(Source: dangcongsan.vn) 
General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam will pay a working visit to the US, where he will attend the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace for Gaza from February 18 to 20.
On the occasion of the Lunar New Year (Tet) 2026, at the sacred moment of transition between the old and new year, State President Luong Cuong, on behalf of Party and State leaders, has delivered a message of greetings to all compatriots, comrades, and soldiers nationwide, and the Vietnamese community abroad as well.
President’s incense-offering ceremony at House 67 and Bac Bo Phu on the final evening of the Year of the Snake reflected the profound gratitude of the Party, State, and people toward President Ho Chi Minh.
On behalf of the Politburo and Secretariat, General Secretary To Lam extended New Year wishes of health, prosperity and success to Hanoi’s Party Organisation, authorities and people, expressing his confidence that the capital will achieve new victories in the first year of the new term.
Vietnamese communities around the world have been celebrating the Lunar New Year (Tet) with cultural events that highlight traditional customs, strengthen community bonds, and introduce Vietnamese heritage to international friends.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on February 16 (the last day of the lunar year 2025) visited, extended Lunar New Year (Tet) greetings to, and inspected the on-duty work at units ensuring traffic order and safety and information cybersecurity under the Ministry of Public Security.
With a long-term vision toward 2045, Vietnam is building a comprehensive development strategy that combines strengthening hard power in the economy and defense with enhancing soft power through culture, history, and international integration.
Party General Secretary To Lam offered incense in tribute to the nation’s forefathers at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and to President Ho Chi Minh at House 67, part of the Ho Chi Minh Relic Site within the Presidential Palace complex in Hanoi on February 16, or the 29th day of the last lunar month.
State President Luong Cuong on February 16 sent a congratulatory message to António José Seguro on his election as President of Portugal.
The National Election Council has published the official list of 864 candidates standing in 182 electoral units nationwide to elect 500 deputies to the 16th National Assembly.
In a warm and festive atmosphere, officials and staff from the two embassies exchanged new year wishes for peace, development and success, reaffirming the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.
No matter how complex and unpredictable global and regional developments may become, Laos and Vietnam will remain inseparable, said Senior Lieutenant General Vongsone Inpanphim, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Minister of National Defence and Director of the General Political Department of the Lao People’s Army.
General Secretary Lam underscored VTV’s pivotal role in swiftly and effectively conveying the Party’s guidelines and policies to officials, Party members and the broader public.
At the ceremony, PM Chinh and other delegates prayed for national peace and prosperity, and for the people to enjoy happiness.
The PM and his entourage pledged to further advance the study and following of President Ho Chi Minh’s thought, morality and style, meeting the demands of revolutionary tasks in the new phase.
Stressing that Vietnam will keep close coordination and create the best possible conditions for activities related to the search for US personnel missing in action, Defence Minister Phan Van Giang also called on the US to enhance information sharing on documents and artefacts related to Vietnamese soldiers who laid down or went missing during the war.
The US attaches great importance to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam, supports a strong, independent and prosperous Vietnam, and wishes to enhance strategic-level cooperation with the country both bilaterally and on regional and international matters.
The Ministry of Public Security stands ready to strengthen cooperation with the US in combating transnational crime, said Minister Luong Tam Quang while receiving US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre in Hanoi on February 13.
After Tet, the High Command of Military Region 9 will immediately implement plans for military recruitment, with particular focus on preparations for the election of deputies to the 16th NA and to People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term.
The Deputy Minister said that 2026 will be the year when economic diplomacy shifts sharply from "paving the way" to "facilitating development", from "connecting opportunities" to "connecting strategic resources", and from "making commitments" to "verifying effectiveness".
