Vietnam defines priorities for ASEAN cooperation in 2016
An inter-ministerial meeting took place in Hanoi on January 8, to review the results of Vietnam’s ASEAN cooperation in 2015 and define priorities for 2016.
ASEAN flag hoisting ceremony in Hanoi (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA)ꦦ – An inter-ministerial meeting took place in Hanoi on January 8, to review the results of Vietnam’s ASEAN cooperation in 2015 and define priorities for 2016.
At the regional level, ministries agreed to effectively implement the ASEAN Community Vision to 2025 and master plans to strengthen the pillars of politics-security, economics, and culture-society, particularly, initiatives on enhancing connectivity between member countries and narrowing development gaps.
They vowed to step up the implementation of existing commitments relating to freer trade, services and investment; as well as new commitments to market opening and economic integration. The ministers agreed on participation in ASEAN’s socio-cultural activities - that are suitable for the country’s resources like social welfare, disaster relief and climate change response, were just as necessary.
They also agreed to promote the central role of ASEAN and develop relations between ASEAN and its international partners.
At the national level, ministries pledged to boost communications on the freshly-formed ASEAN Community, and adjust laws to facilitate the implementation of regional commitments.
The year 2015 has great significance with the birth of the ASEAN Community on December 31, which was the result of cooperation efforts of ASEAN member countries over the past 48 years and marks an important milestone in the ASEAN connectivity process.
Delegates to the meeting agreed that in the past, Vietnam has fully, actively and responsibly taken part in carrying out its commitments and had contributed effectively to ASEAN and between ASEAN and its international partners.
The country has had important contributions to completing works required to establish the ASEAN Community, and made numerous initiatives to strengthen regional connectivity and narrow the development gap between member states going forward.-VNA
ASEAN has launched its Community but has already put in place the path to ensure that the momentum of the integration process continues over the next 10 years.
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.
ASEAN flag hoisting ceremony in Hanoi (Source: VNA)
