HCM City wants to step up cooperation with Belgian localities and partners: Official
King Philippe underscored the importance of reinforcing solidarity between Belgium and Vietnam, especially in today's unpredictable changes in the world situation, and stressed the need for intensified cooperation between the two nations.
Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen (R) receives King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium. (Photo: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) – Ho Chi Minh City wants and is ready to cooperate with Belgian localities and partners in key sectors, including education, healthcare, environmental protec﷽tion, and science and technology, turning these promising areas into projects to realise the friendly relations between Vietnam and Belgium, a municipal official has said.
At a meeting on April 3 with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium, who are on a state visit to Vietnam, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen praised the Belgian Chamber of Representatives for being the first foreign parliament to pass a resolution supporting victims of Agent Orange in Vietnam in October 2023, thus helping to raise international attention and support for Agent Orange victims.
The Belgian Parliament's decision is a moral act of profound significance towards the Vietnamese people, because up to now, not only the Vietnamese people but also those who used Agent Orange in Vietnam and the following generations are suffering from the effects of this toxic substance, he noted.
Nen also expressed heartfelt gratitude to Queen Mathilde, who is the Honorary President of UNICEF Belgium, for her tireless efforts in advancing healthcare, education, and support for vulnerable children in Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City. He thanked Belgium for its vital support during the city's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen (R) receives King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium. (Photo: VNA)
King Philippe underscored the importance of reinforcing solidarity between Belgium and Vietnam, especially in today's unpredictable changes in the world situation, and stressed the need for intensified cooperation between the two nations.
The King said Belgian businesses joining this visit not only want to showcase Belgium's economic potential but also explore opportunities for contributing to social fields in Vietnam, such as supporting disadvantaged children.
Belgium’s focus on social projects aims to provide meaningful, long-term benefits to local communities, further solidifying the relationship between the two nations. Additionally, Belgium is keen to boost cooperation with small and medium-sized enterprises in sectors where the country holds significant expertise.
During their stay in Ho Chi Minh City, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde will visit the War Remnants Museum and Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, and participate in several other activities./.
Belgian investors, in partnership with local stakeholders, are currently implementing three key projects in Quang Ninh, including two major industrial infrastructure developments - the Bac Tien Phong and Nam Tien Phong Industrial Parks in Quang Yen township.
The visit underscores Vietnam's steadfast foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and proactive international integration. It also reaffirms Vietnam's commitment to strengthening ties with Belgium, a key partner within the European Union.
President Cuong warmly welcomed King Philippe and a high-ranking delegation of the Kingdom of Belgium on their first state visit to Vietnam since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1973, affirming that the trip is an important historical milestone, opening up a new page for the friendly relations between the two countries.
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.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
