Defence Minister, Gen. Ngo Xuan Lich (R) and ASEAN Secretary General Lim Jock Hoi at the meeting in Hanoi on August 26 (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – 💝Defence Minister, Gen. NgoXuan Lich hosted a reception in Hanoi on August 26 for visiting ASEAN SecretaryGeneral Lim Jock Hoi.&nbﷺsp;
Lich hailed the visit which comes at a time whenVietnam is actively preparing to assume the role of the ASEAN Chair, as well asfor ASEAN conferences and activities next year. He said the National Committee on ASEAN 2020 andthe Defence Ministry have embarked on preparations for ASEAN defence and militaryconferences in 2020 since 2018. According to him, the Vietnamese side hopes toreceive further support from the ASEAN Secretariat, especially in buildingagenda, initiative consultation, and professional training for secretaries ofmeetings, during and after the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMMPlus meetings to be hosted by Vietnam next year. The ASEAN chief, for his part, affirmed that in hisposition, he will actively help Vietnam with relevant issues next year when thecountry assumes the role of ASEAN Chair, contributing to building a strongASEAN Community and enhancing substantial cooperation in diverse areas, for the sake of peace and security in the region and theworld.-VNA
The ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) convened its 2019 conference in Bangkok, Thailand from August 22 – 24 with the aim of developing smart cities and setting standards for building smart urban areas in Southeast Asia.
The ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) actively supports the regional grouping’s efforts in realizing and associating the ASEAN Vision 2025 with the UN Agenda 2030 on sustainable development, as well as ASEAN’s initiatives in strengthening regional connectivity, especially in environmental protection, climate change response and reduction of plastic waste and ocean debris.
Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Lim Jock Hoi lauded efforts by the Vietnamese Government and businesses in developing cooperation between the ASEAN member countries, while addressing a seminar in Hanoi on August 26.
Stronger efforts and determination are required to achieve and surpass the set targets, especially in the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated houses nationwide, the acceleration of public investment disbursement, and the implementation of nationally important transport projects, PM Pham Minh Chinh noted.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
Defence Minister, Gen. Ngo Xuan Lich (R) and ASEAN Secretary General Lim Jock Hoi at the meeting in Hanoi on August 26 (Photo: VNA) 
