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Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet (R) receives General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, in Phnom Penh on November 24.

Cambodia attaches importance to defense cooperation with Vietnam

Cambodia places great importance on promoting defense cooperation with Vietnam, Prime Minister Hun Manet told General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, during a meeting in Phnom Penh on November 24.

Hun Manet spoke highly of the results of the talks between the two countries’ defense ministers and emphasized that Cambodia-Vietnam defense cooperation is increasingly effective, and substantive, as one of the key pillars in bilateral relations.

He highly appreciated the increasingly strengthened and developed relationship between Cambodia and Vietnam across all fields. He expressed deep gratitude for Vietnam’s continued support and assistance to Cambodia in its struggle for national liberation, helping the Cambodian people escape from the genocidal regime, and in the current process of national construction and development, cited VOV.

Cambodia will work alongside Vietnam to protect, preserve, and nurture the relationship between the two countries to take it to new heights, said the PM.

General Phan Van Giang for his part affirmed that Vietnam always gives priority to continuously strengthening and developing a good neighborly relationship, traditional friendship, and comprehensive, sustainable cooperation with Cambodia.

Vietnam consistently advocates for an independent, peaceful, and developing Cambodia that plays an increasingly significant role on the international stage, he said.

He said during his earlier talks, both sides had reviewed the results of bilateral defense cooperation in recent times and signed a protocol for defense cooperation for the period 2025-2029, along with a cooperation plan for 2025.

General Giang expressed his hope that Prime Minister Hun Manet would support and instruct relevant agencies to facilitate and closely coordinate with the defense ministries of both countries to comprehensively and effectively implement the agreed defense cooperation activities.

Ninh Binh looks to capture Japanese tourism market

The northern province of Ninh Binh, home to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu (968-1009), showcased its stunning natural landscapes and people to the Japanese market through a recent tourism promotion conference called “the splendor of the ancient capital” in Tokyo.

The event, jointly organized by the provincial People's Committee and the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, drew the attendance of travel industry representatives, government officials, and Japanese who love Vietnam.

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Tran Song Tung laid stress on the significance of the event, which aimed to raise awareness of the locality’s tourism potential among Japanese tourists and travel firms.

He said the conference serves not only as a platform to comprehensively introduce the province’s natural, cultural and heritage values but also a bridge to strengthen collaboration between tourism organizations and businesses of both nations.

Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Quang Hieu stressed that Ninh Binh is one of Vietnam's pioneering localities in organizing tourism promotion events in Japan, reflecting the province's innovative spirit and strong determination in tourism development, focusing on targeted cultural promotion so as to enhance its position in the national tourism strategy, according to VNA.

Several cooperation agreements are signed between tourism agencies of both countries in the framework of the promotion event. (Photo: VNA)

He described the conference as an important move in connecting Ninh Binh with international markets, particularly Japan – a potential and crucial market for the Vietnamese tourism sector.

The embassy pledges to accompany the province and many other localities in tourism promotion as well as support them to expand international cooperation, he added.

Mayor of Saiki city Tanaka Toshiaki, who had previously visited Trang An, shared his positive impressions on the destination. There is an increasing number of tourists from Saiki city, Oita prefecture visiting Ninh Binh, he said, expressing his hope for deeper relations between the two countries in both natural and historical aspects.

Looking ahead, Director of the provincial Department of Tourism Bui Manh Ha said the province has identified Japan as a priority market in its international tourism strategy. The delegation's visit has already resulted in numerous partnerships with Japanese partners, with plans to enhance service quality and professionalism through collaborative efforts in travel, accommodation, and hospitality services.

In the framework of the conference, several cooperation agreements were signed between tourism agencies of both countries, laying the groundwork for more intensive collaboration in the future.

President Rumen Radev makes historic visit to Vietnam after 11 years

President Rumen Radev of Bulgaria and First Lady Desislava Radeva arrived in Hanoi on November 24 for a state visit to Vietnam.

The visit, lasting from November 24 to 28, marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations ahead of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025.

On the afternoon of November 24, a special aircraft carrying Bulgarian President Rumen Georgiev Radev, First Lady Desislava Radeva, and a high-level Bulgarian delegation landed at Noi Bai International Airport.

The President and First Lady are visiting Vietnam from November 24 to 28 at the invitation of President Luong Cuong.

The delegation includes Galin Tsokov, Minister of Education and Science; Rosen Karadimov, Minister of Innovation and Growth; Evtim Miloshev, Minister of Tourism; Tzveta Timeva, Secretary-General to the President; Pavlin Todorov, Bulgarian Ambassador to Vietnam; and several presidential advisors specializing in foreign policy, economics, domestic policy, legal affairs, and media relations. Joining them are Vassil Alexandrov Terziev, Mayor of Sofia; Pencho Plamenov Milkov, Mayor of Ruse; and representatives of Bulgarian businesses.

Welcoming the Bulgarian delegation at the airport were Nguyen Kim Son, Vietnam’s Minister of Education and Training; Pham Thanh Binh, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Do Hoang Long, Vietnam's Ambassador to Bulgaria; and officials from the Presidential Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This marks the first visit to Vietnam by a Bulgarian president in 11 years and President Rumen Radev's first official trip to the country.

President Radev is also the first foreign head of state to be officially received by President Luong Cuong since he took office. Radev, known for his positive view of Vietnam, has engaged extensively with Vietnamese leaders and shown consistent interest in fostering the development of the Vietnamese community in Bulgaria.

The visit reflects the strong bilateral relationship between Vietnam and Bulgaria on both bilateral and multilateral fronts. It coincides with preparations for 2025, marking 75 years of diplomatic ties, and serves as a catalyst to elevate the partnership to new heights, VNN reported.

Nguyen Kim Son, Vietnam’s Minister of Education and Training, welcomes Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and First Lady Desislava Radeva at Noi Bai International Airport. (Photo: VNA)

A formal welcome ceremony for President Radev is scheduled for November 25 at the Presidential Palace, hosted by President Luong Cuong. The two leaders will hold discussions, witness the signing of cooperation agreements, and meet with the press.

Additionally, President Radev will meet with General Secretary To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man.

During their stay, the President and his delegation will lay wreaths at the Monument to the Fallen Heroes on Bac Son Road, pay respects at President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, and participate in several other activities.

Accompanying the President is a group of Bulgarian enterprises specializing in IT and high-tech industries. Their participation provides a solid foundation for advancing bilateral cooperation in sectors where Bulgaria excels and Vietnam seeks collaboration.

Vietnam balances supply and demand to prepare for Tet shopping season

Vietnamese authorities and businesses are rolling out comprehensive promotion programmes to boost consumer spending for the upcoming Tet holiday (Lunar New Year).

According to producers and retailers, purchasing power will not be as high as expected due to economic headwinds, particularly the impacts of Typhoon Yagi that has dampened consumer confidence and made shoppers across the country tighten their belts.

The Department of Industry and Trade of Ho Chi Minh City is taking a multifaceted approach to market stabilization, actively negotiating discount policies with distribution networks to ease price pressures, especially for essential goods during the peak Tet season. Besides, it is calling for proactive participation from businesses through promotional programmes, trade incentives, and organization of spring trade fairs to boost consumer spending.

Chairman of Vissan Joint Stock Company Nguyen Phuc Khoa said the firm prepared raw materials early and has intensified production to supply 930 tonnes of fresh food and nearly 3,700 tonnes of processed products for more than 120,000 sales points nationwide. Vissan is stockpiling additional 10-20% of its inventory, creating a buffer against unexpected market shortages during the Tet holiday, VNA reported.

The market is now ready for Tet shopping season. (Photo: VNA)

Meanwhile, Saigon Co.op has outlined its year-end supply since mid-2024 and established long-term partnerships with distributors, enabling more predictable production planning. Beyond inventory management, the business is providing financial support to smaller suppliers by connecting them with banking partners and arranging various promotion campaigns to stimulate spending and support market development for the firms.

Having registered to join the market stabilization scheme, 23 key businesses in Kien Giang province have stocked up more than 4.56 trillion VND (179.38 million USD) worth of products for the shopping season. Meanwhile, Tay Ninh province also issued a plan to stabilize the market for essential goods for the Tet holiday, with the total value of goods reserved to meet market demand for one month of around 260 billion VND.

In Hanoi, the local administration has carried out measures to ensure a balanced supply of goods in anticipation of the heightened consumer needs for the Tet celebration. Those include arranging regional linkage events and promotional activities with other provinces and cities.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade will continue strengthening domestic trade, and coordinating with local departments and sectors to keep close tabs on the market developments and ensure an adequate supply of essential goods for consumers, especially during peak holiday periods.

Due attention will be given to e-commerce development to capitalize on the rapid digitalisation of the economy while efforts will be intensified to prevent smuggling, trade fraud and unfair competition.

Vietnam triumphs at ASEAN Cyber Shield with double wins

Vietnam emerged as the overall champion of the ASEAN Cyber Shield (ACS) cybersecurity competition, held as part of Vietnam International Digital Week, with teams dominating both categories of the event.

Held from November 19 to 22, the competition featured 37 teams from 10 ASEAN countries. The event provided a platform for showcasing cybersecurity talent, fostering innovation, and enhancing regional cooperation in cybersecurity.

Vietnam was represented by three teams from The Academy of Cryptography Techniques, The University of Information Technology (Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City), and Duy Tan University.

The University of Information Technology team won first place in both the General and Student categories. The Academy of Cryptography Techniques secured second place in the Student category, VOV reported.

Deputy Minister Phan Tam presents awards at the competition. Photo: Pham Cong

Nguyen Duy Huy, a participant from the University of Information Technology team, shared: “This year’s competition was intense as all teams showcased solid knowledge. Every team had its strengths and confidence, making this a valuable opportunity to engage with peers in neighboring countries. It’s a highly beneficial competition that should be organized more often.”

The ACS competition aims to identify and nurture cybersecurity talent across ASEAN through international cooperation between South Korea and ASEAN member states.

Each ASEAN country could send up to four teams, with each team consisting of four members, financially supported by the program.

The competition featured two categories, including General (Open to participants from enterprises and universities, not limited to students), and Student (Restricted to university students from ASEAN countries).

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