The ASEAN Military Music Exchange 2024 opened in Hanoi on December 19 under the theme “Music Connecting Friendship" as part of activities to celebrate the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) and 35 years of the All-People’s Defence Festival.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) launched the talk show "Every Step: Inspiration on the Move" in Hanoi on December 19 to celebrate International Migrants Day 2024, highlighting the role of the youth in ensuring safe and legal migration.

Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long has signed a decision approving a scheme on global integration in education and training until 2030, aimed at fostering socio-economic development, people-to-people diplomacy and international cooperation across various sectors.

A nationwide fundraising campaign to support victims of Agent Orange was launched on December 19, organised by the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin (VAVA) Fund, the National Humanitarian Portal (1400), and the MBBank's charity app.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, head of the Government Steering Committee for summarising the implementation of Resolution 18-NQ/TW of the 12th Party Central Committee, which seeks to streamline the political system for greater efficiency, chaired the fifth meeting of the committee.

Vietnamese Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh paid courtesy calls on Lao Party General Secretary and State President Thongloun Sisoulith, and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone in Vientiane on December 19, as part of his working trip to the neighbouring country from December 18-20.

An exhibition showcasing moving tributes to President Ho Chi Minh since his passing 55 years ago, the first of its kind, opened at the relic site dedicated to the late leader within the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on December 19.

An increasing number of Vietnamese enterprises are showing interest in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the sectors of Vietnam's advantages and the Middle East country's needs, a diplomat has said.

Vietnamese Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh and his Lao counterpart Phayvy Sibualipha co-chaired the 6th expanded judicial conference of Vietnamese and Lao border provinces in Vientiane on December 19.

Japan has invested in 5,369 projects worth US$76.76 billion in Vietnam as of the end of the second quarter this year, making it the third largest foreign investor in the country, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Tuong Van told the 9th Vietnam-Japan Conference on Construction in Hanoi.