A view of a flood-hit area in the Russian city of Orenburg. (Photo: AFP/VNA) 
The UNODC has affirmed that it will closely cooperate with Vietnam to successfully organise the signing ceremony for the UN Anti-cybercrime Convention (also known as the Hanoi Convention) and to encourage countries to ratify it.
☀️ Morning digest on April 18
Ignacio Mendoza Pizarro, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Bolivia described Vietnam’s development achievements as a continuation of the nation’s enduring qualities: resilience, firmness, dynamism, and self-reliance. He noted that Vietnam’s experience in economic reform and foreign investment attraction are of strong interest to Bolivia’s ruling alliance and to revolutionary movements around the world.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and his spouse Zinash Tayachew left Hanoi on April 17 afternoon, wrapping their official visit to Vietnam and attendance at the 4th Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit in Hanoi from April 14-17.
Party leader To Lam highlighted France’s role as the first EU nation to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam, a testament to its commitment to strengthening bilateral friendship and cooperation.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh asserted that with the experience of successfully hosting many international conferences, Vietnam will closely coordinate with UNCTAD to organise its 16th session in accordance with international practices and Vietnamese law.
Son showed his appreciation to the Colombian government's support for Vietnam in organising the P4G Summit, thus contributing to global efforts to realise achieve green and sustainable growth goals.
National unity and pride, sound leadership, and patriotism will continue to propel Vietnam forward into a new era - the era of national rise, said former Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam and Vice President of the Cuba–Vietnam Friendship Association Fredesmán Turró González.
During the tour, UN experts provided an overview of the UN’s formation and development, as well as key milestones in Vietnam–UN relations, including events that took place before Vietnam’s official admission to the organisation in 1977.
According to a government report, a notable improvement in the revised draft is the elimination of seven out of 24 administrative procedures, about 30%, reducing compliance costs and time to streamline business operations.
Vietnam consistently follows its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development, multilateralisation and diversification of international relations. In addition, it seeks to be a friend to all nations, places particular importance on its friendly relations with neighbouring countries, and has always been steadfast in its “Four No’s” defence policy.
Based on the political trust between Vietnam and Kenya, President Cuong proposed that both sides strive to realise huge potential in areas of mutual strength, particularly investment, trade, agriculture, and tourism.
The two sides discussed the rapid changes in the global situation, the opportunities brought about by the strong development of science and technology, as well as the challenges facing multilateral institutions.
United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed praised Vietnam's leading role in the green transition, demonstrated by the successful organisation of the P4G Summit.
The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.
President Luong Cuong reaffirmed the Vietnamese Party and State’s consistent policy of attaching importance and giving the highest priority to strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Laos.
Voters expressed their confidence in the Party and State’s effective implementation of socio-economic tasks, especially amid the US’s new tariffs, as well as their trust in the success of the revolution to streamline the political system’s apparatus, the rearrangement of administrative units and the organisation of the two-level local administration.
Vietnamese Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang and Chinese Minister of National Defence Dong Jun led high-level delegations to visit Huu Nghi International Border Gate's Border Post and Lang Son Logistics Park of the Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group, as part of the 9th Vietnam–China Border Defence Friendship Exchange.
Governor-General of New Zealand Cindy Kiro suggested Vietnam and New Zealand promote exchanges between businesses and residents, while trengthening coordination and cooperation at regional and international multilateral forums.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son called on the UN and ESCAP to continue supporting Vietnam in accelerating SDG progress in alignment with national priorities, through information sharing, international experience exchange, policy advice, and regional collaboration.
