Summit but also of the Working Groups on Agriculture, and Research and Innovation.

The diplomat thanked Vietnam for supporting the dialogue partnership between Brazil and ASEAN, helping Brazil expand relations with all ASEAN member states, and at the same time explore new areas of cooperation such as energy transition, science-technology, innovation, industry and agriculture.

Moving forward, he said, Brazil and Vietnam will continue to promote high-level commitments, and increase dialogue on regional and global issues, contributing to peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the wider world.

Vietnam’s inbound tourism booms, surpassing pre-pandemic levels

Vietnam's inbound tourism is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, exceeding pre-pandemic levels as of the late April, signaling a promising season for the sector.

Statistics from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) showed that in April alone, the country welcomed nearly 1.6 million foreign arrivals, a 58.2% increase compared to the same period last year. This momentum propelled the total number of international arrivals in the first four months of this year to 6.2 million, representing a 68.3% annual growth. This figure surpassed that recorded during the pre-pandemic "golden era" of tourism.

The positive trend extended beyond visitor numbers. Revenue generated by accommodation and dining services was estimated at 237.3 trillion VND (9.88 billion USD), up 15.3% while tourism revenue grew by 49.3% year-on-year to 19.4 trillion VND.

Visitor numbers from Asia climbed by 77.2% while European arrivals surged by 63.8%. Notably, the Republic of Korea remained Vietnam's largest tourist market, contributing 1.6 million visitors, or 25.8% of the total. Other major markets like the US, Taiwan (China), and Japan also showed significant growth.

Foreign tourists in Hanoi (Photo: VNA)

Arrivals from major markets like the UK soared by 35.2%, France 41.7%, Germany 36.9%, Italy 77.4%, Spain 48.5%, and Russia 74%, according to VNA.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City remained major tourist hubs, each welcoming around 1.4 million foreigners during the first four months. This represented a 40% and 32.4% annual increase, respectively.

VNAT Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh attributed the success partly to the new visa policy effective in August 2023 which has been met with international acclaim and is considered a key factor in the growth of international arrivals.

The early-year surge has propelled the industry towards its goal of welcoming 17-18 million foreign visitors for the entire year, serving as a "lifebuoy" for the aviation industry which has been grappling with a decline in the domestic market.

The Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV) reported a surge of over 45% in foreign passengers passing through its airports. International cargo volume also saw a rise of nearly 7.6%, reaching some 14,000 tonnes.

Building on this momentum, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sun Group Dang Minh Truong proposed expanding unilateral visa exemption for citizens from developed countries like Australia, Canada, and the US, alongside selected European Union nations and some Middle Eastern countries.

He also suggested piloting short-term visa exemption ranging from 6 months to 1 year for tourists from promising markets like China, India, and Taiwan (China). These proposals aim to stimulate further tourism demand and solidify Vietnam's position as a premier tourist destination.

Vietnamese peacekeepers inaugurate smart camp in Abyei

A smart camp built by the Vietnamese engineers who are taking on a UN peacekeeping mission in Abyei between Sudan and South Sudan was inaugurated at Highway base on May 7.

Present at the ceremony were officials of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and Commanders of units stationed in Abyei. UNISFA officials inspected, evaluated, and approved the Smart Camp project at the Highway base of the Vietnamese engineering contingent.

Addressing the function, Colonel Nguyen Viet Hung, Commander of the Vietnamese peacekeeping force at the UNISFA, and Captain of the Vietnam Military Construction Engineering Contingent, expressed his joy for having completed the project, VOV reported.

At the inauguration ceremony of the Smart Camp built by the Vietnam Military Construction Engineering Contingent in Abyei on May 7.

The Smart Camp project at the Highway base is the first of its kind undertaken by the Vietnam Military Construction Engineering Contingent, and the success of the project helps to create conditions for UN officials and staff to accomplish the mission of preserving peace, stability and development in Abyei, he stressed.

According to the Colonel, the inauguration of the Smart Camp at the Highway base is of great significance to Vietnam as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory over French colonialism (May 5, 1954 - 2024).

The success of the project demonstrates Vietnam’s political commitment to the international community toward the common goal of implementing the tasks of humanitarian assistance, construction, stability and development globally, he said.

Robert Kirkwood, Chief of Mission Support, thanked Vietnamese engineers for completing the project, noting this is the first successful project with the Smart Camp model and is also the only Smart Camp project of the entire system of UN Missions.

The Smart Camp project at Highway broke ground on March 28, 2023 and was divided into three phases with a total of 30 house modules, comprising offices, residences, a canteen, a kitchen, a physical room, a toilet system and other utility and auxiliary works such as a water treatment system, a solid waste treatment system, a repairs station, a solar power station, a lighting system, and a CCTV system.

The Vietnam military Construction Engineering Contingent is now working on building smart camps for units stationed in the Abyei area.

HCM City makes Agoda list of ideal Asian destinations for extended stays

Ho Chi Minh City has caught the eye of foreign travelers to earn a spot on a list of Agoda’s top Asian destinations for extended stays.

Agoda analyzed the travel platform’s booking data in the first three months of 2024 to compile the rank.

Ranking seventh on the list, HCM City, famous for its bustling streets, pulses with vibrant energy that is best enjoyed when embraced fully, Agoda said, suggesting visitors step in the rhythm of the locals and experience the city slowing down by enjoying a traditional Ca Phe Sua Da, Vietnamese coffee, in the morning.

Visitors are also recommended to taste the culture of Vietnam by indulging in the epic street food variety, then take a break from the buzz, and seek solace among a collection of over a thousand trees at Tao Dan park, one of the city’s oldest parks.

The city takes the crown in Vietnam as the tourist destination where travelers spend the most time, followed by Bac Ninh and Phu Quoc island, cited VNA.

Foreign visitors at Binh Tay market, HCM City (Photo: VNA)

Leading the pack for the longest average visit duration is Thailand’s Khao Lak. Other destinations with the highest length of stay are Seoul (the Republic of Korea), Perhentian island (Malaysia), Tokyo (Japan), Siargao (the Philippines), Pekanbary (Indonesia) and Ahmedabad (India).

Director of Agoda Vietnam Vu Ngoc Lam said slow travel has been a fascinating travel trend as tourists want to escape from the daily grind, and create deeper connections with local people.

Whether it is lazing around in a beach villa or settling in a chic city hotel, the destinations are a great choice for those looking to fully submerge in a holiday destination, he said, adding some of the destinations on the list are also well-known favorites for short city breaks, but both the rural and urban destinations on the slow travel rank are worth spending an extended amount of time in.

Foreign media spotlights Dien Bien Phu Victory

A series of foreign media outlets have spotlighted the 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954-May 7, 2024).

On May 7, Reuters had an article titled: “Vietnam marks 70th anniversary of the 'historic' Dien Bien Phu victory”.

War veterans, party leaders and diplomats gathered in Vietnam's Dien Bien Phu province on Tuesday for an event to mark the 70th anniversary of the country's victory over French colonial forces.

Undeterred by unrelenting rain, tens of thousands of people crowded Dien Bien Phu's main stadium to watch military parades and variety shows, and listen to rousing speeches, which were broadcast on national television.

The news agency assessed that the historic Dien Bien Phu battle is considered one of the great battles of the 20th century. The French defeat led to the signing of the Geneva Accords on July 21, 1954.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh was quoted as saying at the opening ceremony that “We aim to achieve another Dien Bien Phu victory but in terms of economic expansion."

"A lesson from the Dien Bien Phu campaign is that Vietnam must clearly identify its national interests and pursue these interests strategically," Carl Thayer, a senior expert on Vietnam security said. "Vietnam has codified this approach in the expression 'bamboo diplomacy' – to be firm and unyielding on basic principles but flexible in the ways and means to achieve its strategic objectives," he added.

The 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory. Photo: congannhandan

French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu attended Tuesday's ceremony in Dien Bien Phu.

On this occasion, newspapers and state media outlets of Laos and Spain also dedicated significant coverage to the historic event.

The May 7 Editorial of Pasaxon, the official newspaper of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee, positioned the Dien Bien Phu Victory as the "pinnacle" of Vietnam's fight for national liberation, a decisive blow against old-style colonialism and the intervention of new-style imperialists, etching a permanent mark on Vietnamese and global history in the 20th century.

The Lao News Agency's Pathet Lao newspaper echoed this sentiment with a front-page article the same day. Declaring May 7 a "historic day for the people of the three Indochinese countries”, the article underlined the invaluable lessons the Dien Bien Phu Victory imparted on the national liberation movements in the region, including the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (LPDR).

Another Pathet Lao article, published a day earlier, delved into the enduring lessons of the longstanding friendship and solidarity between Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia, especially the combat alliance forged between Vietnam and Laos, from the Dien Bien Phu campaign to the present day.

Unidad y Luch, the mouthpiece of the Communist Party of the Peoples of Spain (PCPE), published an article praising the Vietnamese army and people's Dien Bien Phu Victory which "resounded across the five continents and shook the globe", referring to it as Vietnam's World War II battle of Stalingrad.

The article said in the chronicles of revolutionary victories that can be classified as global heritage, Dien Bien Phu was one of the decisive battles that changed the course of the struggle for colonial peoples in Indochina seeking liberation from French rule.

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