Hanoi, June 4 (VNA) - The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last night by the Vietnam News Agency.

- President To Lam visited and inspected combat readiness at the Air Defence - Air Force (ADAF) High Command in Hanoi on June 3, affirming that the Party, State and people always pay special attention to building a robust and comprehensive Vietnam People's Army (VPA) and the ADAF in particular.

In his address, President Lam hailed the ADAF for affirming its pivotal role in the VPA, upholding its glorious tradition and embodying the spirit of "Uncle Ho's soldiers" with the motto "Dare to fight, determined to fight, and determined to win”. Read full story

- National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man has extended his congratulations to Francis Escudero on his election as President of the Philippine Senate.

In his letter, Chairman Man expressed his pleasure at the robust development of the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and the Philippines since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties, particularly after their relationship was elevated to a strategic partnership in 2015. Read full story

- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese (SCOV) held a press conference in Hanoi on June 3 to announce the results of the 20-year implementation of the Politburo’s Resolution 36-NQ/TW on OV affairs.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and SCOV Chairwoman Le Thi Thu Hang said Resolution 36 has raised public awareness of OV affairs as well as sense of reponsibility in implementing tasks relevant to OV affairs. It has garnered widespread support and active participation from OVs. Read full story

- Vietnam always gives the top priority to maintaining, consolidating and fostering its great friendship, special solidary and comprehensive cooperation with Laos, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told visiting President of the Lao State Inspection Authority Khamphan Phommathat at their meeting in Hanoi on June 3 afternoon.

"Vietnam stands ready to work with and assist Laos in building an independent and self-reliant economy," the Government leader added. Read full story

- Enjoy Danang, an annual signature event of the central coastal city of Da Nang, is set to last from July 17 to 21, featuring 14 cultural, sport and tourism activities.

According to a press conference held in the city on June 3, its highlights will cover a grand music fest marking its opening on July 17, an artistic kite show from July 17 to 19, and a performance of 15 sailboats along the Han River on July 20. Read full story

- The capital city of Hanoi experienced a robust economic upswing in January-May, with positive growth across trade, services and tourism sectors.

Its total retail sales of goods and consumer services reached an impressive 336.5 trillion VND (14 billion USD), representing a 10% increase compared to the same period last year, said Director of the municipal Statistics Office Dau Ngoc Hung. Read full story

- Prof. Wilhelm Bender, member of the Vietnamese-German University (VGU) Council and Chairman of the VGU’s Association of Friends and Sponsors, has been awarded the Order of Merit by Minister-President of the State of Hessen of Germany Boris Rhein for his significant contributions to society.

The ceremony, held recently in Frankfurt city, recognised Prof. Bender's longstanding commitment to fostering collaboration between Hessen and Vietnam, particularly through his contributions to the VGU. Read full story

- The Republic of Korea (RoK) supports Vietnam's efforts in fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, as recommended by the European Commission (EC), said Korean Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Kang Do-hyung.

During a recent interview granted to Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Seoul, Kang described Vietnam as a major seafood trading partner. In 2023, Vietnam was the third largest seafood exporter to the RoK with a value of roughly 800 million USD, primarily consisting of shrimp, shrimp meat, and octopus. He added that Vietnam is also the fifth largest source of seafood imports from the RoK, valued at some 240 million USD in 2023. Read full story

- The Vietnamese squad secured five gold, three silver, and one bronze medals at the 13th ASEAN School Games (ASG) held in the central city of Da Nang on June 3.

Following the first gold by Hoang Thi Ngoc Anh in the women’s 3,000m run in the morning, the remaining four were obtained in the afternoon. Le Thi Tuyet Mai captured one in the women’s 400m hurdles with a time of 1 minute 1.87 seconds, while Duong Thi Thao claimed another with a jump of 1.74 metres in the high jump event./. Read full story