Foreign Ministry: Press freedom ranking for Vietnam untrustworthy, unpersuasive
Foreign Ministry deputy spokesman Ngo Toan Thang on April 23 said that the 2019 World Press Freedom Index from Reporters Without Borders (RSF) that ranks Vietnam in 176th place out of the 180 countries is untrustworthy and unpersuasive.
Hanoi (VNA)☂ - Foreign Ministry deputy spokesman Ngo Toan Thang on April 23 said that the 2019 World Press Freedom Index from Reporters Without Borders(RSF) that ranks Vietnam in 176th place out of the 180 countries isuntrustworthy and unpersuasive.
During the ministry’s regular press conference in Hanoi,Thang said it is not the first time the RSF has published reports based onuntruthful, groundless, and ill-intentioned information. The rankings are based on its own criteria without understanding the circumstancesand conditions in each country, he stressed. In Vietnam, the right to free speech and a free press are stipulated inthe 2013 Constitution and relevant laws. The Vietnamese media plays animportant role in protecting the interests of the society and freedom of the people,contributing to the State’s policy and law enforcement, the official added. The media has helped uncover and fight corruption and questionable behaviour,promptly covered pressing issues around the country, and most notably ensuredcorrect information regarding COVID-19 reaches the public. The public is able to access media channels to exercise their rights andexpress their opinions regarding the State’s legal policies, he said. Over recent years, press and information freedom in Vietnam has beenclearly reflected via the strong development of the media in various forms. Thecountry is now home to nearly 1,000 print and electronic newspapers, over 90radio stations, about 200 TV stations, and press associations. These alsoactively use modern technology to provide full and timely news to the public. Vietnamese reporters and journalists have also been given support to coverevery aspect of life in the country. They are also protected by law and work inline with the law, making responsible contributions to the common interests ofthe country and society, Thang said./.
The 2016 Press Law is not written for journalists only, Ho Quang Loi, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists’ Association, speaks to the media on the occasion of Vietnam Journalist’s Day.
Minister of Information and Communications Truong Minh Tuan emphasised the importance of the mainstream media in orienting the currents of right information on social networks during a Q&A session at the 14th National Assembly’s ongoing fourth session on November 17.
The website freedomhouse.org recently posted the Freedom in the World 2018 report, which maintained biased views and misleading assessments, despite many countries’ opposition.
Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung on November 8 answered National Assembly deputies’ questions regarding different issues, including the management of the press and information on the internet.
Vietnam is deeply concerned about the escalating and complex conflict in the Middle East, which poses a serious threat to the lives and safety of civilians, as well as to regional and global peace and stability.
The Vietnamese Embassy advises the Vietnamese community living, studying, and working in Israel to strictly comply with directions from the Home Front Command and local authorities.
Lawmakers are set to vote on revisions and amendments to a broad spectrum of legal frameworks and impactful resolutions during the final week of the 15th NA's 9th session.
The State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs (SCOVA) has served as a bridge connecting and uniting the community with the homeland, becoming a trusted source of support for Vietnamese expats in times of hardship.
The programme to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses has achieved notable results, with nearly 263,000 housing units addressed to date, including 225,000 houses inaugurated and 38,000 under construction. Thirty-eight provinces and cities across the nation have already fulfilled their targets.
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.
Foreign Ministry deputy spokesman Ngo Toan Thang (Photo: Foreign Ministry) 
