☕ 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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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.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam (C) presents the Politburo’s decision on the appointment of the NA Party Committee, its Standing Board, Secretary and Deputy Secretaries of the NA Party Committee for the 2025–2030 term to NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man (third from right) and Vice Chairpersons. (Photo: VNA)

Top leader hands over Politburo decision on NA Party Committee for 2025–2030 term

In his remarks, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam stressed that the consolidation of the NA Party Committee’s personnel is of significant importance, aiming to strengthen the Party’s direct and comprehensive leadership over the legislature and ensure the effective performance of its three core functions: legislation, supreme supervsion, and decision-making on major national issues.

Phonesy Bounmixay (right), Lao Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, performs the traditional baci string-tying ceremony to offer New Year blessings to a member of the Ho Chi Minh City delegation on April 10, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City leader extends traditional New Year greetings to Laos

The Ho Chi Minh City Party organisation, administration, and people consistently attach high priority to relations with Lao localities, while promoting cooperation with Lao ministries, sectors and agencies in such areas as human resource development, trade, technology, tourism and youth exchanges.