Vietnam News Today (Nov. 10): Vice President’s Official Visit Helps to Foster Closer Ties With Sweden
	Vietnam News Today (Nov. 12): Vietnam, Chile Look to Advance Bilateral Ties

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson witness the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding on cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and between the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sweden, Vietnam sanguine about flourishing relations

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressed satisfaction with the positive developments in bilateral relations after over half a century since the establishment of diplomatic ties during talks held in Stockholm on November 11 as part of the former’s visit to the European nation from November 10 to November 13.

During the course of talks, Swedish PM Kristersson welcomed VP Xuan and her delegation’s visit to the Scandinavian country amid the two sides celebrating the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1969 - 2024), as well as congratulating Vietnam on its tremendous achievements recorded in socio-economic development and international integration in recent times.

He affirmed that Sweden values ​​its relationship with the nation and wishes to promote ties between the two countries in the fields of trade, investment, innovation, digital transformation, green transformation, climate change response, and sustainable development, cited VOV.

VP Xuan sincerely thanked the valuable and effective assistance that both the Government and people of Sweden had given to the country during its historic struggles for national liberation as well as in the current process of socio-economic development and international integration.

Sweden became the first Western European country to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam back in 1969. It was also the first Western European nation to provide non-refundable aid to the nation continuously since the early 1970s, with the total amount of more than US$3 billion, focusing on essential areas such as healthcare and education.

The Vietnamese VP affirmed that the country always attaches importance to consolidating and expanding the traditional friendship and fruitful cooperation with its Swedish counterparts.

Regarding economic co-operation, VP Xuan thanked Sweden for being one of the first countries to ratify the new-generation EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

She suggested that the Swedish Government continue to encourage their businesses to increase investment in the Vietnamese market in areas where Sweden has strengths and Vietnam has needs, such as renewable energy, digital transformation, green transformation, the circular economy, infrastructure, and especially helping the Southeast Asian nation to innovate its economic growth model associated with innovation as it is a field in which Sweden has leading strengths in the world.

Regarding bilateral relations, host and guest agreed that cooperation is growing steadily across multiple fields.

Based on the good achievements of co-operation recorded after 55 years, the two sides consented to further deepen the bilateral relationship by intensifying the exchange of delegations at all levels, especially high-level ones. This will be done whilst continuing to closely work together at regional and international forums such as the UN and within the ASEAN-EU cooperation framework. Other efforts include stepping up linkages in innovation, science, technology, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges in a bid to deepen mutual understanding, all whilst reinforcing the friendship between the two peoples as a contribution to elevating the bilateral ties to new heights.

The Swedish PM shared VP Xuan’s assessment of the development and role of the 22,000-strong Vietnamese community in the European nation, while also affirming that the Swedish Government will continue to offer favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community to deeply integrate into the host country, thus contributing to the prosperity and cultural diversity of Swedish society and enhancing its role as a bridge of friendship to foster sound ties between the two countries.

Concerning international and regional issues of mutual interest, the two sides expressed concern regarding the escalation of tensions at some hotspots in the world, emphasizing their support for finding long-term and sustainable peaceful solutions to conflicts on the basis of respecting the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law.

On this occasion, the VP conveyed Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s invitation to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to pay an official visit to Vietnam soon.

Right before the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding on cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, as well as between the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden.

Vietnam, Laos prepare for 47th meeting of Intergovernmental Committee

Representatives from the Governments of Vietnam and Laos met in Vientiane on November 12 to discuss preparations for the 47th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee for Bilateral Cooperation which is scheduled to take place early next year in Laos.

The event saw the participation of Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee for Bilateral Cooperation; Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment of Laos Viengsavanh Vilayphone, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Laos-Vietnam Intergovernmental Committee for Bilateral Cooperation; representatives of the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos, departments and agencies of the two countries.

Speaking at the event, Phuong said that Vietnam always attaches importance to and gives the highest priority to preserving and developing the special Vietnam-Laos relationship, considering it a priceless asset, of vital significance to the revolutionary cause of each country.

The official said he hoped that in the coming time, the two sides would continue to thoroughly grasp the content of the agreement reached by the two countries’ senior leaders and the agreement on the annual cooperation plan between the two governments.

Ministries, agencies, and localities of the two countries will strive to successfully complete the agreement on the Vietnam-Laos cooperation plan for 2024 and 2025, according to VNA.

Representatives from the Governments of Vietnam and Laos meet in Vientiane on November 12 to discuss preparations for the 47th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee for Bilateral Cooperation. (Photo: VNA)

Accordingly, the two sides need to strengthen connectivity and complementarity between the two economies; create a stable, transparent legal corridor, and a favorable environment; have specific mechanisms for key security-defense projects. The two countries aim to reach trade turnover growth of 10-15%; as well as strengthen trade promotion, branding, and distribution channels for goods in each country to ensure stable presence and sustainable output.

At the meeting, the two sides also discussed cooperation relating to power imports from Laos to Vietnam, education, national defense, border management, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

The two sides agreed to continue supporting each other at international forums, strengthening ASEAN's role in promoting sub-regional cooperation, linking sub-regional cooperation with the process of building the ASEAN Community and ASEAN's regional integration; encourage ASEAN countries and partners outside the region to invest and support the development of the Mekong Sub-region in areas such as infrastructure connectivity, clean energy transition, climate change adaptation, poverty reduction, digital transformation, and human resource training.

At the end of the meeting, the two sides agreed on two draft documents including the Minutes of the 47th Meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee for Bilateral Cooperation and the Agreement on the Vietnam-Laos Cooperation Plan for 2025.

Vietnamese President Luong Cuong arrives in Lima for Peru visit, APEC Summit

Vietnamese President Luong Cuong arrived in Lima on November 12 (local time), beginning an official visit to Peru and engagement in the 2024 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Week there at the invitation of President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra.

Welcoming Cuong and his entourage at Jorge Chavez Airport were the Minister of State and several officials from the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil and concurrently to Peru, Bui Van Nghi.

The visit, the first of its kind by a Vietnamese President, coincides with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. It is expected to strengthen the two countries’ strong political relations, enhance cooperation across potential sectors, and advance the relationship to a new level, according to VOV.

Vietnamese President Luong Cuong arrives at Jorge Chavez Airport in Lima on November 12, beginning an official visit to Peru and engagement in the 2024 APEC Leaders' Week at the invitation of President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra.

Additionally, the President’s engagement in the 2024 APEC Leaders' Week, which coincides with the 35th anniversary of the forum’s establishment, continues to affirm Vietnam’s positive and responsible contributions to addressing regional and global issues. This includes actively promoting the process of international economic integration, creating new momentum for regional growth, and strengthening APEC’s role as a leading economic forum.

Over 25 years as an APEC member, Vietnam has made significant contributions to APEC cooperation and is consistently recognized as a positive, responsible, and effective member, helping to realize APEC’s goals and vision and enhance its role.

Moreover, attending the APEC Leaders’ Week provides an opportunity for the Vietnamese President to meet with APEC leaders, including several comprehensive strategic and strategic partners, to deepen relations with APEC members.

During his stay in Peru, the President is scheduled to attend an official welcoming ceremony hosted by the President of Peru, and to hold talks and meetings with the leaders of the Peruvian Government and parliament. In addition, the President will join leaders from APEC member economies at the APEC Summit, deliver key speeches at the APEC CEO Summit, and participate in an informal dialogue between APEC leaders and invited guests, alongside various other bilateral activities.

Coastal localities asked to brace for Storm Toraji

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan on November 12 urged the coastal localities from Quang Ninh to Binh Dinh to actively make preparations to respond to Storm Toraji which became storm No. 8 after entering the East Sea this year on November 11 evening.

The minister issued an official dispatch sent to the People’s Committees of the coastal localities; the Ministries of National Defence, Public Security, National Resources and Environment, Transport, Industry and Trade, Information and Communications, and Foreign Affairs; the Vietnam News Agency, Vietnam Television, and Radio the Voice of Vietnam on response activities.

The predicted trajectory of Storm Toraji (Photo: VNA)

They were urged to keep a close watch on the storm developments, strictly manage fishing vessels, and give boat owners and fishermen updated information, VNA reported.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that as of 4 am of November 12, the storm was centered at 18.5°N latitude and 118.9°E longitude, with winds blowing at level 10 (89-102 km per hour) and gusts reaching level 12.

The storm is anticipated to maintain its northwestward trajectory at a speed of 10-15 km per hour. Meteorologists expect Toraji to gradually weaken starting November 14, diminishing to a tropical depression as it continues towards the northwestern East Sea.

Vietnam ranked among top 5 memorable Christmas destinations in Asia

Vietnam has been recognized as one of Asia’s top five destinations to celebrate Christmas, coming in second in the ranking by World Expeditions magazine, which cited the country’s striking landscapes and rich cultural heritage as key attractions.

The country’s stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cultural heritage make it an especially appealing choice for many international travelers.

“Vietnam is a land of breathtaking natural beauty and exceptional heritage that any visitor would want to return to time and again,” the article emphasized.

According to the renowned travel magazine, whether experiencing the hustle and bustle of Hanoi or the spectacular coastal views of Ha Long Bay, visitors to Vietnam are sure to have thrilling adventures wherever they go.

Laos also made it onto World Expeditions’ list this year. For those spending Christmas there, activities like learning to cook local dishes, taking a boat ride on the Nam Ou River, or visiting the Kuang Si Waterfall offer an unforgettable holiday experience.

Rounding out the list were Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar, destinations known for their diverse landscapes and impressive religious and architectural sites, cited VNN.

Vietnam is considered one of the most memorable Christmas destinations in Asia. Photo: Tri Thuc Tre

Asia was the top choice for readers of World Expeditions looking for an unforgettable Christmas away from home.

As the British travel publication noted, the continent brings together all the elements of a perfect adventure holiday, including nature, culture, history, cuisine, and a wealth of outdoor activities.

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