☕ Afternoon briefing on July 29

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

- State President Luong Cuong on July 29 attended a thematic meeting of the Party cell of Quang Chinh 6 hamlet, and inspected the operation of the new political system in Quang Ha commune in the northern province of Quang Ninh.

State President Luong Cuong speaks at the thematic meeting of the Party cell of Quang Chinh 6 hamlet. (Photo: VNA)

Quang Ha commune was established by merging four former commune-level administrative units: Quang Ha town, and Quang Minh, Quang Chinh, and Quang Phong communes, along with hamlet 1 and hamlet 2 of Quang Long commune. Read full story

- Vietnam welcomes the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement reached between Cambodia and Thailand on July 28, considering it an important step towards easing tensions and restoring peace, stability, security, and safety in the region, spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said on July 29.

Responding to a reporter's question regarding Vietnam’s reaction to the ceasefire agreement reached between the two countries on July 28, Hang stated that Vietnam highly evaluates Malaysia’s efforts, in its role as ASEAN Chair 2025, to actively promote and create favourable conditions for peacefully resolving differences based on fundamental principles of international law, the UN Charter, the ASEAN Charter, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), and in the spirit of ASEAN solidarity and friendship for the benefit of both parties and the region. Read full story

- The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has announced substantial prize money for its “Happy Vietnam 2025” award, an annual human rights media contest, with the grand prize reaching 50 million VND (over 1,900 USD).

“Happy Vietnam 2025” award, an annual human rights media contest, offers the grand prize reaching 50 million VND (over 1,900 USD).

Now in its third year, the award seeks to uncover and honour meaningful moments and stories that reflect the diverse political, economic, cultural, and social life of the country. Through photographs and videos submitted by both amateur and professional creators, Vietnamese or foreign, aged 15 and above, the contest showcases the human rights achievements that Vietnam has carved out, while promoting the images of a peaceful, beautiful, dynamic and happy nation on the global stage. Read full story

- Solutions such as digital identification, electronic authentication, and biometric technology have proven effective at airports, helping passengers shorten procedures, reduce congestion, and enhance flight experience, the Police Department for Administrative Management of Social Order (C06) said on July 28.

The online check-in function on the VNeID application allows citizens to complete these procedures quickly and conveniently. At the same time, it helps reduce congestion at check-in counters, improve travel experience, and promote digital transformation in the aviation sector. To use this feature, individuals must have a Level-2 digital identification account. Read full story

- A Russia–Vietnam Cultural Centre was inaugurated at Herzen University in Saint-Petersburg on July 28, marking the debut of the first of its kind in Russia’s second largest city.

Madame Ngo Phuong Ly (R), wife of Party General Secretary To Lam, presents the book series "Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnam–Russia Friendship" to the Russia–Vietnam Cultural Centre. (Photo: VNA)

The event takes place in the context of the two countries celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations and continues a series of vibrant cultural activities following the visit to Russia by Party General Secretary To Lam in May. Read full story

- Forest rangers in central Quang Tri province have received a Javan pangolin, also known as Sunda pangolin, a critically endangered species, from a local resident.

The Javan pangolin is handed over to forest rangers. (Photo published by VNA)

Earlier on July 28, Le Van Khoa, 49, residing on Phan Chu Trinh street in Quang Tri ward, found the pangolin in front of his house. The animal appeared healthy, weighed 1.3 kg, and measured about 50 cm in length. Its gender has yet to be determined. Read full story

- Vietnamese circus artists have earned two major awards at international festivals in Russia, showcasing the nation’s growing stature on the global stage.

Vietnam’s Lotus Swing performance is awarded the Special Prize at the IDOL 2025 World Circus Arts Festival in Moscow. (Photo: VNA)

At the IDOL 2025 World Circus Arts Festival in Moscow from July 17 to 20, Vietnam’s Lotus Swing performance, staged by four female artists from the Vietnam Circus Federation, was awarded the Special Prize. Meritorious artists Lo Ngoc Thuy, Pham Huong, Luu Huong, and Hong Thuy captivated audiences with their refined technique performance and elegant representation of the lotus – Vietnam’s national flower – through a blend of traditional music and costume./. Read full story

VNA