U.S. President Barack Obama (2nd R) and CPV General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in Washington July 7, 2015. (Source: Reuters)
Hanoi (VNA) –🦩 President Barack Obama is considering whether to lift the three-decade-old US arms embargo on Vietnam, Reuters reported, citing US officials on May 9.
The debate within the US administration is coming to a head amid preparations for Obama's trip to Vietnam in the second half of May to bolster ties between Washington and Hanoi, the news agency said, adding that the full removal of the embargo would sweep away one of the last major vestiges of the Vietnam War era and advance the normalisation of relations begun 21 years ago.
In recent years, bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and the US has seen unceasing development.
Bilateral trade has rocketed by 90 times over two decades, from 500 million USD in 1994 to 45 billion USD in 2015. The figure is expected to increase after the member countries of the Trans-Pacific Partnership finished ratifying the deal, which also involves Vietnam and the US.
The two sides have also made strides in security – defence cooperation with the signing of the Joint Vision Statement in 2015 and the implementation of the 2011 Memorandum of Understanding in maritime security, search and rescue, disaster response and peace-keeping.-VNA
The relations between Vietnam and the US in the last year saw a positive development, creating an impetus for the two sides to make their comprehensive partnership deeper in 2015 and following years, said Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh.
Minister of Public Security Tran Dai Quang held bilateral talks with senior US officials in Washington D.C. on March 17 as part of his ongoing working visit to enhance the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and the US.
President Truong Tan Sang has told US Secretary of State John Kerry that Vietnam highly values its ties with the US and considers the country a top partner.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
U.S. President Barack Obama (2nd R) and CPV General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in Washington July 7, 2015. (Source: Reuters)
