HCMC – Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang received the highest vote of confidence with 448 ballots cast in favor, followed by National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue with 437 ballots in favor.

The National Assembly (NA) today, October 25, conducted a vote of confidence for 44 top officials, the fourth such vote since 2013.

As per Resolution 96, officials who receive the number of “Low Confidence” ballots that account for half to two-thirds of the total should either resign or go through another vote of confidence. Those who have such votes more than two-thirds of the total may be recommended for dismissal by the NA.

NA deputies can choose High Confidence, Confidence or Low Confidence when they vote. Since the first vote of confidence was launched, no official has ever garnered more than 50% of low-confidence ballots.

The candidates subject to the vote of confidence normally include the president, prime minister, NA chair, chief justice of the Supreme People’s Court, head of the Supreme People’s Procuracy, vice president, vice NA chair, standing members of the NA and the auditor general, as well as government ministers.

The voting procedure, previously conducted in 2013, 2014, and 2018, is designed to assess the level of confidence in individuals who are either elected or endorsed by the Assembly. For this year’s vote, officials were also required to submit a self-evaluation of their term’s performance, alongside the customary asset declaration.

The NA examined the submitted documents prior to the vote. This initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness of the Assembly’s oversight functions, optimize the operation of the state machinery, and evaluate the credibility and accomplishments of officials.

HCMC – President Vo Van Thuong had a meeting with Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping on the morning of October 20 local time at the third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing.

The meeting marked the conclusion of President Vo Van Thuong’s visit to China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum, following an invitation from the Chinese leader.

President Thuong’s trip played a pivotal role in solidifying the common understanding between the two countries, which had been established during Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s historic visit to China in late October 2022.

By maintaining high-level exchanges, the visit aimed to bolster political trust and practical cooperation between the two nations. Furthermore, it reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to promoting peace and development in the region and the world.

HCMC – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has left Hanoi for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to participate in the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit (ASEAN-GCC) and visit Saudi Arabia from October 18 to 20.

The trip is at the invitation of the King of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the local media reported.

The summit marks the first meeting between ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) since they established relations in 1990 and adopted a joint vision in 2009. The event signifies a crucial step forward in enhancing cooperation between these two regional organizations.

Vietnam’s relations with GCC member nations have grown strongly, with trade turnover reaching US$12.5 billion.

Prime Minister Chinh’s visit to Saudi Arabia is expected to strengthen Vietnam’s political trust and cooperation with Saudi Arabia.

HCMC – Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong had a brief meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin this afternoon, October 17 local time on the sidelines of the third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, China.

At the meeting, the two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations between Vietnam and Russia, and exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern.

President Thuong said Vietnam wanted to boost the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership in all areas since Russia is one of Vietnam’s most vital partners.

He suggested that Russia continue to provide scholarships for Vietnamese students, enhance cultural exchanges, and maintain its support to the Vietnamese community in the country.

President Putin affirmed that Vietnam is also one of his country’s most important partners in the Asia-Pacific region, saying that there is still significant potential for further fostering the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

The two agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, security and defense, science and technology, culture and education, energy, and other fields.

On this occasion, President Thuong invited President Putin to visit Vietnam and he accepted it and extended an invitation to President Thuong to visit Russia in the future.

The third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, China, lasts from October 17 to 20.

HCMC – State President Vo Van Thuong is set to attend the third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, China, from October 17 to 20, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced.

The ministry’s notice, released on October 12, stated that President Thuong’s trip comes at the invitation from the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and President Xi Jinping. This is Thuong’s first visit to China in his capacity as State President of Vietnam.

In recent years, Vietnam and China have achieved positive results across various fields, particularly following the official visit of Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to China from October 10 to November 1, 2022. High-ranking delegations from both countries have frequently exchanged visits this year.

From January to September, Vietnam’s total trade with China amounted to US$122 billion, with Vietnamese exports to China accounting for US$42.9 billion, or 16.6% of the country’s total export revenue. In the first nine months of the year, China got involved in 478 investment projects in Vietnam, worth a combined US$2.1 billion, making it Vietnam’s second-largest investor after Singapore.

The Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to create new trade routes connecting China with the rest of the world, was first introduced by President Xi Jinping during his visits to Central Asia in September 2013 and Southeast Asia in October 2013. Vietnam has previously sent high-ranking leaders to participate in the two Belt and Road forums held by China in May 2017 and April 2019.

The State President’s visit to China is of utmost significance as it coincides with the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic partnership and the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative’s development.

The visit underscores the high importance and priority placed by the Vietnamese Party and State on strengthening relations with China. It also shows Vietnam’s respect for connectivity initiatives, including the Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world, according to Vietnam’s Ambassador to China, Pham Sao Mai.

HCMC – The chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Vyacheslav Victorovich Volodin, is scheduled to make an official visit to Vietnam from October 15-16.

This two-day visit, from October 15 to 16, is taking place at the invitation of National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, according to the Vietnamese NA’s Committee for External Relations.

The trip was initially planned for June 25-26 but had to be postponed due to an unexpected situation in Russia.

Vietnam and Russia have enjoyed diplomatic relations since 1950, and last year, the two countries celebrated the 10th anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

HCMC – Esteban Lazo Hernandez, the President of the Cuban National Assembly, has commenced his five-day official visit to Vietnam, starting September 24.

The visit comes in response to an invitation extended by Vietnamese Party and State leaders.

During the visit, Lazo Hernandez is expected to meet with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, State President Vo Van Thuong, and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue.

The visit will also involve various engagements in central provinces like Quang Binh and Quang Tri, including flower offerings at Fidel Castro’s statue, visits to the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Hospital, and meetings with local authorities in Quang Binh Province.

Notably, one of the focal points of the visit is a ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of Cuban leader Fidel Castro’s September 1973 visit to the liberated zone of southern Vietnam.

The ceremony, organized by the Quang Tri Province People’s Committee in conjunction with the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Culture, Sports-Tourism, and the Cuban Embassy in Vietnam, is slated for September 26.

HCMC – Vietnam’s National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue arrived in Dhaka on September 21 for an official Bangladesh visit aimed at stepping up bilateral ties between the two countries.

Hue’s visit at the invitation of Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Speaker of the Bangladeshi Parliament follows a five-year hiatus since the last high-level delegation from Vietnam visited Bangladesh in 2018 and six years since the Speaker of Bangladesh’s Parliament visited Vietnam in 2017.

The visit also marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Bangladesh. Over the years, relations between the two countries have expanded, encompassing political, economic and social cooperation.

During his stay, Hue is scheduled to hold talks with Bangladeshi leaders over ways to reinforce and expand cooperation in sectors such as legislative affairs, and people-to-people relations.

His itinerary includes participation in cultural, economic, and diplomatic activities, as well as meetings with the Vietnamese community in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is Vietnam’s second-largest trading partner in South Asia, with bilateral trade reaching nearly US$1.5 billion in 2022, a significant increase from US$350 million in 2012. Both countries have exceeded their 2017 trade targets and are aiming for a trade volume of US$2 billion.

With a population of nearly 170 million, Bangladesh is a major market for Vietnam. Currently, Bangladesh has 18 active investment projects in Vietnam.

Both Vietnam and Bangladesh have been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 term and actively collaborate in various international forums.

HCMC – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Dennis Francis, the President of the 78th United Nations (UN) General Assembly, at the UN headquarters in New York City on September 20 (local time).

PM Chinh emphasized Vietnam’s commitment to the vital role of the UN in global governance.

In the face of significant global challenges, Vietnam has pledged to actively contribute to the key priorities of the 78th General Assembly. These priorities include strengthening peace, fostering trust and collaboration, de-escalating tensions among major nations, promoting multilateralism, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Highlighting Vietnam’s environmental aspirations, PM Chinh affirmed the nation’s dedication to addressing climate change and fulfilling the SDGs. Vietnam is also working towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The PM mentioned Vietnam’s recent approval of Power Development Plan VIII, with a strong emphasis on sustainable energy development. The forthcoming fair energy transition partnership (JETP) is expected to provide more comprehensive details on these commitments.

Amidst current global concerns about food security, PM Chinh underscored Vietnam’s role in continuing rice exports, contributing to the stabilization of global food security.

Dennis Francis praised the UN-Vietnam relationship and expressed admiration for Vietnam’s socio-economic progress. Recognizing Vietnam’s contributions to UN peacekeeping forces, Francis highlighted the country’s dynamic role and growing prominence on the global stage.

Both leaders concurred on the significance of upholding the UN Charter and promoting multilateralism. During their discussions, Chinh extended an invitation to Francis to visit Vietnam in the near future.

HCMC – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with a delegation of politicians and business leaders from Oregon, led by Vince Porter, Oregon’s Chief of Economic Development, on September 18 (local time).

PM Chinh highlighted the positive developments in relations between Vietnam and Oregon, a leading state on the U.S. West Coast. Vietnam wants to strengthen ties with Oregon, especially in economic, trade and investment cooperation, he said.

He pinpointed sectors such as digital transformation, energy transition, and adaptation to climate change as areas of potential cooperation.

This comes in line with the comprehensive strategic partnership established between Vietnam and the United States during U.S. President Joe Biden’s recent state visit to Vietnam.

The prime minister also expressed interest in expanding tourism cooperation and increasing Vietnamese exports to Oregon, including leather, footwear and textiles.

Vince Porter conveyed an invitation from Oregon’s new Governor, Tina Kotek, for Prime Minister Chinh to visit Oregon.

Porter emphasized Oregon’s commitment to deepening relations with Vietnam, noting that Vietnam is among Oregon’s top 10 trading partners.

The Oregon delegation announced plans to establish a Vietnam cultural center in the state, underscoring the importance of cultural exchange and cooperation between the two sides.