State President Nguyen Minh Triet and his wife pays an official visit to the US from June 18-23 at the invitation of President George W. Bush and his wife. The visit, the first of its kind by a Vietnamese State President, takes place at a time when bilateral relations have been expanding into many fields.

Several western media agencies have recently made unfair comments about the issuance of regulations on speech and provision of information in Vietnam, reflecting their ill-intentioned prejudice against press activities in the country.

Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh returned to Hanoi on June 5, concluding his official visits to Chile, Brazil, Venezuela and Cuba. During his visits, Mr Manh reached agreement with leaders of the four Latin American countries to expand bilateral cooperation in economics, trade and investment for common development.

According to the Ministry of Industry, Vietnam’s industrial development has yet to keep pace with the global trend. The development of policies for the industrial sector has been mostly based on the command model and has not taken full advantage of sectors, regions or the nation as a whole. In addition, Vietnam’s industrial development has been rather spontaneous and scattered.

Over the past decade, ASEM has played an important role in consolidating the partnership between Asia and Europe in politics, economics, culture and other areas.

“Working as a Government official does not mean enjoying privileges or special advantage!” For President Ho Chi Minh, this was not a slogan. In his deeds he always showed that Government officials, even the State President, should not have privileges.

Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh left Hanoi on May 24 for official visits to Chile, Brazil, Venezuela and Cuba at the invitation of the leaders of these four Latin American countries. The visits will help deepen Vietnam’s international relations with these countries in a stable and sustainable manner and in conformity with the growing global trend of peace, cooperation and development.

President of the Republic of South Africa Thabo Mbeki pays an official visit to Vietnam from May 24-25 at the invitation of State President Nguyen Minh Triet. The visit to Vietnam, the first by a South African President, is aimed at boosting political, economic, scientific and technological, and military relations between the two countries.

With the remarkable success of the 12th National Assembly election, the new legislative body is expected to fulfil its tasks and continue to institutionalise national construction policy in the new period which was adopted by the 10th National Party Congress.

The relations of friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and China have been developing rapidly in all areas, bringing practical benefits to the two sides. To date, Vietnam and China have signed 52 State-level agreements, laying a firm legal foundation for long-term cooperation.