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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (right) and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Brazil agree to upgrade bilateral relations to Strategic Partnership

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Rio de Janeiro on November 17, during which the two leaders agreed to elevate the bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership and issue a joint statement on the upgrade of the ties.

Looking back at the bilateral relationship over the past 35 years, PM Chinh affirmed that it has been built and developed on five fundamental pillars of shared ideals and trust, cultural affinity, complementary nature of the two economies, sincere and warm sentiments, and aspirations for peace and development.

The two countries have witnessed robust development in the relations across various domains, including regular exchange of delegations at all levels, sustainable growth in economic – trade ties, and close coordination at multilateral forums, cited VNA.

President Lula da Silva acknowledged PM Chinh’s proposals regarding Brazil's recognition of Vietnam's market economy status, as well as the early initiation of negotiations for a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) in 2025 so as to bring practical benefits to both sides and contribute to each country's development.

The leaders asked the two foreign ministries to promptly develop and finalize the detailed contents of the Vietnam-Brazil Strategic Partnership framework at the earliest possible time.

They reached consensus on joining hands to carry out measures enhancing the bilateral ties to be on par with the new framework, comprising delegation exchanges at all levels, the effective implementation of the documents signed during PM Chinh’s visit in 2023, and cooperation in such areas as high technology, digital transformation, energy transition, biofuel, environmental protection and climate change response.

Speaking highly of the significance of defense – security cooperation, they were unanimous to bolster collaboration in military officer training, defense industry and trade, military medicine, and peacekeeping operations, among others.

Touching on regional and international issues, they concurred to step up cooperation in global governance, the reform of the UN, poverty alleviation and climate change response. They also held that international disagreements and disputes should be settled by peaceful means and based on international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Regarding PM Chinh’s attendance at the G20 Summit, President Lula da Silva expressed his belief that with a positive and dynamic foreign as well as development experience and being a responsible nation in the international political, economic and cultural affairs, the Vietnamese delegation will make contributions to the success of the event, enhancing its position and affirming its role in addressing global issues through leveraging its strengths and experience in various fields.

PM Chinh took the occasion to convey Party General Secretary To Lam and State President Luong Cuong’s invitations to President Lula da Silva to pay a visit to Vietnam in 2025 and the latter accepted with pleasure.

Vietnam and Italy team up to promote fashion, art, and tourism

Vietnam and Italy will be collaborating to promote fashion, art, and tourism in an age-old village of Hanoi.

The Cuu Village Show, due to take place in Cuu Village in Phu Xuyen District on December 21-22, 2024, will popularize the unique image of Cuu Village, a historic settlement over 500 years old situated by the tranquil Nhue River, said the administration of Phu Xuyen District at a recent press briefing.

The festival aims to help this craft village integrate internationally while boosting the local economy. In addition, it will foster trade and tourism connections between Vietnam and Italy through various promotional activities, said a local official.

Visitors will have the chance to witness the intricate process of crafting exquisite ceramics and decorative arts, from shaping and carving to pattern decoration that vividly illustrates part of Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.

As part of the festival, “Meet The Arts” will showcase artistic works and traditional handcrafted products, such as ceramics, textiles, and decorative items created by local artisans. Meanwhile, “Meet The Poet” will allow poets from both countries to share and exchange selected works, offering moments of immersion in language and emotion.

A fashion show will showcase the latest collections that beautifully blend traditional elements with modern designs. Designers will creatively reinterpret traditional attire, promoting Vietnamese and Italian fashion culture with a contemporary flair, according to VOV.

Delegates attend the press briefing of the Cuu Village Show due to take place on December 21-22. (Photo: event organizers)

The “Trade Development” workshop will feature economic experts discussing market development strategies. Businesses will have the opportunity to learn and exchange ideas on collaboration, enhancing their competitiveness and fostering international trade between Vietnam, Italy, and Europe.

Another activity is the “Cooking School” where renowned chefs will present the culinary arts of Vietnam and Italy through signature dishes. Participants in the cooking classes can explore unique cooking techniques and the rich cultural narratives reflected in each dish.

Furthermore, “Meet The Music” will introduce talented artists from both Vietnam and Italy, showcasing a blend of traditional and modern music. In the “Meet The Tourism” corner, travel agencies from both countries will display captivating images and information about special destinations in Vietnam and Italy, opening up new travel exploration opportunities.

The festival is expected to enhance cultural and economic exchanges while fostering sustainable partnerships between Vietnam, Italy, and other European partners, said local authorities.

Bac Ninh, East Kazakhstan boost cooperation

A delegation from the northern province of Bac Ninh led by member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Nguyen Anh Tuan met with leaders of East Kazakhstan region, Kazakhstan, on November 15 to promote cooperation between the two localities.

The meeting was part of the working trip to Kazakhstan from November 13-16 by a delegation of the Communist Party of Vietnam led by Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member, Chairman of the Central Theory Council and President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA).

At the meeting, a memorandum of understanding on establishing a twinning relationship between the two localities was signed by Vice Chairman of the Bac Ninh provincial People's Committee Le Xuan Loi and Governor of East Kazakhstan region Yermek Kosherbayev.

At the meeting, Tuan highlighted a new step of development in the Vietnam-Kazakhstan relations following the official visit to Vietnam by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in August last year, during which the President visited Bac Ninh province and highly valued potential for bilateral cooperation. After that, the two sides discussed, and reached agreement on relevant contents, and completed the content of the MoU for signing at this time.

Tuan said that he believes the signing of the MoU will open up cooperation in various fields, and contribute to the development of both countries, VNA reported.

Representatives from Bac Ninh province and East Kazakhstan region sign a memorandum of understanding on establishing a twinning relationship between the two localities. (Photo: VNA)

With advantages on industrial zones, industrial production, agriculture, foreign investment attraction and Vietnam – Kazakhstan direct flights, the two localities will further promote cultural and tourism exchanges, carry out local promotional activities, thereby luring more tourists from the East Kazakhstan region in particular and Kazakhstan in general to Bac Ninh and Vietnam, and vice versa, Tuan said.

For his part, Governor Kosherbayev agreed with the necessity to realize the policy of expanding and strengthening bilateral cooperation agreed during the Kazakh President's Vietnam visit, matching the sound political relations between the two countries.

Education, culture, trade, investment and tourism are the first areas that the two countries aim to promote cooperation, he said.

The governor showed his interest in cooperation in high technology, saying that it is possible to consider the establishment of industrial zones for processing products and exporting them to third countries, as well as launching a joint venture for wool processing.

Earlier, while staying in Astana capital, the Bac Ninh delegation attended working sessions with representatives of Kazakhstan’s ruling party Amanat, a workshop on bilateral relations on the occasion of 65 years of President Ho Chi Minh's visit to Kazakhstan (July 1959) held at the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of Kazakhstan (KISI). The delegation presented the institute with a bronze bust of President Ho Chi Minh.

Super Typhoon Man-yi to move into East Sea on November 18

Super Typhoon Man-yi is expected to batter the Philippines’ Luzon island on November 17 afternoon before moving into the East Sea hours later, becoming the ninth storm to affect Vietnam this year, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

At 7.a.m. on November 17, Man-yi was swirling over the eastern waters of the central Philippines with winds intensifying to 184-201 kmh.

The super typhoon is expected to make landfall across the Luzon region on November 17 afternoon and gradually lose its strength before roaring into the East Sea early on November 18.

After entering the East Sea, Man-yi is anticipated to weaken further and change its direction into south-west due to a strong cold air mass from the north, cited VOV.

Due to the impact of the ongoing strong cold air mass from the north, Man-yi, after moving into the East Sea, is forecast to change its direction, heading for central coastal provinces of Vietnam.

From the afternoon of November 17, the eastern waters of the North East Sea will experience strong winds and rough seas, with wave heights ranging from 1 to 7m.

Vessels operating in these dangerous areas are likely to be affected by thunderstorms, strong winds, and high waves.

Central provinces of Vietnam are closely monitoring Man-yi’s track and working out response plans before Man-yi makes landfall.

Taste Atlas ranks Vietnamese fish sauce in Global Top 25

Vietnamese fish sauce and fermented anchovy sauce have gained international recognition, earning spots in Taste Atlas’s list of the world’s 100 best condiments.

With a rating of 4.4/5 stars, fish sauce secured the 22nd position on the list, as voted by experts and readers of Taste Atlas.

Taste Atlas describes fish sauce as varying by region in Vietnam but typically blended with sugar, lime juice or vinegar, garlic, and chili. It is often served with fresh vegetables and fried dishes like spring rolls or savory pancakes (banh xeo).

Fish sauce is an indispensable ingredient in Vietnamese meals. (Photo: Monngonmoingay)

Fermented anchovy sauce (mam nem) was ranked 89th, with a rating of 4/5 stars. This sauce is made from whole fermented fish seasoned with salt, roasted rice powder, pineapple, and sugar. It comes in two main forms:

- Whole fish (e.g., anchovies, red mullet).

- Pureed fish (e.g., mackerel, scad, ponyfish).

Popular in central and southern Vietnam, mam nem is versatile, with preparation methods and choice of fish varying according to regional preferences, dishes, and eating styles.

Founded in 2015 and based in Zagreb, Croatia, Taste Atlas serves as a comprehensive map of traditional foods worldwide.

According to Matija Babic, the founder of Taste Atlas, the rankings of foods and drinks are based on opinions and evaluations from culinary experts and critics to ensure the reliability of the awards.

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