Category: Government Policy

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed the World Health Organization (WHO) support and give priority for Vietnam to soon receive the next batches of COVID-19 vaccines as committed under the COVAX Facility during his phone talks with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on June 24.

PM Chinh affirmed that Vietnam will implement the vaccination strategy effectively and safely in a timely manner.

He also proposed the WHO to support and assist Vietnam to become one of the vaccine production centres in the Asia Pacific region, adding that with the capacity of the medical sector of Vietnam as well as potential of some Vietnamese businesses, Vietnam could produce vaccines meeting international standards. He applauded the WHO Director-General’s suggestion to send WHO experts to support Vietnam in this process.

He appreciated the cooperation and support of the WHO for the development of the medical sector of Vietnam over the past 45 years.

Vietnam supported global medical efforts and appreciated the role of the WHO and the Director-General in coordinating international cooperation in disease prevention and control, particularly in COVID-19 prevention and control and in promoting equal COVID-19 vaccine access across the globe, he said.

During the pandemic, Vietnam has strived to implement the “dual goal” of fighting against the COVID-19 while recovering socio-economic development with support and cooperation of the international community, including the WHO, and of the Vietnamese people, and has achieved initial positive results, PM Chinh said.

For his part, Tedros spoke highly of Vietnam’s success in implementing the “dual goal”, particularly the country’s active and creative measures, resolute leadership of the Government and the participation of the whole political system, contributing to Vietnam’s pandemic prevention and control efforts to make the country an effective COVID-19 prevention model in the world which was widely popularised by the WHO.

He applauded Vietnam’s assistance to international friends in the fight against COVID-19 and thanked the Vietnamese Government for its commitment to contribute 500,000 USD to the COVAX programme.

The WHO Director-General also thanked Vietnam for receiving and successfully treating a UN staff member who contracted COVID-19.

Tedros said Vietnam would be prioritised to get quick access to sources of vaccines as well as become a vaccine production centre in the region. The WHO would send experts to support Vietnam’s vaccine research and production efforts meeting international standards, he added./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Vietnamese Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Phan Van Giang delivered a speech on strategic views on regional security at the second plenary session of the 9th Moscow Conference on International Security on June 23.

The minister said Asia-Pacific has become momentum of global growth and taken the lead in economic connectivity, which is also the centre of the global strategy.

He, however, pointed to potential uncertainties in the region, including traditional and non-traditional challenges such as sovereignty and territory disputes, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, ethnic and religious conflicts, terrorism, cyber security, natural disasters, and notably COVID-19.

Vietnam appreciates Russia’s role in the region, especially in cooperation within the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM ), as well as proposals for multilateral cooperation between the country and ASEAN like the ASEAN-Russia Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting and joint naval exercise, Giang said.

He affirmed that Vietnam will maintain its defence policy of peace and self-defence, and resolutely and persistently address all disputes and conflicts, including the East Sea dispute, by peaceful measures in line with international law and regional regulations.

The country will also play a more active role in cooperation with foreign countries, including Russia, to protect a peaceful and stable environment for national development and people’s life, he continued.

Vietnam acknowledges values of peace, and will make every effort to contribute to protecting peace, for the sake of itself and other countries, the officer said.

The conference takes place virtually on June 23-24 under the chair of Russian Defence Minister General Sergey Shoygu.

With five plenary sessions, it focuses on strategic stability: transformation and prospects; the Asia-Pacific region in the context of global politics; military and military-technical cooperation in Africa and the Middle East as a major factor in strengthening regional security; military interaction as a tool for countering regional challenges and threats in Latin America and the Western Hemisphere; and European security: trends and prospects./.

There are also two thematic sessions on the role of military agencies in fighting against the new coronavirus disease COVID-19, and information security: problems and solutions./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has hailed the ongoing visit to Vietnam by Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Chung Eui-yong, saying that it contributes to strengthening Vietnam – RoK ties.

During a reception in Hanoi on June 23 for Minister Chung, Chinh congratulated the RoK Government on its achievements in the fight against COVID-19, and economic recovery while highlighting the New Southern Policy Plus of the RoK Government.

He stressed that both sides need to continue strengthening political trust to promote other cooperation fields that match their potential.

The PM suggested fulfilling the goal of lifting two-way trade to 100 billion USD in a balanced, sustainable and effective manner, with priority given to the import of Vietnamese goods of strength such as farm produce and fruits.

The Vietnamese Government encourages and creates favourable conditions for RoK firms to expand investment in Vietnam, especially in digital transformation, manufacturing and processing, renewable energy and medicine, he said.

He thanked the RoK Govenrment for continuing to provide official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam, expanding labour cooperation in the RoK, and supporting in post-war bomb and mine clearance.

The PM also thanked the Korean Government for assisting Vietnam in the fight against COVID-19, and lauded several RoK firms such as Samsung, LG and SK for donating to the Vietnam’s national COVID-19 vaccine fund.

The host said joint work to overcome the pandemic will step up people-to-people exchange, bilateral cooperation in trade and investment.

Minister Chung affirmed that the RoK Government always considers Vietnam a strategic and major partner in its New Southern Policy Plus, and stays ready to boost bilateral ties towards building a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

He proposed enhancing collaboration in investment, trade, defence industry and people-to-people exchange, and working closely together to celebrate the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties next year.

The guest also thanked the Vietnamese Government and the PM for creating favourable conditions to experts and firms of the RoK amid the pandemic.

On regional and global issues, both sides shared stance on increasing joint work at multilateral forums; protecting peace, stability, security, maritime and aviation safety and freedom; and abiding by law in the East Sea, including the 1982 United Nations Conventon on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); seriously implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and building an effective and efficient Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea in accordance with international law and the 1982 UNCLOS, thus contributing to promoting dialogues and denuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has affirmed that the development of Vietnam – Republic of Korea (RoK) ties is a common determination from the grassroots to high levels in Vietnam.

During a reception in Hanoi on June 23 for RoK Minister of Foreign Affairs Chung Eui-yong, Phuc suggested the two countries’ foreign ministries and agencies maintain all-level exchanges, uphold initiatives to overcome difficulties caused by the pandemic, and further expand and diversify the RoK’s investment in Vietnam.

The host asked for effectively tapping the potential of cooperation in investment, trade, science-technology, culture-education, and urged the RoK to offer more support to the Vietnamese community in the country, including popularising Vietnam’s culture and language teaching.

Thanking the RoK for providing valuable assistance for Vietnam in the fight against COVID-19, Phuc wished that the RoK would share its experience in vaccine production and medical resources with the country.

He expressed appreciation for the RoK’s support to Vietnam to fulfil its roles as rotating ASEAN Chair 2020 and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure, adding that the two countries need to work closely together during the time when Vietnam serves as coordinator of ASEAN – RoK relations in 2021-2024.

President Phuc voiced Vietnam and ASEAN’s stance on maintaining peace, stability, security, maritime safety and freedom, and settling disputes in the East Sea by peaceful means in line with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Minister Chung expressed his delight at visiting Vietnam on the occasion of the Asia – Europe Meeting (ASEM) High-level Policy Dialogue in commemoration of ASEM’s 25th founding anniversary in Hanoi.

Describing Vietnam as a strategic and major partner in the RoK’s New Southern Policy Plus, he said the RoK wishes to further bolster coordination with Vietnam in all areas to meet aspirations of the the two countries’ people.

On the occasion, he thanked Vietnam for creating favourable conditions for Korean experts and firms to do business in the country, and hoped that they would receive more support to effectively tap into bilateral economic and trade ties in the near future.

Speaking highly of Vietnam’s important contributions in the region and the world, especially this year when it serves as coordinator of ASEAN – RoK relations for the 2021-2024 period, he expressed his wish for closer connections with Vietnam to push forward ties between the RoK and ASEAN member states, including the Greater Mekong Sub-region.

The guest stated that the RoK Foreign Ministry is ready to work closely with Vietnam at multilateral forums and on issues of shared concern.

He also wished that Vietnam would make further contributions to promoting dialogue and cooperation on the Korean Peninsula./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has urged Vietnam and the UK to continue deepening their bilateral strategic partnership to meet the interests of the two countries and contribute to regional and world peace, stability and cooperation.

The President made the remark at a reception for First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the UK Dominic Raab in Hanoi on June 22, who is on an official visit to Vietnam and attending the high-level policy dialogue of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

He said the two sides should give priority to the effective implementation of the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) towards creating breakthroughs in trade and investment cooperation, affirming that Vietnam will create all possible conditions for UK businesses to invest in potential fields such as banking, insurance, financial services, digital services and renewable energy.

Phuc hailed the UK as a leading country in Europe and the world in researching, developing and administering COVID-19 vaccine, and asked the UK to help Vietnam access vaccine supply and production technology.

Secretary of State Raab underlined that the UK attaches importance to developing relations with Vietnam as the UK is adjusting its policy towards the Indo-Pacific region post Brexit. He informed President Phuc that he had discussed with Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son measures to implement the content of the bilateral strategic partnership, with a focus on the resumption of delegation exchange, cooperation mechanisms and orientations for coordination to optimize opportunities brought by the UKVFTA.

The official said he was impressed by Vietnam’s work in controlling COVID-19, and affirmed that the UK is ready to contribute vaccine to global efforts to control the pandemic, including providing vaccine to friendly countries and strategic partners like Vietnam.

He thanked Vietnam, with its rising role in the region, for actively backing the UK in promoting its cooperation with ASEAN and negotiating on joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The two sides agreed to work closely at important multilateral forums in 2021 such as the UN Security Council, ASEM and the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26).

President Phuc spoke highly of the UK’s role and contribution to peace, security, and maritime freedom in the region and the world.

The UK official affirmed the importance of ensuring maritime and navigation freedom, security and peace in the East Sea, and emphasized compliance to international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982)./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh has proposed the UK’s Government further facilitate Vietnam’s access to COVID-19 vaccine supplies and consider transferring its vaccine production technology to the Southeast Asian country.

At a reception in Hanoi on June 22 for Dominic Raab, British First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Minh said the UK is a leading nation in COVID-19 vaccine research and development and is one of the countries which have contributed the most to the COVAX Facility.

The Deputy PM spoke highly of the positive development of the Vietnam – UK strategic partnership in the recent past and expressed his belief that Raab’s current visit would create a new driving force for the bilateral cooperation.

Raab, who has been on an official visit to Vietnam where he also attended the Asia – Europe Meeting (ASEM) High-level Policy Dialogue, affirmed that Vietnam is an important strategic partner of the UK, particularly when the European nation has enhanced its engagement and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region in the post-Brexit period.

To step up cooperation in line with the “Joint Declaration on the Vietnam – UK Strategic Partnership: Forging Ahead for Another 10 Years”, the two sides agreed to soon resume the exchange of delegations, especially high-ranking ones, and cooperation mechanisms when the conditions allow.

Minh took this occasion to suggest the UK to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese exports to enter its market in a bid to tap opportunities brought about by the UK – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA).

He also affirmed that Vietnam is willing to create best conditions for British firms to expand their investment, particularly in potential fields such as renewable energy, digital economy, banking, insurance, financial services, and education – training.

The Deputy PM said the two nations should continue their cooperation at international forums such as the UN Security Council (UNSC) during 2020-2021, when Vietnam works as a non-permanent member of the council, and ASEM.

Minh pledged that Vietnam would work closely with the UK to ensure the success of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) hosted by the UK in November this year.

Raab thanked Vietnam for supporting the UK’s efforts to secure the ASEAN Dialogue Partner status, as well as in negotiations to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Having emphasised the importance of ensuring the freedom of navigation and overflight, security and peace in the East Sea, the two officials noted that the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is the legal framework for all activities at sea and ocean./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son chaired the high-level policy dialogue of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Hanoi on June 22. The following is the full text of the Foreign Minister’s opening remark at the event.

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

1.

It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the High-level Policy Dialogue: “ASEM at 25 – Strengthening Asia-Europe Partnership in a Transforming world”, directly from Ha Noi and virtually from across Asia and Europe.

Your participations and presence, including Ministers, representatives of government agencies, scholars, businesses, and community stakeholders from the member countries, vividly demonstrate our shared resolve to promote an Asia-Europe partnership for peace, stability and prosperity.

A special welcome to our colleagues from the Republic of Korea, Singapore and the UK – who grace this conference with your direct participations in Hanoi – a positive sign that we finally start to emerge from the pandemic 2.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Marking the anniversary of 25 years of partnership, ASEM can be proud of its remarkable achievements and progress.

Starting with the vision to build a “New comprehensive Asia-Europe Partnership for Greater Growth”, ASEM has developed into a leading inter-regional cooperation mechanism for peace, stability and prosperity. Leveraging the strengths of member countries, the Forum has grown robustly. Its membership has enlarged and areas of cooperation have expanded over the years. ASEM members have benefited from close cooperation on issues of great importance to the development of the regions, such as the transfer of knowledge and best practices, and socio–cultural and intellectual exchanges.

But as we convene here today to commemorate ASEM’s success, the world is witnessing profound transformation in all aspects as a result of scientific and technological breakthroughs, geo-economic and geo-political shifts, and the emergence of new, complex, inter-related traditional and non-traditional security challenges. Above all, the Covid-19 pandemic is causing a prolonged global health crisis, which is reshaping the way we live, work and interact with each other.

We also see numerous hurdles standing in the way of international cooperation, including protectionism, unilateralism, and behaviors that erode international laws for narrow-minded interests.

In such rapidly changing and complex world, Asia – Europe partnership and cooperation is more important than ever. It is, in fact, indispensable to the world’s stability and prosperity.

Our regions are home to the world’s biggest and most dynamic economies, accounting for 60% of the world population, 65% of the global GDP and 55% of the international trade; where many of the world’s political, scientific and technology centers cluster. Our regions for decades have been the incubator of successful cooperation ideas at regional and global levels.

Indeed, there’s ample room for ASEM partnership to expand since much of the tremendous potential for Asia – Europe cooperation remains untapped. Looking ahead, we need to make the most of Asia’s fast-growing economies and Europe’s strength as a global powerhouse of technology, science, creativity and innovations. This synergy can fuel the next phase of our joint incredible growth and development for the new era.

3.

But in the face of mounting challenges of the time, in order for ASEM to continue to succeed in the next 25 years, we need to demonstrate stronger resolve, take bolder actions, and choose an appropriate path to move forward. It is important for ASEM to prioritize areas that meet the development needs of its member countries, pay due attention to confidence-building measures, and contribute through concrete actions to the global restructuring process towards inclusive and sustainable development.

To this end, I wish to highlight three major objectives for ASEM cooperation in the coming decades:

First, ASEM needs to contribute to the maintenance of a favorable international environment of peace, stability, dialogue and trust. In this new era of development, we look forward to ASEM’s expanded efforts to increase international understanding and build trust. ASEM should also play a critical role in promoting multilateralism and the UN-centered international system, upholding international law, and addressing global challenges. Moreover, the Forum needs to assert its pioneering role in helping shape a global governance system of greater effectiveness, fairness, and more democratic.

Second, ASEM should play a leading role and make greater efforts to enhance sustainable and inclusive development. Our top priority should be to support member countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals under the 2030 Agenda, and to step up cooperation in such areas as climate change response, environmental protection, water resource management, circular economy, and high-quality human resource development.

Third, ASEM needs to lay a solid foundation for sustainable, enduring, and mutually beneficial economic ties between Asia and Europe. Enhancing Asia-Europe economic connectivity will bring benefits to all and needs to be implemented in sync across all sectors from trade, investment, finance, industries to regional connectivity and digital economy. Such endeavor has become highly relevant, particularly at a time when our economies are striving to rebound from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

4.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Viet Nam is a founding member of ASEM, and Asia-Europe cooperation continues to be a priority of Viet Nam’s foreign policy. In the years to come, Viet Nam is committed to working closer with ASEM members in fostering the dynamic and thriving Asia-Europe partnership for global peace and stability, and for the prosperity of both continents.

Our dialogue today is a chance for us to take stock of our 25-year journey together and explore the different trajectories of cooperation in the future. It is high time we subscribe to a new vision which instills ASEM with new drivers and vitality and carve out for it a befitting role in the evolving regional and global architecture.

In this regard, I suggest that our deliberations today focus on the following key issues:

First, identify the major trends and factors that impact the Asia-Europe cooperation in the next decade as well as the difficulties and challenges ahead;

Second, position Asia-Europe cooperation in the new global landscape and explore how best we can deepen our engagement and cooperation. The current pandemic and global health crisis is a case in point. We could make greater efforts to assist one another in sharing, joint development and production of vaccines against Covid-19 as some of our members have done so generously in recent time.

This should be among the items high on ASEM’s agenda. And I think all of us would appreciate such kind gestures of assistance in our individual and collective fights against Covid-19;

Last but not least, identify areas for cooperation and implementation measures so that ASEM can make the best use of its strength for our shared peace, stability, and prosperity in this transforming world. Preparedness for future health emergencies comes immediately to mind in this regard.

5.

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

With your active supports and insightful contributions, I am confident that our Dialogue will be a great success. The outcomes of our Dialogue today will provide valuable inputs to shape the vision and directions for the future of Asia-Europe cooperation at the upcoming 13th ASEM Summit.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son on June 22 chaired the ASEM High-level Policy Dialogue themed “ASEM at 25: Strengthening Asia-Europe Partnership in a Transforming World.”

The event, held in both online and in-person forms, saw the attendance of nearly 200 delegates from governmental agencies, businesses and social organisations, and scholars from 53 member countries of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), along with representatives from international organisations.

The high-level policy dialogue was initiated by Vietnam on the occasion of the 25th founding anniversary of the ASEM (1996-2021) and one of the major activities of the forum this year.

It offered an opportunity for the members to discuss development orientations and visions of the Asia-Europe partnership in the new period to effectively contribute to peace, stability, prosperity and sustainable development in the two continents and the world at large.

Its outcomes would significantly contribute to the 13th ASEM Summit scheduled to take place on November 25 and 26 in Cambodia. In his remarks, Son lauded remarkable achievements and progress of the partnership over the past 25 years, and affirmed that Asia-Europe cooperation continues to be a priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy.

The world is witnessing profound transformation in all aspects as a result of scientific and technological breakthroughs, geo-economic and geo-political shifts, the emergence of new, complex, inter-related traditional and non-traditional security challenges, and the impact of COVID-19, Son said.

The minister also pointed to numerous hurdles standing in the way of international cooperation, including protectionism, unilateralism, and behaviors that erode international law.

In such a rapidly changing and complex world, the Asia – Europe partnership and cooperation is more important than ever, he said, stressing that it is, in fact, indispensable to the world’s stability and prosperity.

It is high time for ASEM to devise a new vision to create new drivers and vitality, and carve out for it a befitting role in the evolving regional and global architecture, the minister said.

He called on the member countries to demonstrate stronger resolve, take bolder actions, and choose an appropriate path to move forward so that ASEM would reap more successes.

It is important for ASEM to prioritise areas that meet the development needs of its member countries, pay due attention to confidence-building measures, and contribute through concrete actions to the global restructuring process towards inclusive and sustainable development, Son suggested.

To this end, he proposed three major objectives for ASEM cooperation in the coming decades, comprising maintaining a favorable international environment of peace, stability, dialogue and trust; playing a leading role and making greater efforts to enhance sustainable and inclusive development; and laying a solid foundation for sustainable, enduring, and mutually beneficial economic ties between Asia and Europe. With the aim of contributing to building a new vision for the Asia-Europe partnership, the dialogue focused on major changes in the world and the two continents, new factors and trends that impact the cooperation in the coming decades, the role of Asia-Europe cooperation in addressing global challenges, consolidating multilateral cooperation and spurring sustainable and inclusive growth, and Asia-Europe cooperation vision in the next periods.

The delegates shared the view on the significance of the partnership, especially in a rapidly changing and complex world, and committed to promoting the close coordination between the member countries.

Appreciating Vietnam’s initiative, they said the dialogue has importantly contributed to maintaining cooperation pace, given ASEM’s activities disrupted by the pandemic.

They said ASEM needs to have a new cooperation vision to better contribute to peace, security, stability and sustainable development in the two continents and the world, while meeting development requirements in the member countries.

They suggested innovation in cooperative activities to bring pragtical benefits to people.

The dialogue has affirmed Vietnam’s role and contributions to ASEM, as well as joint efforts made by the country and other member nations in building the Asia-Europe partnership./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency