Deputy Foreign Minister Ho Xuan Son extended greetings to Laos on the occasion of its 39th anniversary of National Day (December 2) during his visit to the Lao Embassy in Hanoi on December 1.

Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh received Brigadier General Haryoko Sukarto, Chief of the Centre for Strategic Studies of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, in Hanoi on December 1.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has urged for tighter control of price and market as well as combating contraband and low-quality goods as the New Year is approaching.

The Ho Chi Minh City Television will broadcast a music show on December 3 featuring soldiers stationed on the Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelago.

The Vietnam Maritime Administration in conjunction with the central coastal province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau organised a counter-terrorism exercise in Vung Tau city on December 1 to ensure navigation safety and security.

Over 16,000 people in Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding areas joined the 18th Terry Fox Run on November 30 to raise funds for cancer patients.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and its Laos counterpart will co-organise the 2014 Laos Cultural Week in Vietnam during December 2 – 7 to mark the Laos National Day (December 2).

Hungarian President Áder János left Ho Chi Minh City on November 30, concluding his State visit to Vietnam from November 26-30 at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Truong Tan Sang.

Fifty Vietnamese enterprises are taking part in the 19th international exhibition on fine art and craft products (AF-L’ARTIGIANO), which kicked off in Milan, Italy on November 29.

A photo exhibit entitled Dad, I Wish... will take place at the Hanoi Goethe Institute beginning on December 2.