Politics

☕ Afternoon briefing on May 8

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

☕ Afternoon briefing on May 8

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

- The official visit to Russia by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam and his attendance at a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Great Patriotic War from May 8 to 11 are expected to further boost and deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

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Then State President To Lam (second from right) and Russian President Vladimir Putin witness the exchange of signed documents between the two countries on June 20, 2024. (Photo: VNA)

This is the first official visit to Russia by Lam since he was elected General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee. Read full story

- Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, who accompanied Party General Secretary To Lam in a state visit to Kazakhstan, had a meeting with his Kazakh counterpart Murat Nurtleu in Astana on May 7 to discuss measures to promote cooperation between the two countries.

During their discussions, Nurtleu emphasised the historic significance of General Secretary Lam’s visit, describing it as a milestone that sets a clear framework for elevating the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Kazakhstan to new heights. Read full story

- Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien on May 7 chaired a working session with major Vietnamese enterprises to implement the Prime Minister's directive on promoting trade agreements to help balance the trade relationship between the US and Vietnam.

Participants included leading corporations such as the Vietnam National Industry - Energy Group (PVN), Vietnam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex), Vietnam Electricity (EVN), Vietnam Airlines, and Vietjet Air, among others. Read full story

- Vietjet Air announced on May 7 that all of its flights to and from India are being operated as scheduled, despite the ongoing conflict between Pakistan and India.

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Vietjet currently operates multiple routes connecting Vietnam with key Indian destinations. (Photo: VNA)

The airline said it is closely monitoring developments in the region and will provide updates should the conflict affect its flight operations. Read full story

- Vietnam’s retail fuel prices were reduced for the second consecutive time from 3pm on May 8, under an urgent directive issued on the same day by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT).

Under the latest adjustment, the maximum retail price for E5 RON92 petrol has been set at 18,777 VND per litre (approximately 0.72 USD), down 377 VND from the previous rate. RON95-III petrol is now capped at 19,179 VND per litre, a decrease of 407 VND. Diesel 0.05S is priced at no more than 16,809 VND per litre, down 550 VND, while kerosene has been reduced by 623 VND to a maximum of 16,941 VND per litre. Meanwhile, fuel oil 180CST 3.5S has been lowered by 665 VND to 15,533 VND per kilogram. Read full story

- A recently uncovered shipwreck off the coast of Thinh My coast in Hoi An city's Cam An ward, the central province of Quang Nam, has been identified as bearing characteristics of traditional Southeast Asian ship design, following initial surveys conducted after it was partially exposed by waves on December 26, 2023.

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A recently uncovered shipwreck off Thinh My coast in Hoi An city (Photo: baotuoitre)

The Hoi An Centre for Cultural Heritage Management and Preservation, in coordination with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, under the Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City and the Quang Nam Museum, carried out a preliminary study and sampling at the site. The findings will inform evaluations of the vessel’s cultural significance and the development of suitable preservation plans. Read full story

- FV Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City on May 7 announced its investment in a cutting-edge robotic radiosurgery device integrated with artificial intelligence (AI), the first of its kind in Vietnam.

The CyberKnife S7 system, valued at nearly 200 billion VND (approximately 8 million USD), enables the treatment of tumours anywhere in the body without surgery, marking a major advance in non-invasive, highly precise cancer therapy. Read full story

- The 20th UN Day of Vesak Celebrations concluded at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City on May 8, with the announcement of a declaration that highlights Buddhism’s response to pressing global challenges.

Speaking at the event, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh stressed that the celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City stand as a clear milestone demonstrating the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha's increasingly prominent role in the international Buddhist community and in strengthening dialogue on global issues, conflict prevention, social justice promotion, and sustainable development. /. Read full story

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