☕ Afternoon briefing on August 28

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

☕ Afternoon briefing on August 11
☕ Afternoon briefing on August 11

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

- Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Tran Thanh Man held talks with Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives (Parliament) Gerry Brownlee in Hanoi on August 28.

Chairman Man welcomed Speaker Brownlee’s visit, the first high-level trip since the elevation of Vietnam – New Zealand ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He described this as a new stride in bilateral friendship and cooperation, especially in parliamentary diplomacy, and noted that the visit coincides with Vietnam’s 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day – an event of national significance. Read full story

- As Vietnam is entering a new era, the diplomatic sector is committed to continuing to write the glorious history of diplomacy in the Ho Chi Minh era, being dedicated to serving the country and the people, promoting the spirit of pioneering, and proactively creating momentum and position to help the nation firmly progress towards new development milestones, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.

On the occasion of the 80th founding anniversary of the diplomatic sector (August 28, 1945 - 2025), Son wrote an article highlighting the glorious 80-year journey of Vietnam's diplomacy for the struggle for national liberation and the cause of national construction and protection. Read full story

- Brazil is committed to supporting and coordinating with other Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) member countries to promote the internal process towards beginning official negotiations on the bloc’s free trade agreement (FTA) with Vietnam during Brazil's term as its rotating chair in the second half of 2025.

The pledge was made by Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mauro Vieira in his phone talks with Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien on August 27 evening (Hanoi time). Read full story

- Vietnam has recorded major progress in tobacco harm prevention and the promotion of smoke-free environments in recent years, contributing to community health protection and fulfilling its commitments under the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, according to Dr. Phan Thi Hai, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Tobacco Control Fund (VNTCF) under the Ministry of Health.

She delivered the remarks at the ninth Smoke-Free Asia-Pacific Meeting, which opened on August 28 in Hue city. Read full story

- An exhibition of national achievements celebrating the 80th anniversary of the National Day (September 2, 1945 – 2025), themed “80-Year Journey of Independence – Freedom – Happiness,” kicked off at the Vietnam Exposition Centre in Dong Anh commune of Hanoi on August 28.

The exhibition is a significant event, offering the public an opportunity to look back the nation’s arduous yet glorious history, affirming Vietnam’s position in the international arena. It contributes to strengthening confidence in a bright future, and inspiring the entire nation to advance into an era of prosperity, civilisation, strength, and well-being. Read full story

- As part of the national exhibition “80-Year Journey of Independence – Freedom – Happiness,” marking the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2), Hanoi audiences will have a chance to enjoy 50 films free of charge along with artist exchange activities.

The film screening programme runs from August 28 to September 5 at Vietnam Exposition Centre in Hanoi’s Dong Anh commune. Read full story./.

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Wei Tao, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Photo: VNA)

China’s Guangxi advances “three connectivity” with Vietnam

The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China is stepping up cooperation with Vietnamese localities through three key pillars “hard connectivity” in infrastructure, “soft connectivity” in trade and investment, and “people-to-people connectivity” through cultural exchanges.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man (left) hands over a letter from Party General Secretary and State President To Lam to Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican (Photo: VNA)

NA Chairman meets Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican

The Party and State of Vietnam consistently create favourable conditions for the Catholic community to practice their faith while contributing to the nation, following the orientation of “living the Gospel in the heart of the nation,” said National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man.

A roundtable in Moscow reviews key outcomes of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

New cooperation directions drive Vietnam–Russia ties

As Russia pivots towards the Asia–Pacific and Vietnam deepens its global integration, Vietnam is increasingly viewed as a key bridge connecting Russia with Southeast Asia, a role expected to elevate the strategic value of bilateral ties and unlock new cooperation opportunities.

Permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu departs Techo Airport for home. (Photo: VNA)

Cambodia highlights significance of Party official’s visit

The official visit to Cambodia by Politburo member and Permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu has been described by Cambodian officials as carrying profound political and diplomatic significance, helping reinforce the traditional ties between the two Parties and countries.

Ambassador and Head of the Vietnamese Mission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Mai Phan Dung meets with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on April 10, 2026. Photo: VNA

Vietnam strongly supports multilateral trading system

Vietnam has always been an active and responsible WTO member, fully participating in activities, discussion sessions, and side events, while regularly making statements and contributing to major negotiation dossiers, said Ambassador and Head of the Vietnamese Mission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Mai Phan Dung.

The welcoming ceremony is held for National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and his spouse at Ciampino Airport in Rome, Italy. Photo: VNA

NA Chairman begins official visit to Italy

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man's official visit to Italy is to promote ties between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the Italian Parliament, and further deepen bilateral relations in a substantive and effective manner.

Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung.

Senior Party official’s official visits to Laos, Cambodia successful: FM

The Party, State, and people of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia will continue the exchange of visits and delegations at all levels, especially at the high-level and via Party and State channels, to enhance understanding, strengthen trust, improve cooperation effectiveness, and jointly address emerging issues.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and his spouse depart Hanoi to attend the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-152) in Istanbul, Türkiye. Photo: VNA

NA Chairman leaves Hanoi for 152nd IPU Assembly in Türkiye, official visit to Italy

Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Tran Thanh Man, his spouse, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation departed from Hanoi on early April 11 morning to attend the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-152) in Istanbul and conduct a number of bilateral activities in Türkiye, and pay an official visit to Italy from April 11-17.

NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man (second from right) hands over decisions of the Standing Board of the NA Party Committee to the three Secretaries of Party Committees of the three NA bodies. (Photo: VNA)

National Assembly Chairman hands over decisions on personnel affairs

Politburo member, Secretary of the National Assembly (NA) Party Committee and NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the importance of strengthening the contingent of officials and Party members with firm political mettle, strong moral integrity and professional competence; promoting innovation in working methods; and advancing digital transformation and the application of artificial intelligence to enhance transparency, efficiency and effectiveness.

Officers of Army Corps 34 take care of the recovered remains of 12 fallen soldiers from Doch1 village in Ia Ly commune of the central province of Gia Lai. (Photo: VNA)

Army Corps 34 recovers remains of 12 fallen soldiers in Gia Lai province

According to historical records, the area once served as an operational base for units of Regiments 609, 66, 24 and 320, as well as staff and logistics agencies of the Central Highlands front (B3) during the 1966–1969 period. Between 2020 and 2025, the corps had already recovered remains from 46 martyrs in the Chu Pa mountain area.

From left: Politburo member and Permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu (4th), Vice President of the Cambodian People’s Party Samdech Men Sam An (5th) and other official at the meeting with Cambodian alumni in Phnom Penh on April 10, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam’s senior Party official meets with Cambodian alumni in Phnom Penh

Tu expressed his appreciation for the practical and effective contributions made by generations of Cambodian students who studied in Vietnam. Serving in various roles across the Party, State, ministries, localities and businesses, these alumni have effectively applied their knowledge and experience to contribute to Cambodia’s development, while also playing an important role in promoting mutual understanding, trust and cooperation between the two countries.