Vietnam, Brunei agree to push comprehensive partnership
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh received Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof in Nha Trang city, Khanh Hoa province, on January 17 on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ retreat.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) meets with Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof in Nha Trang city on January 17 (Photo: VNA)
Khanh Hoa (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister andForeign Minister Pham Binh Minh received Second Minister of Foreign Affairs ofBrunei Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof in Nha Trang city, Khanh Hoa province, onJanuary 17 on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ retreat.
The two expressed their delight at the new development inthe relations between the two countries, especially since the establishment oftheir comprehensive partnership in 2019.
Minh proposed that the two sides continue to closelycoordinate in implementing the outcome of the visit by the Brunei Sultan,towards bringing bilateral trade revenue to 500 million USD in 2025.
The Brunei minister congratulated Vietnam on its recentdevelopment and integration achievements, expressed his belief and pledged tosupport Vietnam to successfully shoulder the roles of the ASEAN Chair 2020 anda non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in the 2020-2021term.
The two agreed that Vietnam and Brunei should continuetaking measures so as to accelerate their comprehensive partnership, increasethe exchange of experiences, and coordinate the stances of the ASEAN 2020 Chairand the ASEAN 2021 Chair on international and regional issues, including theconsolidation of the central role of ASEAN in the region, the response totraditional and non-traditional security challenges, the maintenance of peace,stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and aviation, respect to thelaw in the East Sea, the acceleration of the negotiations for an effective andpractical Code of Conduct of the Parties in the East Sea (COC) in line withinternational law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)1982./.
Vietnam, as ASEAN Chair 2020, presented 14 initiatives, priorities and cooperation plans at the first meeting of the ASEAN Senior Economic Officials for the 51st ASEAN Economic Minister’ Meeting (SEOM 1/51), which took place in Hanoi from January 12-14.
The Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM) and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) held a roundtable discussion with press agencies on January 15 to share updated information about ASEAN and Vietnam’s 2020 ASEAN Chairmanship.
As the ASEAN 2020 Chair, Vietnam will present its ideas and initiatives in the ASEAN Year 2020 at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat (AMM Retreat) that is taking place in the central province of Khanh Hoa on January 16-17.
Senior officials of ASEAN countries met in the first ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) of 2020 in Nha Trang city of the south central province of Khanh Hoa on January 16.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on January 17 presided over a retreat of the foreign ministers of the ASEAN countries (AMM Retreat), with the participation of the foreign ministers of other ASEAN members and the bloc’s Secretary General Lim Jock Hoi.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) meets with Second Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof in Nha Trang city on January 17 (Photo: VNA) 
