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Minister of National Defense Gen. Phan Van Giang (L) (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam attends ASEAN-US Defense Ministers’ Informal Meeting

A high-ranking Vietnamese delegation led by Vice Secretary of the Central Military Commission and Minister of National Defense Gen. Phan Van Giang attended the ASEAN-US Defense Ministers’ Informal Meeting in Vientiane, Laos, on November 20.

The event was co-chaired by Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Gen. Chansamone Chanyalath and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

In his address, Giang underlined the increasingly substantive and effective defense cooperation between ASEAN and the US, noting that the US has regularly proposed holding informal meetings with ASEAN defense ministers, actively joined the seven ADMM+ Experts’ Working Groups, and proactively initiated efforts to enhance cooperation and build capacity for ASEAN member states.

The Vietnamese Defense Ministry highly values the effectiveness and practicality of the US-proposed activities, which are crucial for regional peace, security and self-resilience, as well as the common development of ASEAN member countries, he said.

With the fifth cycle of the ADMM+ Experts’ Working Groups underway, Giang reaffirmed the commitment of all parties to promoting dialogue, building trust and making substantive contributions to maintaining regional peace and stability. This includes consolidating cooperation in the seven areas outlined in the 2022 ASEAN-US Leaders' Statement on the establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.

Expressing confidence in the successful co-chairing of the ADMM+ Experts’ Working Group on Military Medicine by the US and Indonesia in this cycle, Giang reiterated Vietnam’s support for and active involvement in US-ASEAN cooperation activities, particularly within the ADMM+ framework, cited VNA.

Austin expressed the US’s desire to further enhance practical and effective defense collaboration with ASEAN for the sake of regional peace and security.

In reply, ASEAN defense ministers affirmed their readiness to collaborate with the US and other partners to navigate security challenges, both traditional and non-traditional.

On the sidelines of the 18th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM-18) and the 11th ADMM+ meeting in Vientiane, Giang held a bilateral meeting with Lieut. Gen Domingos Raul, Chief of Defense of Timor Leste.

Both sides acknowledged the positive initial results of Vietnam-Timor Leste defense ties, including meetings between leaders of the two defense ministries during multilateral events.

A notable example of successful cooperation is the Military Industry-Telecommunications Group (Viettel), which operates in Timor-Leste under the brand Telemor. It has emerged as one of the largest telecom providers in the country, boasting coverage of up to 96%.

Minister Giang wished for enhanced cooperation in areas that align with the needs and capabilities of both countries, and support for Viettel's increasingly effective operations in Timor-Leste.

On the sidelines of ADMM-18, he also engaged with his counterparts from Cambodia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Brunei, discussing measures to reinforce defense ties.

Vietnamese Party chief’s visit is of great significance to relations with Malaysia

Party General Secretary To Lam's official visit to Malaysia is of great significance for consolidating and further promoting the sound ties between Malaysia and Vietnam.

Deputy Ambassador of Malaysia to Vietnam Cik Aida Safura Niza Othman made the statement in a recent media interview ahead of General Secretary Lam’s official visit to Malaysia from November 21 to November 23.

Looking back at 2023, the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, marked by the successful official visit of Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Hanoi in July.

This year, Party General Secretary Lam's visit to Malaysia at the invitation of PM Ibrahim continues to reflect the commitment of both sides to propelling the relationship forward, Deputy Ambassador Othman said.

“Vietnam is an important partner of Malaysia and we expect that the visit will create momentum for a broad array of areas such as economics, trade, investment, renewable energy and green technology; information and communication technology; digital economy; tourism, cultural and educational exchanges as well as strengthening regional cooperation, especially within the framework of ASEAN,” the Malaysian diplomat noted.

Talking about the current level of cooperation between the two countries and the prospects for future development, Deputy Ambassador Othman stated that since the upgrading of relations to a strategic partnership in 2015, the diplomatic relationship has grown stronger and stronger in a very positive direction, one which both sides are aiming for.

Vietnam is therefore an important trading partner of the Malaysian side, whilst they are one of the leading investors in the nation. The two sides boast great potential to further boost trade co-operation, especially in emerging areas such as the digital economy, e-commerce, and sustainable energy.

Both countries are fully committed to diversifying trade and shifting from traditional goods to higher value sectors such as technology and renewable energy. This will therefore be the key to future economic growth for both countries.

Regarding ​​people-to-people exchanges, the two nations have increasingly strengthened their links between social organizations and people. Educational and cultural exchanges, as well as tourism, has continued to grow as a contribution to deepening understanding and appreciation of each other’s traditional values, VOV reported.

Cik Aida Safura Niza Othman, Deputy Ambassador of Malaysia to Vietnam.

The two sides will also continue working closely towards an increasingly cohesive and resilient ASEAN region. Looking ahead, the prospects for joint ties are excellent and both sides are fully committed to further building on this momentum, she went on to say.

Sharing the Malaysian side’s priorities for its ASEAN chairmanship in 2025 and assessing Vietnamese contributions to the organization, Deputy Ambassador Othman said 2025 represents a very important year for ASEAN as the regional bloc will celebrate the 10th anniversary since the official establishment of the ASEAN Community. Based on this milestone and the achievements already made, ASEAN is expected to adopt the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and outline the strategic direction of the region for the next 20 years.

As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia will prioritize a number of key areas that are in line with the ever-changing needs and aspirations of the wider region.

These include strengthening ASEAN centrality, increasing intra-regional trade and investment; enhancing the bloc’s capacity to leverage advances in science, technology, and innovation; and effectively exploiting the potential and advantages for digital transformation and new technologies.

Malaysia will also ensure that the “Inclusiveness and Sustainability” elements, which are the theme of the ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2025, remain central to the community-building efforts.

Next year is also an important time for the nation in relation to ASEAN, as it marks 30 years since Vietnam first became a member of the bloc.

Regarding Malaysian expectations of Vietnamese contributions, she affirmed that the country’s strategic position and active role in ASEAN are essential as both sides work together to address common challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and regional security.

Deputy Ambassador Othman said she hopes that both sides, as close partners, can continue to co-operate more closely in enhancing ASEAN’s global position and influence, as well as ensuring security, prosperity, and cohesion for the entire region.

Vietnam, Laos inaugurate new int'l border gate pair

The Long Sap (Vietnam)–Pa Hang (Laos) international border gate pair was officially opened on November 19.

The Long Sap border gate, located in Moc Chau district in the northern province of Son La, was established on March 1, 1990 while its Lao counterpart is situated in Pa Hang hamlet, Sop Bau district, Houaphanh province.

On December 22, 2020, the Vietnamese Government issued a resolution to upgrade the Long Sap border gate to an international border gate. Subsequently, on December 31 the same year, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent an official diplomatic note to the Lao side, notifying them of the decision and suggesting Laos promptly advance the Pa Hang border gate to the status. On September 16, 2024, the Lao Government approved the project.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu highlighted the significance of the international border gate pair, which is expected to facilitate exchange and development cooperation between Son La and Houaphanh provinces, thereby improving living standards of local residents and further strengthening their solidarity, cited VGP.

The Long Sap (Viet Nam)–Pa Hang (Laos) international border gate pair officially opens on November 19, 2024. Photo: VNA

He called on relevant agencies and local authorities in both nations to prioritize investment in socio-economic infrastructure in border areas and border gates, including the Long Sap–Pa Hang pair.

Vietnam and Laos have a shared borderline of over 2,300 kilometers with 10 provinces of Vietnam bordering with 10 Lao provinces.

Vietnam has consistently been one of Laos's top three largest trading partners. According to Lao media, two-way trade between Vietnam and Laos reached US$1.1 billion in the first seven months of 2024, up 16.7 percent over the same period last year.

Vietnam demonstrates humanitarian commitment at UN bazaar

Vietnam showcased its unwavering humanitarian commitment as the country attended the annual UN international bazaar held by the UN Women’s Guild (UNWG) in Geneva on November 19.

Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, World Trade Organisation and other international organizations in Geneva, told the Vietnam News Agency that with two national booths at the event, the Vietnamese mission not only promoted traditional dishes and handicrafts but also reinforced the country’s commitment to supporting global charitable activities.

The fair, attracting thousands of visitors, aimed at raising funds for projects to support underprivileged children across the globe, demonstrating the UN’s spirit of cooperation and multilateralism, cited VNA.

A Vietnamese booth at the UN international bazaar on November 19 (Photo: VNA)

It featured culinary displays, souvenirs, and lottery opportunities, with all of the proceeds going to charity.

Over the years, UNWG has provided critical material and spiritual support for disadvantaged children, offering disaster relief, scholarships, and hopes.

Da Lat named among cheapest destinations for end-of-year holidays in Asia

Digital travel platform Agoda has named Da Lat city in the Central Highland province of Lam Dong, among the Top 9 most affordable holiday destinations for end-of-year breaks in Asia.

According to the list, Da Lat ranked fourth in the region and was the top destination in Vietnam.

Agoda said that travelers seeking budget-friendly accommodation options for Christmas and New Year’s Eve have a wide selection of destinations throughout Asia to choose from, with Da Lat being the most affordable destination in the country with an average room rate of US$62 per night.

Da Lat is named among cheapest destinations for end-of-year holidays in Asia.

“As Christmas and New Year's Eve approach, Da Lat transforms into a festive haven, with twinkling lights and joyful celebrations, creating an enchanting backdrop for unforgettable holiday memories,” it noted.

The digital travel platform also suggested that December represents an ideal time for an unforgettable end-of-year vibe in the city thanks to its cooler mountain air.

Elsewhere, Hat Yai of Thailand led the way as the most affordable on average in Asia with an average room rate of US$46 per night, a key factor in making it the top choice for cost-conscious travelers in late December.

It was followed by Surakarta of Indonesia, Varanasi of India, Miri of Malaysia, Subic of the Philippines, Taitung of Taiwan (China), Nagoya of Japan, and Yeosu-si of the Republic of Korea.

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