Hanoi (VNA) - The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.

- Party General Secretary To Lam had a working session with the Standing Board of the Ninh Thuan provincial Party Committee on December 5.

He said Ninh Thuan needs a new, modern, and global perspective - one that resonates with the spirit of a new era, to optimise the great potential from its land and people. Read full story

- State President Luong Cuong held a working session with the Standing Board of the provincial Party Committee of Thanh Hoa on December 5 to discuss the implementation of the 13th National Party Congress’s Resolution and the resolution of the provincial Party Congress for the 2020-2025 tenure, as part of his working trip to the central province.

To realise the province's development goals and strategic vision, the President stressed the need to build a clean, strong, streamlined and effective Party organisation, administrations and political system, with a contingent of officials with integrity, competence and innovative thinking. Read full story

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on December 5 laid stress on the development of modern railway systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, saying it is a significant move to settle traffic congestion and environmental pollution while promoting economic growth in the two major cities in line with directions issued by the Politburo on railway transport and infrastructure.

The PM, who is also head of the State steering committee for national key transport projects, made the remark at a meeting with permanent cabinet members, relevant ministries and Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Read full story

- National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man received President of the International Friendship Exchange Council (FEC) of Japan Matsuzawa Ken in Tokyo on December 5 as part of his official visit to the country.

He highly valued the FEC for sending economic, education, and cultural survey delegations to Vietnam; conducting investment and trade promotion activities between the two countries; and supporting activities of the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan. Read full story

- Chairman of the Vietnamese National Assembly Tran Thanh Man received Chairman of Japan’s Tokyu Group Hirofumi Nomoto in Tokyo on December 5 morning, as part of his ongoing official visit to the East Asian nation.

Tokyu, one of Japan's oldest and largest conglomerates, operates in various sectors, including railway, transport, retail, culture, and education, with a particular focus on urban development. In Vietnam, Tokyu-Becamex Co., Ltd., established in March 2012, has been operating in real estate investment, sale, and leasing. Read full story

- The third Vietnam-India security dialogue at deputy ministerial level took place in Hanoi on December 5, co-chaired by Deputy Minister of Public Security Pham The Tung and Indian Deputy National Security Advisor Pavan Kapoor.

During the dialogue, the two sides discussed 10 carefully selected topics. They reviewed the progress of cooperation since the second dialogue, particularly in specialised fields, and shared information and analysis on emerging security challenges. Notably, the dialogue focused on the application of science and technology in ensuring national security and anti-transnational crime efforts. Read full story

- A ceremony was held in London on December 4 to celebrate the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army and the 35 years of the All-People Defence Festival.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the UK Do Minh Hung said defence cooperation has become a key pillar of the Vietnam-UK strategic partnership. He pointed out bilateral achievements in areas such as peacekeeping, military medicine, disaster relief, maritime security, and defence industry collaboration for the benefits of both nations, for regional peace and security, and the settlement of global challenges. Read full story

- The state budget revenue topped 1.8 quadrillion VND (71 billion USD) in the first 11 months of this year, equivalent to 106.3% of this year's target and up 16.1% from the same period in 2023, the Ministry of Finance reported on December 4.

Breaking down the number, revenue contributions to the central budget reached approximately 110.1% while local budget collection stood at around 102.5% of the respective targets. Read full story

- The Swiss-Vietnam Economic Forum (SVEF) held a meeting in Geneva on December 4 to review its activities in 2024 and outline a programme for 2025 to further strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two countries.

Attracting over 300 delegates from Switzerland, Vietnam, and countries in Europe and ASEAN, SVEF 2024 marked a significant milestone in the forum's journey, demonstrating its role in fostering collaboration. Read full story./.