Vietnamese, Indian PMs discuss COVID-19 fight in phone talks
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc held a phone discussion with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on April 13 regarding the two countries' joint efforts in the fight against COVID-19 and the strengthening of the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) and Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in a meeting on November 4, 2019 (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc held a phone discussion with his Indiancounterpart Narendra Modi on April 13 regarding the two countries' joint efforts in the fightagainst COVID-19 and the strengthening of the bilateral comprehensive strategicpartnership.
PM Phuc sharedVietnam’s experience in coping with the pandemic and its initial positive results. He emphasised the drastic actions undertaken by the Government to performthe “twin tasks” of combating the epidemic and socio-economic development to ensuresocial welfare, which have been welcomed by the public.
He lauded theIndian PM and government for adopting timely measures to fight COVID-19, includingallocating 22 billion USD in the PM’s welfare package for the poor.
Vietnam is readyto help and cooperate with India to the best of its ability, PM Phuc said. He alsosuggested the Indian Government and agencies create favourable conditions for Vietnamesecitizens in the country.
PM Modi, for his part, touched on the measures taken by the Indian Government.
The two PMs highlightedthe importance of working closely together to share information and experience infighting the epidemic.
They agreed toflexibly adjust the time for teleconferences via existing cooperation mechanismsand to further deepen the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, especiallyin the pillars of national defense, trade, investment, energy, and culture, whileconsidering oil and gas a strategic field in bilateral links in the near future.
In order to achieve15 billion USD in two-way trade this year, they vowed to make it easier for businessesto enhance trade and open up markets for each other’s farm produce.
The two leaders also said they will offer mutual support at regional and globalforums.
꧋ Speaking highlyof Vietnam’s important role as the ASEAN Chair in 2020, PM Modi said India will continuesupporting and working closely with the country on regional and global issues ofshared concern in the current context, for the sake of peace and stability in theregion and the world./.
Vietnamese Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh and Indian Vice President Venkaiah Naidu affirmed that they attach great importance to the long-standing friendship between the two countries during their talks in New Delhi on February 12.
With the comprehensive strategic partnership and large purchasing power, Vietnam and India have large potential to increase two-way trade via boosting the export of their strong commodities to each other’s markets, trade officials of the two countries said.
Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung has affirmed that India is a major trade partner and investor of Vietnam, urging the two sides to spare no efforts to soon realise the target of bringing bilateral trade to 15 billion USD.
Two-way trade between Vietnam and India reached 1.65 billion USD in the first two months of 2020, up 2 percent against that of the same period last year.
Stronger efforts and determination are required to achieve and surpass the set targets, especially in the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated houses nationwide, the acceleration of public investment disbursement, and the implementation of nationally important transport projects, PM Pham Minh Chinh noted.
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.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) and Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in a meeting on November 4, 2019 (Photo: VNA) 
