Food security high on agenda of SOM1’s second session
The First APEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM1) entered its second working day in the south central province of Khanh Hoa’s Nha Trang city on March 3 with a series of issues high on the agenda, including food security and clime change.
A delegate of the Republic of Korea speaks at the first APEC Senior Officials' Meeting on March 2 (Photo: VNA)
Khanh Hoa (VNA) – The First APEC SeniorOfficials Meeting (SOM1) entered its second working day in the south centralprovince of Khanh Hoa’s Nha Trang city on March 3 with a series of issues highon the agenda, including food security and clime change. During the course of the session, delegates from 21member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum arescheduled to discuss the implementation of the Framework for Multi-Year APECProgramme on Food Security and Climate Change, and the APEC Strategic Frameworkon Rural-Urban Development to Strengthen Food Security and Inclusive Growth. They will also discuss the role of food markets inenhancing food security in the region as well as next steps to prepare for theAPEC Post-2020 Vision. The delegates are expected to hear the Budget andManagement Committee (BMC) Chair’s report on the outcomes of its first meetingand the committee’s priorities for APEC 2017. The APEC Executive Director is scheduled to presentthe APEC Secretariat’s Strategic Plan for 2017-2019, Operational Plan for 2017and a paper on communication, while the Chair of the Policy Support Unit (PSU)Board is to update on the PSU’s work programme. Also, the delegates will discuss Australia/Canada’sproposal on project reforms. Following the session, Deputy Foreign Minister, APEC2017 SOM Chair Bui Thanh Son will chair a press conference to inform about theoutcomes of SOM1. The APEC forum includes 21 members, namely Australia,Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong (China), Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia,Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore,Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.-VNA
An APEC official said the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum should have a long-term vision and Vietnam has put forth various initiatives to help the forum keep its right track.
The first APEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM1) kicked off in Nha Trang city, south central Khanh Hoa province, on March 2, with the attendance of delegates from 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum.
Continuing its agenda, the first Asia-Pacific Economic (APEC) Senior Officials Meeting (SOM1) will hear and discuss an array of reports during the March 2 afternoon session.
Senior officials from APEC member economies have highly evaluated and reaffirmed their support for the theme and priorities proposed by the host country Vietnam for APEC Year 2017.
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.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
A delegate of the Republic of Korea speaks at the first APEC Senior Officials' Meeting on March 2 (Photo: VNA) 
