Hanoi (VNA) - The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.

🐽 - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on December 26 urged the 80th national public security conference to outline major strategies, solutions, and policies to ensure security and order, while building a regular, elite, and modern force.

Addressing the conference in Hanoi, the Government leader commended contributions, sacrifices, and dedication of officers and soldiers, highlighting their readiness to take on any mission, anywhere, and under any circumstances. Read full story

ꦗ - State President Luong Cuong attended a national political-military conference in Hanoi on December 26, during which he underlined the need for the entire army to continue sticking to the all-people defence and people’s war strategy to protect the Fatherland in the new context, following the principle that the people are the root.

Praising the military’s achievements in 2024, especially in ensuring national security, promoting political stability, and fostering international defence cooperation, the State leader said that the army has demonstrated its key role in building the all-people defence and people-based defence posture in association with the people-based security posture. It has also shown strong performance in Party building and defence diplomacy, he said. Read full story

- Deputy Minister of National Defence Hoang Xuan Chien and his Russian counterpart Alexander Fomin co-chaired the 7th Vietnam - Russia Defence Strategy Dialogue held on December 26 in Hanoi.

During the dialogue, Chien affirmed the crucial role of defence cooperation in the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia. Read full story

- The Fifth Committee of the 79th United Nations General Assembly adopted by consensus a draft Resolution on managing the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund (UNJSPF) after nearly three months of negotiations chaired and coordinated by Vietnam, at its plenary session on December 24 in New York.

The Resolution acknowledges positive results in the operation of the fund over the past year. The fund has a total value of nearly 100 billion USD with 150,000 beneficiaries. Read full story

- A Vietnam-Cambodia trade and investment forum took place in Phnom Penh on December 25, aiming to strengthen cross-border e-commerce and digital economy cooperation between the two countries' businesses.

The event, jointly held by the Vietnamese Trade Office in Cambodia, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Vietnam-Cambodia Business Association (VCBA), drew more than 140 delegates who are business leaders, experts, and policymakers from both Vietnam and Cambodia. Read full story

- The Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Ministry of Finance have adjusted down the retail sale prices of petrol products from 3pm on December 26.

Accordingly, the ceiling price of E5RON92 bio-fuel is reduced by 427 VND to 19,817 VND (0.78 USD) per litre, while that of RON95-III is reduced 457 VND to 20,547 VND per litre. Read full story

- Helping victims of Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin to have sustainable livelihood and integrate into the community is among key tasks of the Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA) in 2025.

At a conference held on December 26 in Hanoi, the association said that it has chosen the theme of “Livelihood and Integration” for next year. Read full story

- The southern industrial hub of Binh Duong needs some 70,000 and 80,000 workers, primarily in manufacturing, accounting, maintenance, and machinery operation, heard a conference held in the locality on December 25.

The labour demand in Binh Duong is anticipated to rise sharply after the Lunar New Year and last through the second quarter of 2025. Read full story

- Carbon is an intangible commodity, but it is a product with significant value and potential for investment and business opportunities. However, it also presents many challenges for Vietnamese businesses that are not yet fully prepared, said experts at a seminar in Hanoi on December 25.

It is critical to improve the awareness of enterprises about the carbon market, together with the provision of supports to encourage their market participation, they noted. Read full story

- Severe cold weather is expected to hit the northern region starting December 26 night, with temperatures in some areas expected to drop below 10 degrees Celsius.

The lowest temperatures in Hanoi during the cold spell are expected to range between 12 degrees and 15 degrees Celsius./. Read full story