Vietnam, Belgium strengthen cooperation over war consequence settlement
Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien hosted a reception in Hanoi on May 20 for André Flahaut, visiting member of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives and Minister of State.
Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien receives André Flahaut, visiting member of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives and Minister of State in Hanoi on May 20. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien hosted a reception in Hanoi on May 20 for André Flahaut, visiting member of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives and Minister of State.
Chien hailed the Belgian Chamber of Representatives as the first legislature in the world to pass a resolution in support of Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims in Vietnam in October 2023, helping draw attention and support from the international community to the effort.
He highlighted outcomes of cooperation between Vietnam and Belgium in dioxin remediation in the Southeast Asian nation, notably the application of Belgium’ technology in this field at Bien Hoa airport, and the delivery of wheelchairs to Vietnamese AO/dioxin victims.
Progress has been made in the bilateral defence ties, he said, elaborating that the two sides signed a framework agreement on collaboration in this sphere, exchanged many delegations, especially those at the high level, and cooperated in personnel training and military medicine.
The Deputy Minister expressed his hope for further collaboration in delegation exchange, training, peace-keeping, military medicine, and the settlement of war consequences.
♓ For his part, Flahaut said the two countries boast potential to enhance cooperation across realms, noting his hope that cooperation with defence will grow further in the time ahead, contributing to boosting the Vietnam-Belgium relationship./.
Belgium will soon have projects to support Vietnam in Agent Orange/Dioxin contamination clean-up, President of the Belgian Senate Stephanie D'Hose said when receiving Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son in Brussel, adding that Belgium will back the European Parliament (EP) on passing a resolution and taking actions to support Vietnam in this regard.
The Chemical Command under the Ministry of Defence on October 24 announced the completion of dioxin cleanup at A So airport in A Luoi district, the central province of Thua Thien – Hue.
Chris Geyskens, a Belgian woman, has worked dedicatedly over the past decade in a bid to improve living conditions of Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims in Hoi An city in the central province of Quang Nam.
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.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
