HCM City, Association of Francophone Universities boost cooperation
Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Phan Van Mai has vowed to do his best to promote cooperation between local universities and the Association of Francophone Universities (AUF).
Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Phan Van Mai (R) and AUF President Prof. Slim Khalbous. (Photo: VNA)
HCM City(VNA)💧 – Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Phan Van Mai hasvowed to do his best to promote cooperation between local universities and the Association of Francophone Universities(AUF).
At a reception for AUFPresident Prof. Slim Khalbous onMarch 8, Mai expressed his pride that HCM City’s universities have contribute to the common development of the Francophone community and AUF inparticular. He said HCM City is the second biggest hub of universities in Vietnam, just behind Hanoi. They have connected closely with the local authorities so that it is easy for them to join AUF’sprogrammes. The official agreed with the idea of building a career orientation and human resourcetraining centre for the city, and establishing a joint task force with AUF’s expertsto set goals of building a smart city, thus making significant contributions tothe city’s development. Khalbous, for hispart, hoped that more local universities will become AUF’s members. He wishedto hold more cooperation activities with the city this year on the occasion ofthe 30th founding anniversary of the AUF office inVietnam. He said AUF currently has three Francophone employment support centres inVietnam, including those in Hanoi, HCM City and Da Nang. They are among the nine centres established in seven countries in Asia-Pacific, with the aim ofproviding career guidance for high school students to choose appropriateuniversity majors and helping Vietnamese university students easily integrateinto the job market. Foundedin 1962, AUF brings together Francophone higher education and researchassociations with headquarters in Montreal, Canada. It is now the world’s largestassociation of universities and research institutes with 1,007 members from 119countries./.
There is great potential for Vietnam to increase digital cooperation and investment in the Francophone space, said Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang, Permanent Representative of the President to the Permanent Council of the Francophonie (CPF) and International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).
The Francophone Community should continue with reforms and set long-term goals to carry forward its role, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan said while addressing the 18th Francophonie Summit in Djerba, Tunisia, on November 19 afternoon (local time).
Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan had meetings with leaders of countries and international organisations within the framework of the 18th Francophonie Summit in Djerba, Tunisia, on November 19 – 20 to promote bilateral and multilateral relations with partners.
The attendance of Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan at the 18th Francophonie Summit in Djerba, Tunisia, demonstrates the role and position of Vietnam – a key Francophone country in Asia-Pacific - as a responsible and active member of the Francophone community.
Stronger efforts and determination are required to achieve and surpass the set targets, especially in the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated houses nationwide, the acceleration of public investment disbursement, and the implementation of nationally important transport projects, PM Pham Minh Chinh noted.
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.
Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Phan Van Mai (R) and AUF President Prof. Slim Khalbous. (Photo: VNA) 
