Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Photo: AFP) 
The honour was presented by Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung, on behalf of State President Luong Cuong, at a ceremony in Hanoi. The Order is a prestigious award of the Vietnamese State bestowed upon foreign individuals and collectives for their significant contributions to fostering friendship, solidarity and cooperation between Vietnam and other countries.
The Deputy PM expressed his hope that Lee will continue to support efforts to further advance Vietnam–Singapore relations in a more practical and effective manner, as well as provide advice and share experience in developing financial centres and promoting connectivity between the two countries’ international financial centres.
The two sides discussed measures to strengthen economic and trade connectivity, with a shared goal of raising bilateral trade turnover to 20 billion USD in the near future.
National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man hosted separate receptions in Hanoi on January 13 for Cambodian Ambassador Chea Kimtha, US Ambassador Marc Knapper, and Philippine Ambassador Meynardo L.B. Montealegre, who came to bid farewell to the top legislator at the end of their tenures in Vietnam.
Stefano Bonilauri, Director of Anteo Edizioni Publishing House of Italy, noted that the 14th National Party Congress is being held at a time when Vietnam has recorded major achievements of historical significance, creating a strong platform for entering a new phase of national development.
The 14th National Congress is expected to chart a clear roadmap for Vietnam to achieve a modern industrial base and upper-middle-income status by 2030, and become a developed, high-income nation by 2045.
Following the 14th National Congress, the CPV will continue to prioritise preserving and developing this special relationship as a firm political foundation guiding bilateral ties, thereby fostering deeper, more substantive cooperation in areas of shared strengths and development needs.
Building on achievements from the 12th to the 13th congress, Vietnam has emerged as one of the region’s most dynamic growth economies, while maintaining political and social stability, deepening international integration and steadily enhancing national competitiveness, he noted.
The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.
Authorities should also strengthen communications, effectively address any issue arising, and ensure all conditions are in place for the successful organisation of the elections, said NA Vice Chairman Le Minh Hoan.
NA Vice Chairman Vu Hong Thanh urged Son La province to continue providing strong leadership and direction in organising election-related activities, strictly implementing all steps, procedures, and timelines before, during, and after the election day in accordance with the law.
The Permanent member said all remaining works must be finished by the end of January 13, adding that the press centre must be ready before its opening ceremony and an international press conference on the 14th National Party Congress on January 14 afternoon.
The Vietnamese community in Israel remains closely engaged with the nation’s development, with deep affection, firm confidence and high expectations. They believe the Party and the State will continue to steer the country into a new phase of faster and more sustainable growth.
With straightforwardness and a high sense of responsibility, participants gave comprehensive and objective feedback on the candidates’ political mettle, sense of discipline and responsibility, and leadership capabilities.
Lieutenant General Nguyen Thanh Tung, Director of Hanoi Police, praised the units for their responsibility and proactive efforts in preparing the plan, personnel, and equipment. He stressed that the top priority for ensuring security and order during the 14th Party Congress is maintaining stability while strictly applying the principle of “normalcy outside, strict control inside,” and ensuring smooth traffic.
Senator Steve Daines emphasised that the US attaches great importance to the friendship with Vietnam and hopes to further promote their partnership in the years to come.
Vietnam has obtained historic achievements in foreign affairs over 40 years of "Doi moi" (renewal) under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), which is set to continue to build on these successes to proactively seize opportunities and surmount challenges to further strengthen diplomatic efforts, thereby safeguarding national interests and affirming Vietnam’s role as a responsible and active member of the international community in an ever-changing world.
The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last night by the Vietnam News Agency.
Ministry of National Defence on January 12 inspected transport preparations for delegates to the upcoming 14th National Party Congress.
President Luong Cuong described the cooperation in addressing post-war legacy issues as a bright spot and an area of special importance in building trust, promoting reconciliation and enhancing mutual understanding.
