European parliamentarians step up ties with Vietnam
A line-up of activities will be held by the friendship group of parliamentarians who love Vietnam in the European Parliament (EP) in 2016 to enhance cooperation with Vietnam.
Ambassador Vuong Thua Phong (L) and the group's President Jan Zahradil at the meeting (Photo: VNA)
Brussels (VNA) – A line-up 🌌of activities will be held by the friendship group of parliamentarians 🥂who love Vietnam in the European Parliament (EP) in 2016 to enhance cooperation with Vietnam.
The group’s President Jan Zahradil, who is Vice-Chair of the EP’s International Trade Committee, made the statement during a meeting with Ambassador Vuong Thua Phong, Head of the Vietnam Delegation to the EU, on February 23 at the Vietnamese Embassy in Brussels.
Jan Zahradil said that the activities include a conference in March discussing impacts and opportunities that the EU-Vietnam FTA (EVFTA) created for both sides and a talk on the harmful effects of Agent Orange/dioxin on Vietnamese people held in May. A Vietnamese fashion show and film screening are scheduled for July and September to popularise Vietnamese culture, he added.
He underscored that the group will pay a visit to Vietnam at the end of the year to learn more about socio-economic development in the country.
Ambassador Vuong Thua Phong thanked the group for supporting Vietnam in external relations while highlighting significant events between Vietnam and the EU in the past year, such as the establishment of the friendship group of parliamentarians, the conclusion of EVFTA negotiations and the EP’s ratification of the Vietnam-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.
He expressed his hope that the group’s parliamentarians will continue their support for Vietnam and enhance relations with the country.
The friendship group of parliamentarians who love Vietnam in the EP was set up in November 2015 on the occasion of 25th celebration of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the EU. The group comprises 32 members from various parties.-VNA
A friendship group of parliamentarians in love with Vietnam in the European Parliament (EP) with 32 members from various parties made debut in Brussels, Belgium, on November 11.
The Euro Presse Image (EPi) on November 27 ran a story saying the European Union (EU) and Vietnam are moving towards a free trade agreement after more than two years of negotiations.
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung held talks with President of the European Commission (EC) Jean-Claude Juncker on December 2 in the framework of his working visit to Belgium and the European Union.
The European Parliament (EP) adopted an official resolution ratifying the Vietnam – EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), at a plenary session in Strasbourg city, France, on December 17.
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.
Ha expressed his hope that cooperation in science and technology, agriculture, and natural resources would emerge as new focal points and engines of growth in Vietnam–China relations.
Giang said he believes that building on the solid foundation nurtured over the past half-century and the strong determination of both nations, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to grow in a more robust, comprehensive, and extensive manner, thus bringing more practical benefits to the two nations' people.
Highlighting the transformative potential of the draft law in revitalising Vietnam’s railway industry, Hoang Van Cuong, a deputy of Hanoi, expressed his support for Article 39, which empowers the Prime Minister to issue a list of railway-related goods and services to be assigned or ordered from domestic enterprises for production.
According to the Ministry of Public Security, Hoan, formerly Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, is under investigation for allegedly taking bribes in connection with a case involving the Hoang Long Construction and Manpower Supply JSC and related units.
Chairing a national conference on the organisation of the examination on June 18, the PM highlighted the historical significance of the examination, as the restructuring of provincial-level administrative units is underway and the two-tier local administration model is set to officially begin operations on July 1.
Right on the same day, the ministry issued its highest-level travel warning, urging Vietnamese citizens not to travel to Israel or Iran, and advised those already in these countries to swiftly consider evacuation or relocation plans.
From the struggles against colonialists and imperialists to the period of Doi moi (renewal) and international integration, the Vietnamese revolutionary press has always played a pioneering role on the ideological and cultural front, he said.
The Party leader's working session with the standing boards of the Party Committees of HCM City, Ba Ria – Vung Tau and Binh Duong, the VNA General Director's remarks on the occasion of the 19th OANA General Assembly, the launch of new NIC - Google initiatives aimed at bolstering AI entrepreneurship and digital literacy in Vietnam are among news highlights June 18.
Vietnam and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism as it remains a threat to peace, security, and stability across their respective nations, the broader region, and the international community.
The Vietnamese representative also emphasised the shared responsibility of relevant parties to build trust, enhance cooperation, and jointly manage the risks of conflict, thus safeguarding long-term peace and stability in the East Sea.
The National Assembly on June 18 passed the law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Product and Goods Quality, with 408 out of 420 participating deputies voting in favour, accounting for 85.36% of the total.
The Party leader asked the new HCM City to embrace a multi-centre and integrated urban ecosystem where each development pole functions as a link complementary to and intelligently connected with each other in a harmonious whole.
The resolutions issued by the PM as well as ministries and ministry-level agencies reassign responsibility for 346 administrative procedures - 18 from district to provincial levels, 278 to commune level, and 50 eliminated.
Legislators are due to pass several amended laws, including the Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy, and the Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Product and Goods Quality.
Vietnamese localities' readiness to implement the two-tier local administration model, the evacuation of 18 Vietnamese citizens from Iran, Petrovietnam's 11th ranking in the 2025 Fortune Southeast Asia 500 are among news highlights on June 17 evening.
Ambassador Vuong Thua Phong (L) and the group's President Jan Zahradil at the meeting (Photo: VNA)
