The 26th session of the National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee concluded in Hanoi on December 19.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s visit to Russia has deepened Vietnam-Russia relations; Leaders from different countries and international organisations have paid great attention to dealing with climate change and sea level rise in Vietnam.

The high-ranking government delegation of Vietnam led by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung left Copenhagen, where he attended the 15th UN climate change conference, on December 18, ending their visits to Russia and Denmark.

Permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Secretariat Truong Tan Sang received President of the Russia-Vietnam Friendship Association V. Buyanov in Hanoi on Dec. 18.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea (RoK) to Vietnam Im Hong Jae expressed his delight at the continuous progress in the two countries’ friendship and cooperation in 2009 at a press conference in Hanoi on December 18.

State President Nguyen Minh Triet’s recent visits to Italy, Spain and Slovakia – important members of the European Union have opened a new phase of the relationship between Vietnam and these countries, said Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem when he granted an interview to the press.

The Vietnamese government attaches importance to cooperating with the Netherlands in the areas of economy, trade, investment and development aid.

Vietnamese State President Nguyen Minh Triet and his entourage left the capital city of Bratislava on December 18, concluding their visit to Slovakia - the third leg of their tour in Europe.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nguyen Phuong Nga on December 18 protested against a European Union decision to extend its anti-dumping taxes on shoes imported from Vietnam to another 15 months.

Vietnam and the Netherlands have agreed to promote cooperation in economics, trade, investment, development aid, water resource management, environmental protection, and in coping with climate change.

Party leader Nong Duc Manh on December 18 visited Great Supreme Patriarch Samdec Tep Vong and Supreme Patriarch Samdec Bukri – leaders of the two Buddhist sects in Cambodia.

A meeting was held in Hanoi on December 18 to mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Venezuela.

The Defence Ministry has held a reception for representatives of foreign embassies and military and national defence attaches in Hanoi on December 17 to mark the 65th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army and the 20th anniversary of All-People National Defence Day, December 22.

Slovak businesses’ investing in Vietnam not only benefits them but also contributes to strengthening the friendly relations between the two countries, said Slovak President Ivan Gasparovic.

A senior Vietnamese military delegation headed by Minister of Defence,  Phung Quang Thanh paid a working visit to France on December 17.

Vietnam always attaches importance to developing its friendly and multifaceted cooperation with traditional friends, including Slovakia, on the basis of equality and mutual benefits.

The State President has promulgated the Law on Telecommunications and the Law on Radio Frequency which will take effect on July 1, 2010, the Office of the State President announced on December 17. 

A Vietnamese diplomat urged the UN Organisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) to scrutinise and strengthen coordination with the African country’s armed forces to prevent both rebels and rogue elements within the army committing further atrocities.

Vietnam pursues the consistent policy of fostering its traditional solidarity, friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Cambodia, said Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh to Cambodian parliament and government leaders on December 17.

Vietnam and Australia should formulate a programme of action to realise the joint statement on the comprehensive partnership reached during Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh’s visit to Australia in September 2009.

Vietnam will continue to offer incentives to Kuwaiti businesses to invest efficiently in the country, said National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Phu Trong at a reception for Kuwaiti Minister of Commerce and Industry, Ahmad Rashid Al Haroun in Hanoi on December 17.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan on December 17 received Kuwaiti Minister of Commerce and Industry, Ahmad Rashid Al Haroun, who is in Hanoi for a meeting of the Vietnam-Kuwait joint committee for economic, scientific and technological cooperation.

\National Assembly chairman Nguyen Phu Trong has praised the public security sector for its significant contributions to national achievements, helping maintain political security and social order for national development and elevate Vietnam’s prestige internationally.

A Vietnamese delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Defence, Senior Lieutenant General, Nguyen Huy Hieu, paid a working visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK) from December 12-18 at the invitation of its Ministry of National Defense and Defense Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA).

Deputy Prime Minister, Nguyen Sinh Hung and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, Huynh Dam presided over a meeting in Lai Cao on December 17 to review the implementation of a programme to support 62 poorest districts in the country.

Vietnam will do its utmost to promote its traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Cambodia, Party leader Nong Duc Manh told King Norodom Sihamoni during their talks in Phnom Penh on December 17. 

The State-level visit to Spain by State President Nguyen Minh Triet and his wife represents an important landmark in the history of both countries’ relationship with a strategic partnership taking shape in the near future.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has asked the Hanoi City People’s Committee to stop the demolition of ancient villas to build high-rise buildings in down-town districts.

The Vietnamese Embassy and the country’s Defence Attaché Office in the Republic of Korea (RoK) held a meeting on December 15 to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (December 22).

A delegation from the Vietnam National Assembly led by its Deputy Chairman Huynh Ngoc Son concluded their four-day visit to Brazil on December 16.