Foreign Minister to face scrutiny on citizen protection work
As the National Assembly Standing Committee continues its 31st sitting in Hanoi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son is set to face questions regarding legal violations committed by both Vietnamese citizens abroad and foreign nationals in Vietnam on March 18.
Hanoi (VNA) – As the National AssemblyStanding Committee continues its 31st sitting in Hanoi﷽, Minister of Foreign AffairsBui Thanh Son is set to face questions regarding legal violations committed byboth Vietnamese citizens abroad and foreign 🎉nationals in Vietnam on March 18.
Minister Son presented a report outlining his ministry’s response to theseissues, emphasising that basedon information from relevant authorities, the ministry has acted swiftly tofacilitate consular visits and contacts initiated by foreign countries. This ensures that foreign embassies and consulates caneffectively carry out their duties in protecting their citizens in Vietnam. Last year, the ministry reported 285 cases involving foreigners, withcharges primarily including trafficking ofdrugs, fraudulent appropriation of property, deliberate injury, and murder. Notably, 70 foreign nationals were given prison terms in Vietnam, while 108 others completed their sentences. It also facilitated 414 consular visits and contacts and grantedconsent for an additional 337 such interactions. The report further detailed administrative violations committedby foreigners from Da Nang to Ca Mau. These violations totaled 304, withillegal entry being the most prevalent offence (113 cases). There were 92 casesof foreigners overstaying their temporary residence permits, 60 of onlinefraud not yet reaching the level for criminal prosecution, 16 of illegaldrug use, 13 of theft, and five of robbery. Since the beginning of this year, the ministry has reported 37new cases involving foreign nationals undergoing prosecution, detention ortrial. Furthermore, 20 foreign nationals commenced prison sentences in Vietnam,while 13 others completed their terms. The ministry's efforts in facilitatingconsular visits and contacts continue this year, with 65 arrangements made andconsent granted for 77 more cases./.
As soon as receiving information that three out of 14 migrants found inside a refrigerated shipping container at Rosslare port of Ireland on January 8 are believed to be Vietnamese, the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK and the Honorary Consul Office of Vietnam in Dublin, Ireland contacted Irish authorities to inquire into the case.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Egypt and Djibouti is taking citizen protection measures for Vietnamese sailors working on the Barbados-flagged True Confidence cargo ship which was struck by a Houthi ballistic missile off the coast of Yemen on March 6.
The protection of Vietnamese citizens and legal entities abroad has been carried out effectively and obtained many important results, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.
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.
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.
At the meeting (Photo: VNA) 
