Vigilance must be enhanced against variant Omicron: PM
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on December 10 requested increased vigilance as the COVID-19 pandemic continues developing complicatedly, with the appearance of the new and more contagious variant Omicron in many countries around the world.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at online meeting between the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control with the steering committees of 63 provinces and cities (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on December 10 requestedincreased vigilance as the COVID-19 pandemic continues developingcomplicatedly, with the appearance of the new and more contagious variantOmicron in many countries around the world.
Speaking at an online meeting between the National SteeringCommittee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control with the steering committees of63 provinces and cities, PM Chinh, who is head of the national steeringcommittee, required extra efforts to reduce the numbers of new cases, severecases, and fatalities.
He asked localities to continue implementing the Government’sResolution 128/NQ-CP dated October 11, 2021 on safe and flexible adaptation to and effective control of the COVID-19 pandemic. No locality is allowed to issueregulations contrary to those by the upper level, he stressed.
Highlighting the need to provide sufficient vaccines andtreatment drugs, the Government leader urged boosting the study and transfer ofproduction technologies at home with safety and efficiency ensured and people’slives put first and above all.
At the meeting, members of the national and local steeringcommittees focused their discussion on the situation and causes of the complicated developmentsof the pandemic in the past time, vaccineallocation and vaccination process, as well as the demand for and ability torespond to treatment drugs.
They also exchanged views on measures to restoresocio-economic activities, and maintain production and business./.
Amid the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of new variants, Vietnam will continue stepping up vaccine diplomacy in the near future to meet vaccination demand in the country next year, said Foreign Ministry’s spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang.
Vietnam recorded 13,840 cases of COVID-19 in 61 localities during 24 hours from 4pm December 8 to 4pm December 9, including 11 imported cases, according to the Ministry of Health.
Vietnamese authorities and representative agencies abroad have worked closely with domestic and foreign airlines to conduct over 800 flights carrying home nearly 200,000 Vietnamese citizens from over 60 countries and territories, amid the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Foreign Ministry’s spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang.
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 Pham Minh Chinh speaks at online meeting between the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control with the steering committees of 63 provinces and cities (Photo: VNA) 
