President Vo Van Thuong and Spouse, Australian Governor-General David Hurley and Spouse at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi, on April 4, 2023. (Photo: WVR/Nguyen Hong)

Leaders’ activities

From April 3 to 6, at the invitation of President Vo Van Thuong, Australian Governor-General David Hurley paid a State visit to Vietnam. This is the first foreign leader paying a State visit to Vietnam in 2023, and also the first Head of State guest that President Vo Van Thuong has received in his new position. The visit is part of activities in celebration of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam-Australia diplomatic relations.

During the visit, Australian Governor-General Hurley laid wreaths at the Monument to Heroes and Martyrs, and President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi; attended an official welcome ceremony; held talks with President Vo Van Thuong; met with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue. Banquet was held for Australian Governor-General David Hurley.

The Australian Governor-General also visited the headquarters of the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations in Hanoi and several educational institutions in Ho Chi Minh City.

On April 5, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh successfully concluded his attendance to the 4th Mekong River Commission (MRC) Summit in Vientiane, Laos. Addressing the fth MRC Summit, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed Vietnam’s commitment to cooperation in building a prosperous, fair and healthy Mekong river basin. The Vietnamese Government leader emphasised that all relevant policies and actions of the MRC and its member countries need to put people at the centre, ensure sustainable livelihoods of them, and protect legitimate rights and interests those living in the basin.

Concluding the Summit, the leaders of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand approved the Vientiane Declaration, in which they affirmed the highest political commitment, as well as goals and principles of cooperation for the sustainable development of the Mekong River Basin; and identified the focus of cooperation of the Commission in the coming time.

The Prime Ministers of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia and other delegates at the MRC Summit in Vientiane, Laos. (Photo: VNA)

On April 5, in Vientiane, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a working breakfast with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on the occasion of the fourth Mekong River Commission (MRC) Summit.

On the same day, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a working session with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone in Vientiane to review the implementation of the agreement between the two Politburos. Both sides agreed to continue with efforts to carry out the Vietnam-Laos cooperation strategy agreement for the 2021-2030 period, the Vietnam-Laos bilateral cooperation agreement for 2021-2023, other high-level agreements and cooperation plans signed in various fields.

On April 8, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Netherlands (April 9, 1973 - 2023), Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte exchanged congratulatory letters.

On April 4, during their phone talks, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chinese Premier Li Qiang agreed on cooperation orientations between the two countries in the time ahead. The leaders consented to step up exchanges, coordination and efforts to advance the bilateral relations to a new development period, pledging to will direct ministries and localities in their respective countries to realise major common perceptions reached by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping, particularly the Joint Statement on continuing to enhance and deepen the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership issued in November 2022. They stressed the importance of the bilateral relationship for the development of each country as well as for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world at large.

On April 6, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, who was in Vietnam for an official visit and to co-chair the 24th session of the Vietnam-Russia Inter-governmental Committee for economic, trade and scientific-technical cooperation. At the meeting, the two sides spoke highly of the recent cooperation achievements, with political ties maintained and partnerships in traditional areas continuing to be strengthened. They affirmed that the 24th meeting of the Vietnam - Russia Inter-Governmental Committee, held in Hanoi on April 6, was a chance for the two sides to devise measures for further enhancing bilateral cooperation and create new driving forces for effectively implementing joint projects in the time ahead.

On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko co-chaired the 24th meeting of the Vietnam-Russia Inter-Governmental Committee on Economic, Trade and Scientific-Technological Cooperation. Concluding the event, the two Deputy Prime Ministers signed its minutes and agreed to hold the next session of the Committee in Russia next year. They also witnessed the signing of cooperation pacts in the fields of science and high technology.

Vietnam-Russia intergovernmental committee convenes 24th meeting. (Photo: VGP)

On April 7, receiving Cambodian Ambassador Chea Kimtha, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh congratulated Chea Kimtha on being appointed as the first female Cambodian Ambassador to Vietnam. The Prime Minister also congratulated Cambodia on its great achievements in internal and external affairs, especially successfully assuming its role as ASEAN 2022 Chair.

On the same day, receiving Malaysian Ambassador Dato' Tan Yang Thai, Prime Minister Chinh assured the Ambassador that Vietnam always treasures friendship and strategic partnership with Malaysia. He wished that during his tenure, the ambassador would actively uphold his role as an important bridge promoting the extensive and effective development of bilateral ties. The Prime Minister proposed that Malaysia create more favourable conditions for Vietnam's goods and services to navigate the country, including products meeting Halal standards, toward achieving the goal of 18 billion USD in two-way trade in the direction of reducing Vietnam’s trade deficit.

On April 8, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received a delegation of US lawmakers, led by Senator Jeff Merkley. The Prime Minister said the delegation's working visit to Vietnam helps tighten cooperation between the legislative bodies and the governments of the two countries, contributing to promoting the Vietnam - US comprehensive partnership in a substantive and effective manner. Prime Minister Chinh expressed his pleasure at the remarkable development of the bilateral relations over the past time, and the results of Vietnam - US cooperation over 28 years after the normalisation of diplomatic ties, and 10 years of establishing comprehensive partnership, stressing that economic-trade ties are a pillar and a motivation of the two countries' relations. From April 7-11, Senator Jeff Merkley led the US Congressional Delegation to visit Vietnam.

Receiving the US Congress delegation on the same day, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue emphasized that Vietnam always considers the US as one of its top important partners; highly appreciated the US consistent message of supporting a strong, independent, and prosperous Vietnam.

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue hosts US Congress delegation led by Senator Jeff Merkley in Hanoi, on April 8, 2023. (Photo: VNA)

On April 7, at the National Assembly House, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue received Mr. Chung Kye Sung, Executive Lawyer, General Director of Kim & Chang Law Firm (RoK). This is the only Korean law firm ranked in the Top 100 largest law firms in the world, providing legal advice to many large Korean enterprises operating in Vietnam.

On April 4, receiving Secretary General of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia Oum Sarith, Standing Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man stressed that Vietnam attaches importance to and prioritises strengthening relations with Cambodia for the benefit of the two peoples. The Vietnamese NA is to host the ninth Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians, he said, proposing the Cambodian Senate send a delegation to attend the event.

On April 5, received Cambodian Minister of Labor and Vocational Training Ith Samheng, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha highlilghted the importance of cooperation in labour and vocational training between Vietnam and Cambodia.

On April 4, receiving Country Director for World Bank Vietnam Carolyn Turk, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang highly appreciated the World Bank’s support for Vietnam through preferential loans amounting to 25 billion USD so far along with technical assistance and policy consultancy, which positively contributed to Vietnam’s socio-economic development since 1993 to present.

On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang hosted Chair of the European Parliament (EP)'s Subcommittee on Human Rights Udo Bullmann. Deputy PM Quang stated that respecting and protecting human rights is Vietnam's consistent policy. Though a lower middle-income country, Vietnam is among countries with high human development index, which reflects the development of society and ensured human rights in Vietnam, he said.

Activities of the Foreign Minister

On April 4, receiving Armenian Ambassador to Vietnam Vahram Kazhoyan, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to and wants to develop the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Armenia. Foreign Minister Son took the occasion to affirm that Vietnam attaches importance to and wants to develop the traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation with Armenia.

On the occasion of the United Nations Human Rights Council's adoption of the Resolution initiated by Vietnam on the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30th Anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son gave an interview on the contributions of Vietnam and the significance of this event.

Bilateral activities

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Netherlands (April 9, 1973 - 2023), Vietnamese Ambassador to the Netherlands Pham Viet Anh shared with The World & Vietnam Report on the achievements of bilateral relations in the past half century and the potential for cooperation in the future.

On this occation, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Vietnam Kees van Baar also grants an interview to Vietnamese media on promising future of Vietnam - Netherlands bilateral cooperation.

On April 6, the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City organised a ceremony in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Netherlands diplomatic relations. Dutch Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Daniel Stork stated that the Netherlands and Vietnam have continuously upgraded their relationship, and worked together in addressing important global challenges such as climate change, sustainable agriculture, and water management. The two countries have focused their efforts on exchanging, cooperating and sharing experiences with Dutch public and business partners for the sustainable future of the Mekong Delta as well as protection of the Vietnamese coast.

From April 5-7, Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Hieu, Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs visited Japan and attended the concert to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture.

On April 5, receiving Ms. Nicole de Moor, Belgian Secretary of State for Refugees and Migration, Deputy Minister Ha Kim Ngoc expressed the gratitude to the Belgian Government and people for always giving important support to Vietnam, paying attention to and creating conditions for the Vietnamese community in Belgium to settle down, integrate and develop.

On April 4, receiving Director General of the Consular Department of Japan Ando Toshihide to visit Vietnam and co-chair the 7th Vietnam-Japan Consular Consultative Meeting, Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Hieu stressed that the recent development of the bilateral relations have contributed to the deepening of the Vietnam-Japan Strategic Partnership.

On April 4, receiving Ms. Michele Sison, US Assistant Secretary of State on the occasion of her working visit to Vietnam , Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet affirmed that Vietnam always considers the US as one of its most important partners and hoped that the two countries would continue to strengthen cooperation and support each other in the coming time.

On April 3, in Berlin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and State Secretary of Germany’s Federal Foreign Office Andreas Michaelis co-chaired the seventh Vietnam-German strategic dialogue to discuss measures to boost bilateral cooperation as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern. The two sides affirmed to maintain close coordination and mutual support at such cooperation frameworks as the EU, the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN), and international organisations, especially now that both are members of the UN Human Rights Council in the 2023-2025 term.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and State Secretary of Germany’s Federal Foreign Office Andreas Michaelis in Berlin, on April 3, 2023. (Photo: VNA)

Multilateral activities

On April 4, in New York, addressing the UN Disarmament Commission (UNDC)’s annual session on the nuclear weapons and outer space, Minister Counsellor Le Thi Minh Thoa, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), has emphasised the need to support all the three pillars of the nuclear issue, namely disarmament, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, and the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. She called on countries to fully implement the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and soon sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). As a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s Board of Governors, Vietnam is actively promoting the application of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, and ensuring nuclear safety and security, Minister Counsellor Thoa said. Vietnam will co-host a workshop of the ASEAN Regional Forum on this field in Hanoi in late April, she added.

The 52nd session of the UN Security Council officially ended after more than a month of taking place (from February 27 to April 4). The UN Human Rights Council (HRC) adopted a resolution proposed and drafted by Vietnam to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA). The Resolution was adopted by consensus and co-sponsored by 98 states as of the end of April 3 afternoon (Geneva time), including 14 co-authors (Vietnam, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Fiji, India, Panama, Romania, South Africa, and Spain). It is a highlight of Vietnam in its first HRC session as an HRC member in the 2023 - 2025 tenure. At a high-level meeting opening the HRC’s 52nd regular session in Geneva on February 27, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang put forth an initiative on the commemoration of the UDHR’s 75th anniversary and the VDPA’s 30th anniversary with a resolution of the Council to reaffirm and augment efforts and actions to achieve the major and inclusive targets and values of the two declarations, as well as the international community’s common commitments on human rights for all.

On this occasion, Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai, Head of the Permanent Representative Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, World Trade Organization and other international organizations in Geneva, gave an interview, stressing that Vietnamese delegation actively contributed to the session.

In an interview granted to the Vietnamese media ahead of the Prime Minister’s arrival, Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung said Vientiane MRC Summit is a good occasion for the member countries and partners to discuss and work towards their cooperation targets in the use, development, and protection of water resources and related ones in a sustainable manner for the sake of the member countries and welfare for basin residents. Vietnam has played an active part in the Mekong River Commission (MRC) since this mechanism’s inception. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s attendance in the fourth MRC Summit in Vientiane on April 5 will continue showing the country’s respect for the Commission, Ambassador Nguyen Ba Hung said.

In an interview granted to the Vietnamese media after the MRC Summit, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s participation at the fourth Mekong River Commission (MRC) Summit in Vientiane on April 5 demonstrates Vietnam’s attention and determination to carry forward its role in responding to challenges, while strengthening solidarity with other member countries in order to manage and use the river’s water resources sustainably. The Prime Minister delivered important, profound messages at the Summit, affirming Vietnam’s strong commitment to the 1995 Mekong Agreement, and calling on countries to fully abide by the document as well as rules relating to the use of the water resources.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

On April 6, at the Ministry's regular press conference, Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang has affirmed Vietnam’s determination to fight illegal migration while responding to the report that seven of the 20 bodies found on the coast of Taiwan (China) carried Vietnamese personal papers and were victims of human trafficking. The Deputy Spokesperson also has clarified Vietnam’s viewpoint on the report that a documentary film about the search for the missing aircraft coded MH370 of Malaysia contains inaccurate content saying Vietnam did not cooperate to help with the search.

Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang at the Ministry's regular press conference on April 6, 2023. (Photo: WVR/Minh Quan)

Concerning activities in the East Sea, Deputy Spokesperson Hang affirmed Vietnam’s consistent viewpoint that activities in the East Sea must strictly comply with international law while commenting on the report that Chinese vessel Haiyang Dizhi 4 recently operated in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone.

Other activities

On April 8, in Hanoi, the Vietnam Peace and Development Foundation (VPDF) under the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations held a ceremony to celebrate its 20th anniversary (April 9, 2003-2023) and receive the first-class Labour Order. Speaking at the event, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan applauded the VPDF for its meaningful and practical contributions to people-to-people diplomacy, thereby effectively implementing the foreign policy of the Party and State in all stages of the country's development.

On April 3, within the framework of her working visit to Vietnam, Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile, former High Commissioner for Human Rights, and former Executive Director of the United Nations Women's Agency (UN Women) met and talked with female diplomats and students at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam about the role of female leaders in multilateral organizations, as well as foreign and socio-political activities.