Vietnam was selected as Vice Chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly for the 2010-2011 term at the body’s 123rd session, which took place in Geneva from October 4-6.

Vietnam always wants to promote bilateral economic cooperation with South Africa, said Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung approved a programme that supports sci-tech transfer and application for socio-economic development in rural and mountainous areas.

The Vietnamese government delegation, led by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung left Brussels for Hanoi on October 6 after attending the eighth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 8).

South African Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe arrived in Vietnam on September 6 for an official visit at the invitation of Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan.

Ambassador Bui The Giang, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, has affirmed the country’s efforts to implement a commitment on the goal of a “society for all”.

The 8th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 8) came to an end in the Belgian capital of Brussels on October 5 after adopting the “ASEM Chair’s Declaration on happiness and dignity” and the “ASEM 8 Declaration on strengthening the efficiency of global economic governance”.

Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh has asked HCM City to lead the southern key economic region with higher growth than the country’s average and become an economic, financial and trade hub of the country and Southeast Asia. 

Vietnam has asked China to immediately and unconditionally release fishing vessel QNg 66478TS and its nine fishermen, seized on September 11 while fishing near Vietnam’s Hoang Sa (Pacacel) archipelago. 

The 14th ASEAN Confederation of Women’s Organisations (ACWO) General Assembly will take place in Hanoi on October 19-20, said the Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU). 

The Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly (NA), Tong Thi Phong, has called on the German state of Hessen to send business delegations to explore investment opportunities in Vietnam, especially in forestry, hi-tech agriculture and wine production. 

Vietnam is strongly committed to joining hands with the International community to promote a model of sustainable development, considering it a requirement throughout the socio-economic development process.

The eighth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 8) opened on October 5 with the participation of Asian and European countries including Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

A Vietnamese delegation led by Nguyen Van Son, Head of the National Assembly’s Committee for External Relations, is attending the 123rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Geneva.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso have expressed their pleasure at the positive results of friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and the EU over 20 years.

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem has applauded the efforts of Sugi Ryotaro to boost cooperative relations in humanitarian, cultural and arts activities as Vietnam-Japan special ambassador. 

State President Nguyen Minh Triet received newly-appointed Swedish Ambassador Bjorn Staffan Herrstrom, Egyptian Ambassador Mohamed R. K. Eltaify, and Japanese Ambassador Yasuaki Tanizaki in Hanoi on October 4.

Strengthening the unity between ethnic minorities is the key to overcoming challenges and obtaining sustainable development, said Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh.

In its 35th session on October 4, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly discussed a modified draft law on cooperatives under the guidance of NA Vice President Nguyen Duc Kien.

Themed “Quality of life”, the 8th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 8) marks a milestone in efforts to step up cooperation between Asia and Europe to make it a more effective partnership in the 21st century.

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai concluded a week-long working visit to Russia on October 3.

The Communist Party of Argentina (CPA) on held a symposium October 2, highlighting contributions of President Ho Chi Minh to the world’s revolutionary movement and some lessons from his thought.

Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan praised Bac Giang province’s socio-economic achievements and patriotic emulation movements in recent years.

Thang Long Boulevard, built at a cost of VND7,527 billion, will play special role in supporting the capital’s construction plan for 2030.

Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh attended the launching ceremony for President Ho Chi Minh’s statue in the highland province of Gia Lai on October 3.

A Vietnam-Germany friendship exchange was held in Ho Chi Minh City on October 3 to mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The US Department of State has allowed Vietnam to open a consulate general in New York City, following an agreement between the US and Vietnam’s leaders.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on October 1 sent his congratulations to the new prime minister of the Republic of Korea.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung held a reception of UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova in Hanoi on October 1, thanking her agency for recognising Thang Long Royal Citadel as a World Cultural Heritage site.

Transferring rights to explore and exploit minerals topped the agenda at the 35th session of the National Assembly Standing Committee chaired by NA Vice Chairman Nguyen Duc Kien on October 1.