Sympathies to Thailand on flood-triggered property losses
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on August 2 offered sympathies to his Thai counterpart Prayuth Chan-o-cha on heavy property losses caused by storm Sonca-inflicted floods in northeastern provinces of Thailand.
Floodwater following heavy rains caused by storm Sonca inundates an area in Thailand (Photo: Phuket News)
Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc onAugust 2 offered sympathies to his Thai counterpart Prayuth Chan-o-cha on heavyproperty losses caused by storm Sonca-inflicted floods in northeasternprovinces of Thailand.
The same day, Deputy Prime Minister and ForeignMinister Pham Binh Minh also sent a message of sympathies to Thai ForeignMinister Don Pramudwinai.
Many areas in the northeast of Thailand weresubmerged under water after storm Sonca, especially in Sakon Nakhon provincewhere a number of schools, hospitals and airport shut down for days.
In Nakhon Ratchasima province, at least 229villages in five districts were flooded, seriously affecting more than 5,000haof land and tens of thousands of people. More than 6,000 families in Phetchabunprovince were also affected by floodwater.-VNA
National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has announced the cancellation of 11 flights that connect Phu Bai Airport in central Thua Thien-Hue province with Hanoi and HCM City due to typhoon Sonca.
Tropical storm Sonca, the fourth to strike the East Sea and third to hit Vietnam this year, has led to floods and extensive damage to agriculture, infrastructure and houses in central region.
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.
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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.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
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General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
Floodwater following heavy rains caused by storm Sonca inundates an area in Thailand (Photo: Phuket News) 
