☕ Afternoon briefing on April 22

The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.

☕ Afternoon briefing on April 22

Hanoi (VNA) - The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.

- State President Luong Cuong, accompanied by a National Assembly delegation from Ho Chi Minh City, met with voters in the outlying districts of Cu Chi and Hoc Mon on April 22 to gather insights ahead of the 15th National Assembly (NA)’s 9th session.

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State President Luong Cuong meets with voters in HCM City (Photo: VNA)

President Cuong provided key updates on global and national developments, highlighting the socio-economic progress made by HCM City, a special urban centre and a hub for economy, culture, education, and sci-tech that has played a pivotal role in Vietnam’s growth. Read full story

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on April 22 chaired a meeting between standing Cabinet members and key ministries and agencies to discuss promoting fair and sustainable trade relations with the US.

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An overview of the meeting (Photo: VNA)

This marks the fifth meeting the PM has held on implementing the conclusions of the Politburo and Party General Secretary To Lam regarding Vietnam’s adaptation to the US’s new tariff policies and strategies for enhancing bilateral trade ties. Read full story

- Historic and heroic moments of the liberation of the South and national reunification have been captured in the special 3D interactive multimedia product “Hung ca thong nhat dat nuoc” (Epic of national reunification) by VietnamPlus, the e-newspaper of Vietnam News Agency, launched to commemorate the 50th anniversary of this landmark event (April 30 1975 –2025).

The product, available at https://www.vietnamplus.vn/50namgiaiphongmiennam/, offers a fresh, innovative format featuring a 3D interactive game centred around the indomitable symbol of the April 30 Victory – the tank of the Liberation Army breaking down the gates of the Independence Palace. This iconic moment has become a source of national pride, reflecting the people’s relentless desire for the complete liberation of the South and the reunification of the country. Read full story

- The 20th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations (Vesak 2025), scheduled to take place in Ho Chi Minh City from May 6-8, emphasises the role of Buddhist principles in promoting peace and sustainable development globally, heard a press conference held by Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS)'s Executive Council in Hanoi on April 22.

Themed “Unity and Inclusivity for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development,” this year’s event coincides with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30, 1975) and the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day (September 2, 1945). Read full story

- Hanoi will hold two fireworks displays on April 22 and 27 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – 2025), according to the Office of the municipal People's Committee.

The initiative aims to foster excitement, national pride, and solidarity among city residents. Read full story

- Typical fruits of localities across Vietnam will be displayed at an exhibition space at 62 Trang Tien street in Hanoi from April 23-27.

Each displayed product will have a QR code which helps visitors easily access detailed relevant information, such as product origin, growing area, production and preservation processes, and official sales addresses. Read full story./.

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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (left) and Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra inspect the guard of honour in Hanoi on May 16. (Photo: VNA)

Prime Minister hosts welcome ceremony for Thai counterpart

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The UN Day of Vesak celebration held at the UN headquarters in New York on May 14 (local time). (Photo: VNA)

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National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man (R) welcomes Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Hanoi on May 15. (Photo: VNA)

NA Chairman meets with visiting Thai Prime Minister

NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man suggested Thailand continue to coordinate with Vietnam and other countries to maintain ASEAN's common viewpoint on the East Sea, striving to build the East Sea into a sea of ​​peace and cooperation.

Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang (Photo: baochinhphu.vn)

Vietnam protests China's fishing ban in East Sea

The spokesperson reiterated that Vietnam’s position on China’s fishing ban in the East Sea is consistent and has been repeated many times. The ministry has conducted communications with the Chinese Embassy in Hanoi and handed over a diplomatic note to the Chinese side to oppose this fishing ban, she said.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) receives Mariam J. Sherman, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos in Hanoi on May 15. (Photo: VNA)

PM calls for WB’s assistance for large scale infrastructure projects

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Speakers at the Stimson Centre event (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, US review 50 years of peace and reconciliation

Rachel Stohl, Senior Vice President of Research Programmes at the Stimson Centre, said Vietnam and the US have gone from former foes to comprehensive strategic partners, and are working together for peace and for the benefit of their peoples.

Vietnamese Ambassador to India, Nepal and Bhutan Nguyen Thanh Hai (Photo: VNA)

People-to-people exchange helps deepen Vietnam – Nepal relationship: Diplomat

Vietnamese Ambassador to India, Nepal and Bhutan Nguyen Thanh Hai said in recent years, the strong promotion of people-to-people exchange has truly served as a bonding force between the two countries, noting that the Vietnam – Nepal Friendship Association (VNFA), established in September 2014, has played an active role in this regard.