On August 2 and 5, 1964, the Vietnam People’s Navy, in close coordination with other forces, bravely repelled powerful warships and modern aircraft of the US, establishing the proud tradition of the Navy’s “first victory in combat.” For over 60 years, the heroic spirit and invaluable lessons from this initial triumph have remained deeply significant in the national cause of building and safeguarding the Fatherland.

The lithophone is an ancient Vietnamese percussion instrument dating back thousands of years. It has been recognised by UNESCO as part of the Central Highlands gong cultural space. In Dong Nai, alongside some lithophone sets that are millennia old, many newer ones have also been crafted by artisans, and are now on display in cultural reserves and museums, offering locals and visitors a chance to observe and experience this unique heritage.

On the afternoon of August 3, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited Dien Bien province to inspect and direct efforts to overcome the aftermath of floods, flash floods, and landslides. The Prime Minister met with and offered words of encouragement to residents in severely affected areas, and praised the efforts of the police, military, and local militia in rescue operations and in helping people stabilise their lives.

The mats from Phu Tan village are durable and skillfully woven by the talented hands of artisans, preserving the unique traditional cultural beauty of the O Loan region in Dak Lak province. This traditional mat weaving craft, which has an over a century history, not only provides livelihoods but also serves as a cultural heritage, the “soul of the countryside” for the local people.

With its diverse ethnic communities and rich cultural traditions, Dong Nai province is often described as a “miniature Southeastern Vietnam.” The province is home to a wealth of indigenous knowledge embedded in local social and community life. From village organisation, customary laws, and the role of village elders to community regulations and a vast trove of beliefs, rituals, festivals, and folk arts, these elements have formed a distinctive body of intangible cultural heritage that shapes Dong Nai’s unique identity.

In Ba Lam hamlet, Cao Duong commune (Phu Tho province), gates of a mysterious ancient citadel have long been referred to by locals as the “Mac Citadel” – named after the Mac Dynasty, which officially ruled Vietnam for 65 years from 1527 to 1592. To this day, no archaeological evidence has definitively confirmed the date of its construction. Several residential structures built within the citadel’s grounds have gradually eroded the remaining traces of this historical site.

In addition to My Son Sanctuary and the Cham Museum, Da Nang is also home to millennia-old Cham towers that still stand today, such as the Khuong My tower cluster (Tam Xuan Commune), Chien Dan towers (Tay Ho Commune), and Bang An Tower (An Thang Ward). However, these architectural treasures have largely been overlooked and remain disconnected from the city’s tourism map.

The small seaside market in Phuoc Dong hamlet, O Loan commune, Dak Lak province comes alive at dawn as fishing boats return with their fresh catch. The buying and selling take place quickly, but they reflect a deep-rooted bond between the people and the sea - a simple, unforgettable scene.

Vietnam’s U23 football team defeated hosts Indonesia 1-0 in the final of the 2025 AFF U23 Championship, held at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on the evening of July 29. The only goal of the match came in the 36th minute, scored by Cong Phuong, sealing a hard-fought victory and securing Vietnam’s successful title defence. With this triumph, Vietnam became the first team in the tournament’s history to win three consecutive U23 ASEAN titles.

President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) General Assembly Tulia Ackson and IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong welcomed National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to the opening ceremony of the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva on July 29, 2025 (local time).

While modern fishing boats have become increasingly common, the handcrafted thung chai (basket boat) continues to play a vital role in the daily life of Vietnam’s coastal fishermen. In Phu My Village, Tuy Hoa Bac commune, Dak Lak province, skilled artisans use their hands and traditional techniques to turn strips of bamboo and a special waterproofing resin made from tree sap and cow dung into these iconic round boats - an enduring symbol of coastal culture and livelihood.

Since officially joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on July 28, 1995, Vietnam has swiftly integrated into the regional bloc, participating comprehensively in all areas of cooperation. Over the past 30 years, Vietnam has made significant contributions to maintaining intra-bloc solidarity, enhancing cooperation among member states and with external partners, thereby fostering ASEAN’s development and successes.

Since officially joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on July 28, 1995, Vietnam has swiftly integrated into the regional bloc, participating comprehensively in all areas of cooperation. Over the past 30 years, Vietnam has made significant contributions to maintaining intra-bloc solidarity, enhancing cooperation among member states and with external partners, thereby fostering ASEAN’s development and successes.

The War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27) is an occasion for the entire Party, people, and armed forces to express deep gratitude to heroic martyrs, war invalids, sick soldiers, and families who rendered meritorious service to the revolution. It also serves as a time to uphold the tradition of “when drinking water, remember its source,” through meaningful activities that honour and support policy beneficiary families.

Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man held a meeting with President of the Moroccan House of Councillors Mohamed Ould Errachid on the morning of July 25 (local time) in Rabat as part of his four-day official visit to Morocco.

Vietnam and Morocco established diplomatic ties on March 27, 1961. Over the past nearly 65 years, the two countries have maintained a traditional friendship, regularly exchanged high-level delegations, and expanded multifaceted cooperation. Morocco was the first North African country to sign a trade agreement with Vietnam (in 2012). Building on their strong bilateral foundation, Vietnam and Morocco are working towards the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1961–2026) through a series of practical cooperation programmes, aimed at enhancing mutual understanding, trust, and prosperity for both nations.

A high-level delegation representing the Party Central Committee, the State, the National Assembly, the Government, and the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee laid wreaths and paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum in Hanoi on the morning of July 24, marking the 78th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 1947 – July 27, 2025).

As part of his official visit to the Republic of Senegal, Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man and his spouse attended a martial arts performance by members of the Senegal Vovinam Federation in Dakar on the afternoon of July 23 (local time).

Over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations on December 29, 1969, Vietnam and Senegal have maintained a strong and friendly relationship, actively supporting each other at regional and international forums. The official visit to Senegal by National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man marks an important milestone, creating momentum to strengthen cooperation between the two legislative bodies and opening up new prospects in various fields such as trade, agriculture, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges.

On July 23, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man held talks with Senegalese National Assembly President Malick Ndiaye following an official welcome ceremony at the National Assembly headquarters in Dakar, the capital of Senegal.