NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue (R) and Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Vyacheslav Victorovich Volodin (Photo: VNA)

Leaders’ activities

On October 11, on the occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of Spain (October 12), President Vo Van Thuong sent a congratulatory message to King of Spain Felipe VI, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue sent congratulatory messages to President of the Spanish Senate Pedro Rollán and President of the Spanish Congress of Deputies Francina Armengol. Also on this occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son sent a congratulatory message to Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation José Manuel Albares Bueno.

On October 11, President Vo Van Thuong sent a message of condolences to his Hungarian counterpart Katalin Novák over the passing of former President László Sólyom. The same day, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son extended his condolences to Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Péter Szijjártó.

On October 10, receiving Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko, President Vo Van Thuong highly appreciated Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko's positive contributions to the Vietnam-Japan relations in her different positions over the years. President Thuong said Japan is Vietnam's leading economic cooperation partner in such areas as official development assistance (ODA), investment, trade, labour, and tourism. He spoke highly of the two countries' growing locality-to-locality cooperation and people-to-people exchange as nearly 100 pairs of their localities established cooperative relations and the Vietnamese community in Japan reached nearly 500,000 people. The President affirmed that the two countries have many similarities and room to further develop their friendship and cooperation in all fields.

President Vo Van Thuong receives Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko in Hanoi on October 10. 2023. (Photo: VNA)

On the same day, receiving Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh spoke highly of the activities conducting in both countries to mark the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, which have helped enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples. The Prime Minister also suggested Japan consider simplifying entry procedures for Vietnamese citizens and exempting income and residence taxes for Vietnamese trainees working in Japan.

On October 10, received Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko, Head of the Party Central Committee's Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung expressed the appreciation of the Party, State and people of Vietnam for Japan's companionship and cooperation in recent times, especially in the economic development process - society, industrialization and modernization of Vietnam. They discussed directions to promote cooperation in the coming time, including relations through the party channel, contributing to taking Vietnam- Japan relations to a new stable level. https://en.baoquocte.vn/head-of-party-commission-for-external-relations-meets-japanese-foreign-minister-245661.html

On October 12, receiving Vice President and CEO of Amkor Technology Ji Rong-rip, who was on a working visit to Vietnam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sai Vietnam wishes to develop its semiconductor industry. Vietnam will step up the training of high-quality workforce in semiconductor industry, with the goal of training 50,000 workers by 2030, he said, adding that Vietnam also advocates building a national semiconductor ecosystem with the participation of various stakeholders, including the Government, businesses, support organisations, universities, research institutes, and financial institutions. The Prime Minister suggested that Amkor continues helping Vietnam develop semiconductor industry, especially in building mechanisms and policies, technology transfer, human resources training, governance capacity improvement, infrastructure and training facility building, R&D, design and testing, while also strengthening cooperation with Vietnam National Innovation Centre (NIC).

On October 16 afternoon, Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Vyacheslav Victorovich Volodin left Hanoi, concluding two-day official visit to Vietnam. On October 15, NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue hosted a welcome ceremony and held talks with the Russian State Duma Chairman and his entourage. They then co-chaired the second meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee between the two legislatures. While in Vietnam, Chairman of the Russian State Duma Volodin paid courtesy visits to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Vo Van Thuong, met with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

Party General Secretary suggests ways to foster Vietnam-Russia relations: General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong (R) and Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Vyacheslav Victorovich Volodin. (Photo: VNA)

Leaders of the two countries shared the view on the need to step up all-level delegation exchanges, boost cooperation in economy, trade, and investment, and restore and promote people-to-people exchanges after the COVID-19 pandemic. Vietnam always treasures the wholehearted support of the people of the Soviet Union in the past and now Russia for Vietnam during its past resistance war as well as the present cause of national construction and defense, the hosts said, affirming the importance Vietnam attaches to the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia. Vietnam also supports Russia in carrying forward its active role in Asia-Pacific in regional progress and issues and stands ready to work as a bridge to foster cooperation between Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Earlier on October 16, the Russian delegation paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his Mausoleum and laid a wreath at the Monument to Heroes and Martyrs on Bac Son street in Ba Dinh district of Hanoi.

Activities of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

On October 15, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar together visited Tran Quoc Pagoda, one ancient and sacred religious destination in Hanoi.

On October 16, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Indian Minister of External Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar co-chaired the 18th meeting of the Vietnam-India Joint Committee for Economic, Trade, Science and Technology Cooperation. At the meeting, the two sides comprehensively reviewed and assessed the bilateral relations since the 17th meeting in August 2020 and the implementation of the action plan on the Vietnam - India comprehensive strategic partnership for the 2021-2023 period.

They pledged to promote the development of an action programme for the 2024 – 2026 period, continue to strengthen defence and security cooperation in the spirit of the Joint Vision Statement on the Vietnam- India Defence Partnership towards 2030 as well as promote negotiations and soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding on judicial cooperation between the Ministry of Justice of Vietnam and the Ministry of Law and Justice of India.

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son and Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar in Hanoi, on October 16, 2023. (Photo: WVR/Nguyen Hong)

On October 11, receiving newly-accredited Ambassador of Kazakhstan Kanat Tumysh, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son said that the two sides coordinate to implement the outcomes and agreements reached during high-level visit to further develop bilateral cooperation in depth, substance and effectiveness.

On October 10, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko during her visit to Vietnam from October 10 - 11. The two Foreign Ministers reviewed the outstanding achievements of Vietnam - Japan relations over the past 50 years and expressed their delight at remarkable progress in all fields. They discussed directions and measures to maintain the development momentum of the bilateral relationship and elevate it to a new height in the coming time. He suggested Japan take measures to create favourable conditions for and simplify procedures in granting visas to Vietnamese citizens, including considering adding Vietnam to the list of countries eligible for e-visa, granting long-term visas (5-10 years) for Vietnamese nationals who have visited Japan multiple times without violating the law, and step by step moving toward visa exemption for Vietnamese citizens.

On October 9, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son received Ambassador of Qatar to Vietnam Khalid Ali Abdullah Abel, discussing ways to enhance the relations between the two countries.

Bilateral activities

From October 12-15, a series of activities such as musical performances, an expo, and a Vietnam-Russia business forum within the framework of "Vietnam Days in Russia" were taken place at the Hanoi-Moscow Multifunctional Complex in Moscow. The Trade Fair gathered about 50 Vietnamese firms running stalls of quality goods on demand in Russia, namely apparel, food, farm produce, beverage, mechanics products, and perfume. The event was co-organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Vietnamese Business Association in Russia, and Incentra Company

On October 12, addressing the opening ceremony, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien said the programme, which also offers business networking for more than 150 enterprises from both countries, is a practical activity to connect the two business communities and help Russian consumers access a source of affordable quality products. Russian Deputy Minister of Economic Development Vladimir Ilichev affirmed that the Russia-Vietnam partnership is an example of a trusting and sustainable relationship even in current conditions.

On October 11, speaking at the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Institute in Vietnam (KAS), Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet believed in its strength, global reputation, and diverse partner network. In the form that KAS has all over the world and right in Vietnam, KAS will continue to cooperate practically and effectively with all partners, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the next 30 years.

On the evening of October 10, Japanese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Kobayashi Maki had a meeting with reporters to inform about Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko's visit to Vietnam, focusing on Vietnam-Japan cooperation as well as Japan-ASEAN cooperation. Regarding Vietnam-Japan relations, Ms. Kobayashi said that the two countries have fully met the conditions to upgrade relations to a new level. Japan and Vietnam are cooperating extensively in many fields, from bilateral to regional and international issues. Japan is working closely with Vietnam in areas of mutual interest, to be able to support Vietnam in specific issues for peace and security in the region.

Multilateral activities

On October 13, speaking on behalf of ASEAN at the discussion session on the topic of nuclear weapons organized by the Committee on Disarmament and International Security of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, reaffirmed ASEAN's support for the international community's efforts to realize a world without nuclear weapons. The complete elimination of nuclear weapons is the only solution to ensure no use or threat of use of these weapons.

On October 13, at the headquarters of the UN Office in Geneva, Switzerland, the 54th session of the UN Security Council ended, closing 3 regular sessions and many activities of the UN Security Council in 2023, marking the active participation of the UN Security Council. Vietnam has made positive and practical contributions by chairing a number of initiatives and participating in co-sponsoring many initiatives, including a number of joint statements from ASEAN.

On October 12, in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan of Brunei Darussalam, the opening ceremony of the ASEAN Walking Space (ASEAN Walk) took place. The event was attended by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports of Brunei, former ASEAN Secretary General Lim Jock Hoi and representatives of ASEAN countries in Brunei.

On October 12, the Committee on Economic and Financial Affairs (Committee 2) of the 77th Session of the UN General Assembly discussed development coordination activities. Representative of Vietnam, Minister Counselor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen, Deputy Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the UN spoke at the meeting.

On October 10, ASEAN member countries and Timor Leste (ASEAN observer) held the 56th Anniversary of ASEAN's founding. Attending and speaking at the ceremony were President of the 78th UN General Assembly Dennis Francis, UN Deputy Secretary General in charge of policy issues Guy Ryder and many Ambassadors and Heads of Delegation of UN member countries.

On October 9-10, in Paris, France, the opening plenary session of the 217th Session of the Executive Council of UNESCO took place with the participation of 58 member countries and more than 100 observer countries. Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu attended and spoke at the opening session and had meetings and discussions with UNESCO leaders and heads of delegations from member countries.

On October 9, the Vietnamese Embassy in Belgium, the Vietnamese Delegation to the European Union (EU) coordinated with the European Business Association in Vietnam (EuroCham) to organize a seminar on promoting Vietnam-EU trade, EuroCham's role and business connection,

Citizen protection

On October 15, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a travel warning to Vietnamese citizens in Israel as the conflict situation here is intensifying. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, if not absolutely necessary, Vietnamese citizens should not go or refrain from going to Israel.

Other activities

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has just signed Decision 1176/QD-TTg dated October 12, 2023 appointing Ms. Nguyen Minh Hang, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs to hold the position. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

National External Information Service Awards affirmed its prestige and quality: Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung and Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper, Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists Association Le Quoc Minh awarded second prizes to authors and groups of authors. (Photo: Tuan Viet)

On October 12, at the 9th National External Information Service Award Ceremony, The World and Vietnam Report of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was honored to be awarded the Second Prize in the Foreign Language Printing Newspaper category with the work "Vietnam's unique appeal" by the author group: Nguyen Truong Son, Hoang Diem Hanh, Pham Thuy Hang, Tran Thu Trang and Pham Anh Tuan and Third Prize in the book category with the Special Edition "50 Years of the Paris Agreement: Valuable Lessons" by the author group: Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet, Nguyen Thi Kim Chung, Ho Thi Van, Tran Thi Quynh Huong, Tran Tuan Anh, Truong Thi Dieu Linh, Nguyen Thi Hong, Pham Thuy Hang, Tran Thi Thu Trang, Pham Thi Thuan and Pham Anh Tuan.

In addition, the World and Vietnam Report newspaper won the Consolation prize with the series of articles "10 years of comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and the United States: The spirit of peace and reconciliation "sows seeds" for "sweet fruit" (Vietnamese electronic newspaper category) and "Vietnam - Singapore: Stepping towards the future" (Video clip category).