Hanoi (VNA) – The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last weekend by the Vietnam News Agency.

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the delegation of National Assembly (NA) deputies of Can Tho city on July 13 held a meeting with local voters, including lecturers, researchers, civil servants and staff from universities, colleges and scientific institutions across the city.

This marked the third voter meeting of the city’s delegation of NA deputies following the 9th session of the 15th NA, and notably, the first thematic session focusing on science and technology. Read full story

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged localities in the Mekong Delta region to implement the two-tier local government model swiftly and effectively, ensuring seamless, professional, and synchronised operations.

The PM chaired a conference on July 13 focused on the operation of the two-tier local government model, the progress of key transport infrastructure projects, and the implementation of the Mekong Delta's sustainable one-million-hectare low-emission and high-quality rice cultivation plan. Read full story

- Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held bilateral meetings with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice-President of the European Commission and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, and UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lamy, on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 11.

Son and Rubio expressed their delight that their meeting coincides with the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic ties (July 12). They reviewed extraordinary strides made in various areas over the past three decades, especially since the upgrade of the bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023. Read full story

- Vice Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Vu Hong Thanh held talks with Vice President of the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire Woi Mela Gaston, and met with Vice President of the Senate Sarra Fadika Sako as part of his official visit to the African country July 9 to 12.

Earlier, he also held a working session with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Ivorians Abroad Kacou Houadja Léon Adom. Read full story

- Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang and her Dutch counterpart Marcel De Vink co-chaired the first deputy ministerial-level political consultation between the two countries in The Hague, the Netherlands on July 11.

Speaking at the event Deputy Minister De Vink highlighted the growing bilateral relations following the visit of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to the Netherlands in December 2022 and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s visit to Vietnam in November 2023. Read full story

- In a milestone year, 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the normalisation of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the US (July 12) and the second year since their ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2023.

From past adversaries to trusted partners, Vietnam and the US now look toward a future of shared and long-term prosperity. This journey stands as a vivid testament to the enduring strength of peace, reconciliation, strategic foresight, and relentless efforts of both sides, which are built on mutual trust, political goodwill, and the spirit of putting aside the past, overcoming differences, upholding similarities and looking towards the future. Read full story

- In September 2023, Vietnam and the US elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking a historic milestone and opening a new chapter in the bilateral relations.

In a policy address at Columbia University in September 2024, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam emphasised that the 2023 Vietnam - US Joint Statement outlined 10 pillars of comprehensive and important cooperation, including core areas such as trade, investment, inclusive economic growth driven by innovation, science - technology and digital innovation. Read full story

- Hanoi plans to establish an innovation centre following the model of a joint stock company to consolidate the capital city’s position as Vietnam’s leading innovation hub, according to a draft resolution submitted to the municipal People’s Committee this week.

The report showed that Hanoi is already home to over 70% of scientific institutions, 82% of national laboratories, and 65% of leading scientists. Read full story

- The Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiep Bac Relics and Landscape Complex has been recognised as a World Culture Heritage site.

In the afternoon of July 12 (Paris time), at the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Professor Nikolay Nenov, Chairman of the Session, officially knocked the hammer to recognise the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son - Kiep Bac Relics and Landscape Complex as a World Cultural Heritage site./. Read full story