Illustrative image. Photo: VNA

Vietnam records 333 new Covid-19 cases on November 28

Vietnam reported 333 new Covid-19 cases on November 28, according to the Ministry of Health.

The new infections brought the country’s total number of Covid-19 cases to 11,514,174.

Meanwhile, 208 patients were declared to be free from the disease on the same day, raising the total number of recoveries to 10,608,059.

The death toll was still kept at 43,170, accounting for 0.4% of the total infections, as no fatality was logged on the day, cited VNA.

To date, nearly 263.98 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered in the country.

Economic cooperation a solid pillar of Vietnam – France strategic partnership

Economic cooperation plays a pivotal role in the Vietnam-France strategic partnership, affirmed Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his French counterpart Elisabeth Borne during their phone talks on November 28.

The two leaders examined the implementation of key economic cooperation projects in bilateral relations, especially the Nhon- Hanoi Railway urban rail route, with the elevated section scheduled to be put into commercial operation before the end of this year.

Chinh assured Borne that Vietnam attaches great importance to its relationship with France, an important member of the EU and a strategic partner for Vietnam. He thanked the French Government and people for supporting 5.5 million doses of vaccines, helping Vietnam overcome the Covid-19 pandemic.

Borne for her part congratulated Vietnam on its achievements in post-pandemic economic recovery, and suggested the two countries work closely to enhance the Vietnam-France strategic partnership through conducting reciprocal visit exchanges, implementing existing cooperation mechanisms and strengthening cooperation activities to celebrate 50 years of bilateral diplomacy in 2023, according to VOV.

She expressed France’s desire to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in the fields of digital economy, digital transformation, infrastructure construction and especially renewable energy. She agreed to promote the full and effective implementation of and to take advantage of the great opportunities of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

Meanwhile, Chinh asked France to create conditions for Vietnam’s seasonal agricultural products to access the French market. He proposed that France soon complete the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) in order to facilitate bilateral investment, and at the same time lobby the European Commission (EC) to soon remove the yellow card for Vietnamese seafood.

PM Pham Minh Chinh and other Vietnamese officials during the phone talks with French PM Elizabeth Borne.

The Vietnamese PM welcomed the results of bilateral cooperation in the fields of culture, education and health in recent times, while asking France to increase the number of scholarships for Vietnamese students wishing to study in France, and supporting Vietnam in the restoration and preservation of cultural heritages recognized by UNESCO.

He suggested the French Government continue to support and create favourable conditions for Vietnamese expatriates, to successfully integrate into the local community and serve as a bridge in the relationship between the two countries especially in the post-pandemic period.

The two PMs also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, and affirmed the two countries’ close coordination and mutual support at regional and international forums.

Chinh highly appreciated France’s dynamic policy in the Indo-Pacific region and supported its active role in responding to common challenges in the region.

The two PMs continued to affirm the importance of ensuring peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, and settling disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

Chinh on this occasion invited Borne to visit Vietnam, and the invitation was accepted with pleasure.

Science, technology development key to sustainable agriculture

The development of science, technology and innovation is key to laying the foundation for sustainable agriculture and adapting to climate change, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien said on November 28.

Tien made the statement at a forum on enhancing the application of science, technology and innovation to promote sustainable agricultural development, reducing emissions, and responding to climate change.

The event, which was jointly organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR), aimed to provide an opportunity for partners to exchange information and promote environmental sustainability and a low-emission agriculture sector, as well as how to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.

Vietnam's agriculture sector is still facing many challenges from unpredictable global fluctuations due to epidemics, conflicts and natural disasters, he noted.

Illustrative image. Photo: VNA

To be able to turn challenges into opportunities, the agriculture sector has set out solutions for the field to remain the backbone of the economy, with scientific and technological development at the forefront, Tien said.

Science and technology do not only contribute to increasing productivity, quality and value of agricultural products, but also improve the lives of farmers and significantly change the face of Vietnam's rural areas, reported VNA.

Science and technology contribute over 30% of the added value of the sector and 38% to the production of plant varieties and livestock. They help improve the competitiveness of agricultural products in both domestic and international markets, contributing to making Vietnam one of the world’s leading exporters of rice, coffee, pepper and cashew nuts, Tien said.

Stephan Weise, Asia Managing Director at the Alliance of Biodiversity International and International Centre for Tropical Agriculture, said that scientific and technological applications and innovation programmes that the research team coordinated with partners in Vietnam will make an important contribution to transforming the agricultural system in the country towards a greener and more sustainable direction.

Participants at the forum were briefed on CGIAR's innovative research in the fields of rice and vegetable cultivation and aquaculture in order to develop sustainable agriculture, reduce greenhouse emissions and adapt to climate change.

CGIAR leaders showed their commitment to supporting the Southeast Asian country in addressing strategic challenges in the agriculture sector to achieve sustainable development goals in the context of climate change. They pledged to work together to multiply research and innovation results to promote agriculture and reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.

Glorious Ashes wins top prize at Three Continents Film Festival

Vietnamese movie “Tro Tàn Rực Rỡ”, or “Glorious Ashes” in English, was awarded top prize at Festival des 3 Continents, also known as the Three Continents Film Festival, at a ceremony held in Nantes, France, on November 27.

The film directed by Bui Thac Chuyen won Montgolfière d’or, or the best film prize, receiving a cash prize of EUR6,000.

Based on a novel written by renowned Vietnamese writer Nguyen Ngoc Tu, Glorious Ashes showcases the relationships between three women and their partners in a southern seaside village.

The film marks the return of famous director Bui Thac Chuyen following his last film “Lời Nguyền Huyết Ngải” (RH108) which was released a decade ago.

Director Bui Thac Chuyen (third from left) and the film crew of Vietnamese movie “Tro Tàn Rực Rỡ”, or “Glorious Ashes” at the Three Continents Film Festival.

Festival des 3 Continents is an annual film event that has been held annually since 1979 in the French city of Nantes and is devoted to cinema of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Indeed, the Montgolfière d’or prize is the top award of the festival.

This year’s 44th festival attracted 90 films from around the world vying for titles in Nantes from November 18 to 27.

“Glorious Ashes” surpassed other films from 10 countries globally in order to win the top prize Montgolfière d’or, cited VOV.

Other prizes were also announced at the awards ceremony, including Montgolfière d’argent, or the best film chosen by the judge for film “Scent of Wind” of Iran, A Special Mention for film “Jet Lag” of China, and actress Sol Miranda for her performance in the film “Rule 34” of Brazil.

“The Winter Within” of India was voted le prix du public, or the most favourite film as chosen by audiences.

Vietnamese Ambassador congratulates Laos on 47-year achievements

Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung has congratulated the Lao Party, Government and people on their great and historic achievements over the past 47 years, especially those during 36 years of renovation.

On November 28, leading a delegation to the Lao Foreign Ministry and Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations in Vientiane on the occasion of the 47th National Day of Laos (December 2, 1975), Ambassador Hung stressed that under the sound leadership of the LPRP, Laos has maintained stable political security, social safety and order, and economic growth with improving people’s lives and increasingly higher position in the region and the world.

Vietnamese Ambassador congratulates Laos on 47-year achievements: Head of the Commission for External Relations of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Thongsavanh Phomvihane received Ambassador Nguyen Ba Hung (left) to congratulate the 47th National Day of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Photo: VNA

Such achievements are partly attributed by the Lao Foreign Ministry and the Commission for External Releations, he said.

The Ambassador added that the two countries have worked closely together to realise cooperation agreements this year. Meanwhile, commitments reached at the 44th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee have developed bilateral ties in an intensive, substantive and effective manner, evidenced by the regular exchange of delegations at all levels, activities during the Vietnam-Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year 2022 and progress seen in strategic joint projects. Two-way trade this year is estimated at 1.63 billion USD, up nearly 20% from last year.

On the occasion, Ambassador Hung thanked the ministry and commission for offering effective support to the Vietnamese embassy to fulfill its tasks assigned by the Vietnamese Party and State.

He wished that the two sides will continue with joint work for important bilateral activities in the near future, WVR reported.

Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumsay Kommasith and Head of the Commission Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that Laos’ achievements could not be made without help of the world friends, especially the fraternal Vietnamese Party, State, army and people.

The Party, State and people of Laos always remember and thank the Vietnamese counterparts for their sincere, timely, great and invaluable support to Laos during years of struggle for national liberation as well as in the current national construction and development, they said.

They also committed to preserving and fostering this special relationship, which was described as "unique in this world".

The hosts also affirmed that the two countries' organisation of a series of events to celebrate the Laos-Vietnam Solidarity and Friendship Year 2022 has not only demonstrated the special relationship between the two Parties, States and peoples but also helped their people, especially young generations, better understand bilateral ties, thereby continuing to develop this special relationship.

They pledged to keep working closely with the Vietnamese counterparts to well prepare for bilateral activities in the coming time, firstly the 45th meeting of the Vietnam-Laos Inter-Governmental Committee.

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