☕ Afternoon briefing on March 20

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

☕ Afternoon briefing on March 20

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 on March 17 signed Resolution No. 02-NQ/TW issued by the Politburo on building and developing Hanoi in the new era, setting out long-term strategic orientations and development targets for the capital.

The resolution affirms Hanoi’s special role as the nation’s political–administrative centre, a hub of culture, intellect and resources, and a key growth pole driving regional and national development while advancing toward global connectivity. Building and developing the capital is defined as a shared responsibility of the entire political system, with the city’s Party organisation, authorities and residents playing the central role. Read full story

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam will pay an official visit to the Russian Federation from March 22 – 25.

The visit will be made at the invitation of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, according to an announcement released on March 20 by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Read full story

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh agreed in principle with proposals to advance funds from the state budget to the fuel price stabilisation fund while chairing a meeting of standing members of the Government on funding sources to support fuel price stabilisation on March 20.

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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the meeting of standing members of the Government on funding sources to support fuel price stabilisation (Photo: VNA)

According to reports and opinions presented at the meeting, amid developments in the Middle East and difficulties in the global oil market, the Government and the PM have recently held multiple meetings and issued urgent directives calling for timely, flexible, and effective measures to ensure domestic energy security. The Government leader has also conducted phone calls, sent official letters to leaders of various countries, and worked with foreign ambassadors in Vietnam to seek support in safeguarding energy supplies. Read full story

- The conflict in the Middle East is a major shock to the global energy market, pushing prices skyward and making supply security a top concern, said Shan Saeed, Global Chief Economist at Malaysia-based international real estate firm IQI Juwai, adding that the impact on Vietnam remains cyclical and manageable.

Saeed pointed out that with Brent crude hovering around 112 USD per barrel, the market is factoring in a built-in risk premium tied to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for about 20% of the world’s oil and LNG shipments. Any disruption at this chokepoint could spark a global reassessment of energy risks. Read full story

- Vietjet has once again been recognised by AirlineRatings with two major accolades of the “World’s Best Ultra Low-Cost Carrier 2026” title and a place among the Top 10 “World’s Best Low-Cost Airlines 2026.” These awards form part of the Airline Excellence Awards, presented annually by AirlineRatings since 2013 to recognise outstanding airlines globally.

The awards focus on in-flight product and passenger experience, using measurable onboard criteria. AirlineRatings experts highlighted Vietjet’s highly competitive fares, innovative approach, and products tailored to customer needs. The airline has maintained its title as the World’s Best Ultra Low-Cost Carrier since 2018 and has consistently ranked among the world’s leading low-cost airlines. This reflects a long-term strategy focused on delivering value, enhancing the travel experience, and expanding access to air travel for millions of passengers each year. Read full story

- More than 23% of internet users in Vietnam encountered web-borne threats in 2025, which ranked the country 78th globally in terms of exposure, up two places from 80th the previous year, according to global cybersecurity and digital privacy company Kaspersky.

Web threats are cyberattacks that exploit vulnerabilities in browsers, plugins and online platforms to spread malware and other malicious content. Read full story

- Vietnam has been named among the world’s 28 most beautiful countries by Condé Nast Traveler, reinforcing its growing appeal as a premier destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

In its latest list, the US-based magazine noted that while cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City attract millions of visitors each year, Vietnam’s true allure lies in its diverse natural landscapes and immersive travel experiences. The country, it said, is “a haven for outdoor enthusiasts” and anyone drawn to scenic beauty./. Read full story

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Ambassador Nguyen Minh Tam presents Party General Secretary To Lam's flowers to the LPRP Central Committee's External Relations Commission to congratulate on the LPRP's 71st founding anniversary. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Laos reaffirm enduring partnership across generations

Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam noted that the Vietnam – Laos special relationship is deepening in a more practical and effective manner across areas, delivering tangible benefits to both peoples while contributing to regional and global peace, stability, cooperation and development.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receives Indonesian Ambassador to Vietnam Adam Mulawarman Tugio in Hanoi on March 20. Photo: VNA

Indonesia one of Vietnam’s top foreign policy priorities: PM

PM Chinh asked Indonesia to facilitate Vietnamese goods’ greater access to its market; promote cooperation in the Halal industry; effectively carry out fisheries cooperation and support Vietnam in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing; and enhance cooperation in locality-to-locality exchanges, education and training, tourism, cultural exchange and people-to-people connections.

Party General Secretary To Lam (right) receives Lao Minister of Public Security Vanthong Kongmany in Hanoi on March 20. (Photo: VNA)

Party chief hosts Lao public security minister

Party General Secretary To Lam praised the close and effective cooperation between the two ministries as a pillar of bilateral ties, essential for safeguarding security and social order in each country.

Soldiers of the A Pa Chai Border Guard Station in Dien Bien patrol the border area. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese, Chinese border guards kick off 2026 joint patrol

At the event, commanders of both sides affirmed that the annual joint patrols between the Dien Bien Provincial Border Guard and the Mengzi Regional Border Guard reflect close coordination and stand out as a highlight in border external affairs, contributing to building a borderline of peace, friendship, cooperation and development.

Vietnamese Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang (R) welcomes his Lao counterpart Senior Lieutenant General Vanthong Kongmanyin. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese, Lao Public Security Ministries enhance collaboration

At the talks, the two ministers agreed to effectively implement the 2026 cooperation plan between the two ministries, along with coordination mechanisms among their functional units, to promptly detect and combat all types of crime. They will enhance cooperation at all levels in building a proactive security posture, contributing to early prevention and response to threats against national security.

A view of Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi's downtown (Photo: VNA)

Politburo resolution charts Hanoi’s development in a new era

The resolution affirms Hanoi’s special role as the nation’s political–administrative centre, a hub of culture, intellect and resources, and a key growth pole driving regional and national development while advancing toward global connectivity. Building and developing the capital is defined as a shared responsibility of the entire political system, with the city’s Party organisation, authorities and residents playing the central role.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Argentina Ngo Minh Nguyet (centre, in pink), together with representatives of the Argentina–Vietnam Cultural Institute, the Communist Party of Argentina, and local press and media agencies at the embassy's early-spring gathering in Buenos Aires on March 19, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Embassy promoting information about Vietnam in Argentina

Vietnamese Ambassador Ngo Minh Nguyet hosted an early-spring gathering in Buenos Aires on March 19 with Argentine partners to boost information exchange and cooperation, while highlighting Vietnam’s recent political developments, including the upcoming 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

At the meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha and the European Commission's inspection delegation. (Photo: VNA)

Deputy PM works with EC's inspection delegation on IUU fishing combat

The EC's Director for International Ocean Governance and Sustainable Fisheries Fernando Andresen Guimaraes acknowledged Vietnam’s remarkable progress over the past eight years, citing advances such as the national fisheries database (VNFishbase), electronic catch documentation and traceability (eCDT), and near-universal installation of vessel monitoring systems (VMS).

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) receives Director for International Ocean Governance and Sustainable Fisheries of the EC Fernando Andresen Guimaraes. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam maintains constructive cooperation with EU in combating IUU fishing: PM

On the basis of the EU-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and with a constructive approach, PM Chinh affirmed Vietnam’s continued close cooperation in combating IUU fishing, while expressing his hope and confidence that the EC will consider lifting the “yellow card” warning against Vietnamese seafood, thereby further strengthening effective and substantive cooperation between Vietnam, the EU and its member states.