Vietnam News Today (Oct. 21): Vietnam Reaffirms Desire to Strengthen Relations With China
	Vietnam News Today (Oct. 22): Vietnam Greatly Values Comprehensive Partnership With EU

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (R) shaking hands with Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei ahead of their meeting in Hanoi on October 22. (Photo: MOFA)

Vietnam attaches importance to developing partnership with China

The Vietnamese Party and Government always prioritize strengthening and developing the friendly neighboring relationship and comprehensive strategic partnership with China, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son told Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei during a reception in Hanoi on October 22.

To promote the positive trend in the development of bilateral relations, Son suggested that the Chinese Embassy and the ambassador personally encourage relevant Chinese agencies to closely coordinate with Vietnamese ministries, sectors, and localities to effectively implement high-level agreements and common perceptions reached by the two countries’ top leaders.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining and promoting the good tradition of meetings and exchanges between the leaders of both Parties and countries, cited VOV.

The Deputy PM called for further practical cooperation in various fields to achieve more results that bring tangible benefits to the people of both countries. He highlighted the need to enhance people-to-people exchanges, strengthen the firm social foundation, and create new momentum for the development of Vietnam-China relations.

He suggested continuing close coordination at multilateral mechanisms and forums, managing the land border effectively, and jointly maintaining peace and stability at sea.

Son urged both sides to strictly implement the high-level common perceptions, specifically the Vietnam – China agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues. He emphasized the importance of addressing the issues of fishing vessels and fishermen fairly, respecting each other’s legitimate rights and interests, and resolving disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

He for his part agreed with Son’s views and vowed to work hard to actively promote the concrete implementation of high-level agreements and common perceptions, contributing positively to the continuous development of the China-Vietnam Community of Shared Future.

Vietnam to play active role at expanded BRICS Summit

A high-ranking Vietnamese delegation led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will actively participate in and make responsible contributions to the expanded BRICS (BRICS+) Summit in Kazan city of Russia from October 23-24, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang told the press.

According to Hang, the summit, a pivotal event within the framework of cooperation between BRICS and developing countries, will be attended by leaders from member states and over 30 guest countries, including developing nations from various continents and several international organizations. PM Chinh will attend as a guest at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin of Russia, Chair of BRICS 2024.

This year’s summit will feature a plenary session themed "BRICS and the Global South: Building a Better World Together". Leaders will discuss solutions to propel economic growth, enhance economic connectivity between BRICS and Global South countries, and strengthen cooperation in addressing global challenges. Key areas of focus will include new growth drivers such as the digital economy, green economy, circular economy, sci-tech and innovation, according to VNA.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang (Photo: VNA)

Additionally, the discussions will center on creating a balanced, effective and inclusive global governance ecosystem that heightens the role and voice of developing countries, she added.

The Deputy FM stressed that PM Chinh’s attendance at the summit is an important step in implementing Vietnam's consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization and diversification of foreign relations; being a friend, a reliable partner, and an active and responsible member of the international community; as well as its policy of promoting and elevating multilateral diplomacy.

It strongly reaffirms Vietnam’s proactive, active and responsible spirit in addressing global issues; underscores the country’s commitment to promoting multilateralism, global solidarity, and the rule of law while raising the voice of developing nations for global peace, cooperation, and development.

Vietnam's engagement in discussions on pressing global issues with major and emerging economies further affirms its position, role and stature, painting a picture of a nation that is peaceful, cooperative and dynamic.

Through the event, Vietnam will continue to deepen its cooperation with Russia and other countries, she said.

This will be the first working trip to Russia by the Prime Minister, coming as both nations are preparing for the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties next year. It serves as a testament to the enduring Vietnam-Russia friendship, opening up practical and effective opportunities that match the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

For other nations attending the summit, this presents an important opportunity for Vietnam to continue advancing bilateral relations across various sectors, while also strengthening coordination at multilateral forums, she added.

Vietnam and Laos sign bilateral defense cooperation document

General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, and General Chansamone Chanyalath, Minister of National Defense of Laos, on October 22 signed a defense cooperation document between the two countries for 2025-2029 and a cooperation plan for 2025.

The signing took place in Moc Chau district of Vietnam’s Son La province as part of the second border defense friendship exchange between the two armies of Vietnam and Laos.

The two ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation in Party and political work, and maintain annual high-level delegation exchanges and Deputy Minister-level Defense Policy Dialogues.

Both sides also agreed to enhance military cooperation, manage and protect borders and boundary markers, and cooperate in human resource training.

The Vietnamese side also requested that the Lao government and Ministry of National Defense continue to facilitate efforts in searching for, recovering, and repatriating the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who sacrificed their lives in Laos during wartime.

General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, and General Chansamone Chanyalath, Minister of National Defense of Laos, sign a defense cooperation document between the two countries for 2025-2029.

General Giang affirmed that the two sides have achieved many important and substantive results over the past five years of implementing the Defense Cooperation Protocol for 2020-2024.

The two sides have regularly maintained regular visit exchanges, and upgraded facilities and monuments related to bilateral relations. On multilateral forums, the two armies have consistently demonstrated a spirit of solidarity and mutual support, making positive contributions to efforts in building the ASEAN community.

Vietnam and Laos have established numerous cooperation mechanisms, such as border defense friendship exchanges and Deputy Minister-level Defense Policy Dialogues. Their relevant forces have coordinated to ensure the stability of the borders and boundary markers.

The two sides have also increased cooperation in human resource training and defense industry cooperation, VOV reported.

General Chanyalath stated that border defense friendship exchanges continue to affirm their effectiveness as a distinctive cooperation model, reflecting the political determination of the parties, governments, and armies of both countries.

The two sides have maintained substantive cooperation to develop their common border of peace, friendship, cooperation and development, contributing to the prosperity of each country and to regional and global peace and stability, he said.

The Vietnam – Laos second border defense exchange is taking place in Moc Chau district of Vietnam and Sop Bao district of Laos on October 22 - 23.

Vietnam-EU Joint Committee holds fifth meeting in Hanoi

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and Director General for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Niclas Kvarnström co-chaired the fifth meeting of the Vietnam-EU Joint Committee within the framework of the EU-Vietnam Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) in Hanoi on October 22.

Hang described the EU as one of Vietnam's most important economic and development partners, highlighting that Vietnam always attaches importance to developing the comprehensive partnership and cooperation with the EU as well as relations with the bloc's member states.

She said the Vietnam-EU relationship is growing dynamically with positive results, with the Joint Committee serving as an important and effective mechanism for coordinating bilateral cooperation across various areas.

Both sides agreed that political trust has been consolidated through the exchange of high-ranking delegations and the effective implementation of cooperation agreements and mechanisms.

The EU side spoke highly of Vietnam's increasingly significant role and position in the region and at multilateral forums, affirming that Vietnam is a priority partner of the EU in the Asia-Pacific.

It wished to elevate the bilateral relationship to a new height, continue assisting Vietnam in implementing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), enhance collaboration in emerging areas such as clean technology, digital transformation, high technology, including semiconductor and artificial intelligence, raw materials and innovation, within the framework of regional cooperative initiatives like the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative.

The discussion covered a wide range of issues, including politics, national defense and security, trade and investment, sustainable development, environment and climate change, sustainable energy transition, support for Vietnam in meeting the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the EU's Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and sustainable transportation cooperation within the Global Gateway Initiative.

The two sides agreed to increase the exchange of delegations, especially those at high level, to mark the 35th anniversary of the diplomatic ties in 2025; broaden collaboration in national defense - security, agriculture and environment, as well as in new cooperation fields. They affirmed their commitment to actively work together to address existing regulatory issues and fully implement the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

The EU side provided updates on new policies and regulations under the European Green Deal, such as the CBAM, the EUDR, and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), agreeing to support Vietnam in meeting these requirements.

The Vietnamese and EU sides shared their perspectives and goals regarding international negotiations on the environment and biodiversity, aiming to promote joint efforts for sustainable global development.

Hang urged the EU to encourage the parliaments of certain member states to expedite the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), acknowledge Vietnam's efforts to fight illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing toward lifting the yellow card warning on Vietnam's seafood exports.

She called for all possible support in terms of finance, technology, and human resources training to enable Vietnam to effectively implement the JETP, including establishing a carbon credit market linked to the international market and launching projects related to green hydrogen, cited VNA.

Delegates at the meeting (Photo: VNA)

The EU side reaffirmed its support and commitment to assisting Vietnam in achieving its goal of net-zero emissions through the effective JETP implementation.

Both sides agreed on the need to continue promoting and lift their relationship to a new height, commensurate with their potential and standing.

On global and regional issues of shared concern, they underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation to address global challenges, including non-traditional security issues. They spoke highly of ASEAN’s centrality in regional architectures as well as Vietnam’s role in stepping up cooperation within the framework of the ASEAN-EU strategic partnership.

According to them, it is necessary to de-escalate tension in hotspots and settle conflicts through peaceful means that take into account the legitimate interests of all parties involved.

On the recent security developments, they stressed the necessity of increasing dialogues and seeking peaceful solutions based on respect for international law and the United Nations Charter.

Regarding the East Sea issue, they expressed concern over recent developments and reaffirmed the importance of peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the region. They stressed that all parties must adhere to international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and affirmed their support for the early completion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Vietnam’s foreign trade exceeds US$610 bln

As of October 15, Vietnam's trade with the rest of the world hit US$610.57 billion, up 16.4 percent (or US$85.82 billion) against the same period last year, reported the General Department of Customs.

Of the figure, export turnover reached US$315.91 billion, a year-on-year increase of 15.3 percent while import value stood at US$294.66 billion, up 17.5 percent, resulting in a trade surplus of US$21.25 billion.

Key export items included computers, electronics and spare parts (US$11.67 billion, up 26.7 percent), equipment, machines and tools (US$7.34 billion, up 22.4 percent), garments (US$2.61 billion, up 10 percent), phones and accessories (US$2.31 billion, up 5.6 percent), and timber (US$2.2 billion, up 21.6 percent).

Meanwhile, computers, electronics and spare parts were among Vietnam's key import items in the reviewed period, with US$16.82 billion, up 25.2 percent, VGP reported.

Photo: VGP

By the end of September this year, nine localities reported export value exceeding US$10 billion each, the customs agency said.

The southern metropolis Ho Chi Minh City took the lead with US$34.25 billion in export value, followed by the northern province of Bac Ninh US$29.53 billion, Binh Duong US$25.44 billion, Bac Giang US$22.46 billion, Hai Phong US$22.21 billion, Thai Nguyen US$21.8 billion and Dong Nai US$17.55 billion, and Ha Noi US$14 billion.

Vietnam's import-export value is likely to touch the US$800 billion mark by this year-end, far exceeding a record of US$732 billion seen in 2022, according to economists.

The country's GDP rose from US$346 billion in 2020 to US$433 billion in 2023, respectively becoming the 37th and 34th largest economy in the world.

The GDP size is expected to reach US$500 billion in 2025, becoming the 33rd largest economy globally and the 4th in ASEAN, according to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

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