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Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla receives Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long (Photo: VNA)

Cuban foreign minister spotlights special relations with Vietnam

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla has reasserted the solidarity, special friendship, and fraternal bond between the peoples of Cuba and Vietnam while receiving Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long.

At their meeting on September 13, Bruno Rodríguez highlighted the strong bilateral political exchange at the highest leadership level.

He once again extended his condolences to the Vietnamese people on the passing of late Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who made significant contributions to the bilateral relations, cited VNA.

Also sending his sympathies to the Vietnamese Government and people for human and asset losses caused by Typhoon Yagi, the minister announced that Cuba is ready to assist Vietnam in mitigating the aftermath of natural disasters.

Long, on behalf of the Vietnamese Party and Government, thanked Cuban leaders for their sympathy as well as for Cuba’s timely assistance during natural disasters. He affirmed that this noble gesture demonstrates the special Vietnam-Cuba relationship.

The diplomat reiterated Vietnam's steadfast position in calling on the US to lift its embargo against Cuba, affirming that the Vietnamese Government remains ready to promote investment and trade with, and support Cuba in food production.

He also pledged to do his utmost to nurture the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Vietnam calls for joint efforts to ensure human rights for all

Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization, and other international organizations in Geneva, has recently gave a speech at a general debate on UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk’s Global Update on the human rights situation, held within the framework of the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council.

The Vietnamese diplomat greatly valued the active role and efforts of the UN High Commissioner in advancing the work of the UNHRC, while affirming Vietnam's support for the activities of the Office of the High Commissioner in promoting and protecting human rights amidst ongoing conflicts and crises around the globe.

Dung highlighted Vietnam's development policy, which puts people at the center, and regards them as not only the subject but also the goal and the driving force of development towards achieving sustainable development goals.

The ambassador underlined the need to promote initiatives and actions at national, regional, and international levels to address the negative impacts of global challenges such as climate change and food insecurity, which are threatening the enjoyment of human rights for people worldwide, especially vulnerable groups, as well as the ability to achieve sustainable development goals.

He reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to enhancing practical dialogue and effective cooperation with all UN member states and human rights mechanisms, according to VOV.

Ambassador Mai Phan Dung (R), Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization, and other international organizations in Geneva.

He also expressed regret over the fact that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and some countries have mentioned Vietnam based on one-sided, inaccurate, and unverified information. The ambassador clarified that Vietnam advocates fundamental principles of universality, fairness, objectivity, non-selectivity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of nations.

On September 11, Ambassador Dung attended and delivered a speech at a panel discussion on promoting and protecting economic, social and cultural rights within the context of addressing inequalities.

He emphasized the importance of timely international cooperation, given that many countries are facing significant challenges in advancing and protecting economic, social, and cultural rights, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and economic instability; and many are struggling to ensure that vulnerable and disadvantaged groups have access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and social protection.

As for Vietnam, Dung laid stress on significant progress in poverty reduction, expanding universal healthcare, and improving access to education through comprehensive development policies and international cooperation. He also noted challenges, particularly in ensuring that rapid economic growth does not leave anyone behind, especially in rural and remote areas.

At the UNHRC’s 57th session, held in Geneva from September 9 to October 11, Vietnam continues to work actively as a member of the Council for the 2023-2025 term. During this session, the Council will adopt Vietnam’s report of the fourth-cycle Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group.

PM receives ASEAN BAC leaders in Hanoi

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on September 13 met with a delegation of ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN BAC) led by Oudet Souvannavong, the Chair of ASEAN BAC for 2024.

Souvannavong and heads of ASEAN BAC countries extended their condolences to Vietnam over huge human and property losses caused by typhoon Yagi and subsequent landslides and flash floods.

Souvannavong stated that ASEAN BAC has been working to promote trade, investment, and integration within ASEAN and with its partners, with a primary focus on cooperation in digital transformation, green and sustainable development, and self-reliance in health and food security.

Efforts are being made to strengthen supply chains among Mekong countries and the greater Mekong sub-region, including Laos and Vietnam, as well as to enhance cooperation in finance, infrastructure, and digital transformation, he said.

He revealed that at the end of this year, ASEAN BAC will organize the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ASEAN BIS) in Vientiane, Laos. He expected that the Vietnamese Government would support and contribute significantly to the success of the Summit.

Chinh for his part expressed his gratitude to ASEAN BAC chairpersons for their sympathy and support in helping Vietnam address the aftermath. He affirmed that Vietnam will continue to support Laos in successfully hosting the ASEAN Summits 44-45 and related meetings, contributing to building a more united and prosperous ASEAN Community.

The PM congratulated the success of the 101st ASEAN BAC meeting recently held in Hanoi and the recommendations outlined in the report on ASEAN BAC’s 2024 agenda. He expressed hope that the Council’s priority areas will significantly advance the process of innovation, institutional and policy improvement, trade and investment facilitation, digital transformation, and sustainable and inclusive development in ASEAN, particularly with new growth drivers.

This will help businesses overcome challenges and seize opportunities for development, he said.

In the context of global challenges such as the prolonged impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, strategic competition, and non-traditional security challenges like climate change, natural disasters, pandemics, aging populations, and resource depletion, Chinh stated that ASEAN has demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and proactive measures to maintain growth and continue to play a crucial role in the global supply chain.

The ASEAN economy continues to show steady and positive progress, with an estimated growth rate of 4.6% in 2024, which is a bright spot in the global economic landscape, he stressed.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receives ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN BAC) leaders in Hanoi on September 13.

He highly appreciated the business community’s role in sustaining such growth, affirming ASEAN governments regard businesses as the backbone of the ASEAN economy and a foundation for long-term and sustainable economic growth in the region.

With a facilitative role, ASEAN governments consistently support and create the best possible conditions for businesses and entrepreneurs to develop, based on shared visions, healthy competition, and principles of “harmonized interests, risk sharing” and win-win results.

Welcoming the ASEAN BAC Chairpersons’ call for ASEAN to prioritize policies that support ASEAN businesses in investing and operating within ASEAN countries, he proposed that ASEAN BAC work with governments and people of ASEAN countries to implement five key areas of collaboration. These areas include formulating institutions and policies; supporting economic connectivity, especially in infrastructure; mobilizing resources, revitalizing traditional growth drivers, and fostering new growth drivers in digital economy, green economy, and knowledge economy; developing high-quality human resources, especially in areas such as digital transformation, green transition, and high technology; and supporting the creation and management of smart, modern, and innovative businesses.

The PM expressed his belief that businesses will innovate their thinking and methods, mobilize resources for collective development, and aspire to build an ASEAN that is united and cohesive in its diversity. He urged ASEAN BAC members to continue to play a pioneering role, making ASEAN a top destination for investors and contributing to the region’s rapid and sustainable development.

He said he will attend the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit to be held in Vientiane later this year.

Vietnam calls for int’l cooperation in response to climate change

International cooperation is the key to handling damage caused by climate change, ensuring that no one is left behind, Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization, and other international organizations in Geneva said on September 13.

Delivering a speech at the dialogue on the UN General Secretary’s report on human rights and climate change as part of the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the Vietnamese diplomat affirmed that climate change has left severe impacts on the enjoyment of basic human rights.

Typhoon Yagi hammering in the Philippines, China and Vietnam, and floods in Bangladesh, he said, were vivid illustrations for the damaging influence of the extreme weather patterns, elaborating they not only created great human loss but also forced the people to leave their homes, and destroyed infrastructure, affecting long-term economic development, VNA reported.

Flooding caused by Typhoon Yagi in Yen Bai province (Photo: VNA)

Dung particularly stressed that vulnerable groups such as women, children, and people in developing countries are bearing the brunt of the consequences, highlighting it is necessary to pen equal solutions, and prioritize support for the hardest-hit people, helping them develop resilient capacity in the future.

He called on the international community to increase financial resources, and put in place human-right based measures to address the losses caused by climate change.

The 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council, lasting for five weeks, features various programmes, including six discussions on economic, cultural and social rights.

Foreign leaders extend sympathies to Vietnam over typhoon Yagi-induced consequences

Leaders of some countries and international organizations have cabled messages of sympathies to leaders of the Party, State and people of Vietnam after learning about serious damage caused by typhoon Yagi in northern localities.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang expressed his deep sympathy and sent sincere regards to the people in typhoon-hit areas. He expressed his belief that under the leadership of the Party and Government of Vietnam, the affected people will definitely overcome the natural disaster and soon restore normal daily life and production activities, cited VGP.

Serious damage caused by Typhoon Yagi in Hai Phong City.

The Cambodian People's Party Central Committee hopes that under the clear-sighted leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Vietnamese people will soon surmount the painful losses as well as every difficulty to stabilize their lives.

First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez sent his deep condolences to the Party, State and people of Vietnam, affirming the solidarity between the two countries along with Cuba's readiness to support Vietnam in this difficult time.

Chairman of the United Russia Party and Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia Dmitry Medvedev extended condolences to the families and relatives of those who died due to the typhoon and wished other victims will soon recover.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol offered sympathies to the people of Vietnam, expressing his wish that the Southeast Asian country would soon overcome the storm's consequences and quickly bring life back to normal.

In his message, Prime Minister of Japan Kishida Fumio offered encouragement to storm victims, expressing his hope that the affected localities would soon weather difficulties and restore production. He emphasized that the Japanese Government always accompanies and is ready to support Vietnam to tackle the typhoon's aftermath.

President of France Emmanuel Macron expressed his country's solidarity with Vietnam in the face of the devastation triggered by typhoon Yagi, affirming that France is ready to provide assistance to Vietnam.

Meanwhile, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, President of Mozambique Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of Nicaragua Daniel Ortega Saavedra, President of Palestine and Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organisation Mahmoud Abbas, President of Finland Alexander Stubb, President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) also extended their sympathies and condolences.

On this occasion, the foreign ministers of China, Cuba, South Korea, Japan, and Hungary sent sympathies to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.

Nearly 19 million Vietnamese people have been affected by the typhoon, including 5.5 million children, in Lao Cai, Tuyen Quang, Cao Bang, Yen Bai, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Ha Noi, Thai Binh, Hai Duong, Hoa Binh, Thai Nguyen and Phu Tho.

The typhoon has left at least 345 people dead and missing, including 24 children. Approximately 2 million children have been left without access to education, psychosocial support and school feeding programs.

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