☕ Afternoon briefing on February 25

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

☕ Afternoon briefing on February 25

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

- Party General Secretary To Lam called for comprehensive improvement of healthcare quality at the inauguration ceremony for two facilities at 108 Military Central Hospital in Hanoi on February 25, emphasising that medical care must place patients as its core.

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Party General Secretary To Lam and several key political figures visit the the Institute for Health Protection of Central Officials and the Clinical Institute for Infectious Diseases. (Photo: VNA)

On the occasion of the 70th Vietnamese Doctors' Day (February 27), the hospital opened two new buildings - the Institute for Health Protection of Central Officials (A11) and the Clinical Institute for Infectious Diseases (A4). These facilities will enhance the hospital's capacity to provide medical examination and treatment for high-ranking officials of the Party, State, military, and the people. Read full story

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has stressed the need to further raise public awareness and take specific actions against wastefulness, making it as much a part of daily life as eating and drinking.

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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the meeting of the National Steering Committee for Wastefulness Prevention and Control. (Photo: VNA)

Addressing the first meeting of the National Steering Committee for Wastefulness Prevention and Control, held online in Hanoi on February 25 with the participation of representatives from 63 provinces and cities across of the country, PM Chinh, who is also the chairman of the committee, underlined that while progress has been made in the fight against wastefulness, significant challenges remain. Read full story

- Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh gave a reception in Hanoi on February 25 for Chairman of Kazakhstan’s Anti-Corruption Agency Zhumagali A.Zh, emphasising that Vietnam values traditional friendship and cooperation with Kazakhstan and wishes to strengthen partnerships with traditional friends, including Kazakhstan.

Binh highlighted the two nations’ frequent exchange of all-level delegations and cooperation across Party, state, and parliamentary channels, as well as their mutual support at regional and multilateral forums. Read full story

- The third Vietnam – South Africa Defence Policy Dialogue took place in Hanoi on February 25, co-chaired by Vietnam's Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien and Acting Secretary for Defence of South Africa Thobekile Gamede.

During the dialogue, Chien underscored that the Vietnam-South Africa defence cooperation has continued to develop positively based on the agreement on defence ties signed in May 2006 and orientations agreed by defence leaders of the two countries, aligning with their capabilities and needs. Read full story

- Minister of National Defence General Phan Văn Giang on February 25 met with Acting Secretary for Defence of South Africa Thobekile Gamede as part of the latter's visit to Vietnam to co-chair the third Vietnam-South Africa Defence Policy Dialogue.

Appreciating the results of the dialogue, Giang emphasised that through the event, the two sides exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual concern, as well as the outcomes of defence cooperation, and directions for the time ahead. Read full story

- Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Head of the Vietnamese Delegation in Geneva, will attend the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), which officially opened on February 24.

The ambassador will participate in discussions on important topics such as climate change, children's rights, rights of persons with disabilities, as well as other common issues of concern to the international community. Read full story

- A photo exhibition celebrating Vietnam’s three-decade-long journey within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) opened in Hanoi on February 25, as part of the 2025 ASEAN Future Forum (AFF).

The event showcased a meticulously curated collection of 50 photos, offering a vivid narrative of Vietnam’s transformation from a newcomer to one of the bloc’s most dynamic and influential members. Read full story

- A groundbreaking ceremony has been held for Haus Da Lat, Vietnam’s first ESG-focused real estate complex, marking a transformative step in placing Da Lat on the global map for sustainable tourism and real estate.

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Haus Da Lat – A new marvel of living space for Vietnamese (Photo: baodautu.vn)

Nestled on the last prime land plot in downtown Da Lat city, the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, overlooking the picturesque Xuan Huong Lake, the 5-ha Haus Da Lat is more than just a real estate project, it is the city's largest forest conservation initiative and a future cultural landmark. Designed to integrate seamlessly with Da Lat’s natural landscape, this pioneering development is expected to redefine modern living and attract both domestic and international visitors. Read full story

- Amidst the looming threat of a trade war, Vietnamese exporters are demonstrating resilience and adaptability in maintaining their global market position.

Vietnam's trade surplus with the US reached 123.5 billion USD. As the American country implements various import tariff measures against certain countries, Vietnamese businesses must remain vigilant and prepared for potential impacts, insiders said. /. Read full story

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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) shakes hands with Lao Deputy PM Saleumxay Kommasit. (Photo: VNA)

PM affirms government's resolve to soon complete cooperation projects with Laos

PM Chinh highlighted the commitment of both sides to seriously, effectively, and decisively implement the agreements reached during the meeting between the two Politburos and the bilateral cooperation plan for 2025, noting that it is necessary to explore new ways to boost all-around cooperation from politics, foreign affairs, security and defence to investment, trade, transport connectivity, culture, education, healthcare, and science – technology.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon arrives at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on February 25. (Photo: VNA)

New Zealand Prime Minister begins official visit to Vietnam

During his visit, PM Luxon is scheduled to hold official talks with PM Chinh, pay courtesy calls on senior leaders of the Vietnamese Party, State, and National Assembly, and visit key economic, cultural, and educational establishments in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

State President Luong Cuong speaks at the February 25 conference in Hung Yen province. (Photo: VNA)

State President urges Hung Yen to find effective models for multiplying nationwide

The inspection will review the implementation of Resolution 18-NQ/TW, dated October 25, 2017 by the 12th Party Central Committee on streamlining the political system’s organisational apparatus and the conclusion of the Central Party Committee on the summarisation of the resolution performance in combination with the establishment and operation of new party organisations.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivers his opening remarks at the ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) 2025. (Photo: VNA)

PM puts forth three strategic priorities, three breakthrough actions for ASEAN's development

PM Chinh underscored the importance of reinforcing ASEAN’s strategic self-control by strengthening the bloc's solidarity and centrality. An ASEAN with strategic self-control must be consensus-driven, cohesive, balanced and flexible in its external relations. The bloc should play an active role in shaping the regional order and fostering international cooperation amid growing global uncertainties.

Party General Secretary To Lam (R) receives Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta in Hanoi on February 25. (Photo: VNA)

Party chief receives President of Timor-Leste

Vietnam and Timor Leste agreed to effectively tap cooperation potential in other important fields, especially agriculture, fisheries, food processing, telecommunications, education, oil and gas, infrastructure construction, aviation, tourism, and people-to-people exchange.

Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien (R) shakes hands with Acting Secretary for Defence of South Africa Thobekile Gamede. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, South Africa hold third Defence Policy Dialogue

Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien underscored that the Vietnam-South Africa defence cooperation has continued to develop positively, while co-chairing the third Vietnam – South Africa Defence Policy Dialogue took place in Hanoi on February 25.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the meeting of the National Steering Committee for Wastefulness Prevention and Control. (Photo: VNA)

Wastefulness prevention, combat must become daily practice: PM

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has stressed that wastefulness reduction should become an automatic and daily practice. He also urged ministries, sectors, agencies and localities to develop their own action plans for wastefulness prevention and control, while promoting their solidarity and creativity in the work.

Minister of National Defence General Phan Văn Giang and Acting Secretary for Defence of South Africa Thobekile Gamede. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, South Africa strengthen defence cooperation

Minister of National Defence General Phan Văn Giang on February 25 met with Acting Secretary for Defence of South Africa Thobekile Gamede as part of the latter's visit to Vietnam. Giang suggested the two sides reach a Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation.

Auckland University of Technology Vice-Chancellor, Professor Damon Salesa (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, New Zealand expand cooperation in education, new technology

The Auckland University of Technology (AUT) will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City University of Science (VNU-HCMUS) that extends a historic relationship with a new focus on research activity in computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, and human-computer interaction.

Ambassador Mai Phan Dung (R) attend the opening ceremony of the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam to make contributions to UNHRC’s 58th session

Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Head of the Vietnamese Delegation in Geneva, will participate in discussions on important topics, such as climate change, children's rights, and rights of persons with disabilities, at the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), which officially opened on February 24.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) receives Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa (Photo: VNA)

Prime Minister welcomes Thai Foreign Minister

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasised the need for the effective implementation of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Joint Cabinet Meeting chaired by the two Prime Ministers, while receiving Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa who is on an official visit to Vietnam from February 23-25.