Laos-Vietnam friendship hospital in Houaphanh inaugurated

Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune expressed profound gratitude to the Party, State and people of Vietnam for their comprehensive support to Laos in general and to its health sector in particular.

At the inauguration and handover ceremony of the Laos-Vietnam friendship hospital in Houaphanh province, northern Laos, on December 4. (Photo: baochinhphu.vn)
At the inauguration and handover ceremony of the Laos-Vietnam friendship hospital in Houaphanh province, northern Laos, on December 4. (Photo: baochinhphu.vn)

Vientiane (VNA) – The inauguration and official handover ceremony of the Laos-Vietnam friendship hospital in Houaphanh province, northern Laos, took place on December 4.

The 200-bed hospital, equipped with modern medical facilities, has a total investment of more than 500 billion VND (18.95 million USD), funded entirely by non-refundable aid from the Vietnamese Government. The project aims to establish a provincial-level general hospital capable of meeting the healthcare needs of local residents.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung stressed that this is one of the key cooperation projects receiving the close attention and guidance of the high-ranking leaders of both Parties and States. He noted that the hospital’s completion and operation is in line with the health sector regulations of the two countries, expected to significantly improve the services for people in Houaphanh and other northern provinces of Laos.

hospital.jpg
The Laos-Vietnam friendship hospital in Houaphanh province, northern Laos (Photo: nhandan.vn)

On the Lao side, Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune expressed profound gratitude to the Party, State and people of Vietnam for their comprehensive support to Laos in general and to its health sector in particular.

Receiving the project on behalf of the Lao Government, he assigned relevant authorities to manage, operate and safeguard the facility effectively, ensuring its long-term service to public healthcare./.

VNA

See more

The Vietnamese Embassy in Italy takes part in the 41st Macfrut agricultural fair in Rimini, Emilia-Romagna, with a booth highlighting Vietnam’s fruit garden with oriental spices and herbs. (Photo: VNA)

Economic diplomacy helps open markets for agricultural exports

The draft documents for the 14th National Party Congress identify foreign affairs as a key and regular task, with diplomacy in agriculture and the environment recognised as a core component of economic, environmental and development diplomacy directly linked to national strategic priorities.

Venezuelan Ambassador to Vietnam Juan Carlos Fernández Juárez (Photo: VNA)

Chance for Vietnam to carry forward successful development policies: Venezuelan ambassador

In a recent interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on Vietnam’s socio-economic development as the 14th National Party Congress approaches, Venezuelan Ambassador to Vietnam Juan Carlos Fernández Juárez described these accomplishments as clear evidence of the sound leadership and policies of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Vietnamese Government, which place people at the centre of development, are grounded in industrialisation, and creatively apply Ho Chi Minh Thought.

The Engineering Unit Rotation 2 departs to undertake peacekeeping duties at the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) Mission (August 2023). (Photo: VNA)

Diplomacy lays solid foundation for Vietnam’s entry into new era of development: official

In a volatile global context, under the sound leadership of the Party, the effective management of the State, the effective governance of the Government and the National Assembly, and the concerted efforts of ministries and localities, Vietnam has consistently implemented a foreign policy of peace, cooperation, and development, independence and self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification. As a result, it has continued to stand out as a bright spot of peace, stability, and development in the region, Alternate Member of the Party Central Committee, Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu has written an article ahead of the 14th National Party Congress.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh addresses the conference (Photo: VNA)

Lightning-fast Quang Trung Campaign achieves resounding victory: PM

PM Chinh instructed localities to complete house handovers no later than January 18, 2026, while continuing to address environmental issues, restore essential infrastructure, create jobs and livelihoods, and ensure transparent, timely support for affected households, especially during the Lunar New Year.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (right) and Cambodian Ambassador Chea Kimtha (Photo: VNA)

Prime Minister receives outgoing Cambodian ambassador

The two sides expressed satisfaction that bilateral relations continue to develop strongly across all areas. Political and diplomatic ties have been further strengthened through frequent exchanges of delegations and contacts at all levels, while defence and security cooperation remains a key pillar.

Tonga's national flag (Source: istockphoto.com)

Congratulations extended to Tonga’s Prime Minister, top legislator

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man on January 15 sent messages of congratulations to Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua and Lord Vaea on their respective elections as Prime Minister and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of the Kingdom of Tonga.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receives Japan’s Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Hayashi Yoshimasa in Hanoi on January 15, 2026. Photo: VNA

Vietnam wishes to enhance ties with Japan: PM

Japan continues to be Vietnam’s number one partner in official development assistance (ODA) and labour cooperation, third-largest investor, and fourth-largest partner in trade and tourism.

☕ Afternoon briefing on January 15

☕ Afternoon briefing on January 15

Vietnam remains firmly committed to being a proactive, active and responsible member of ASEAN’s digital cooperation, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed while addressing the opening ceremony of the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers' Meeting (ADGMIN 6) and related meetings in Hanoi on January 15.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Venezuela Vu Trung My (R) presents a gift to former Venezuelan Ambassador to Vietnam Jorge Rondón Uzcátegui (Photo: the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela)

14th National Party Congress to shape Vietnam’s path to 2045: former Venezuelan Ambassador

The former diplomat once said when leaving Hanoi in 2019 that: “Vietnam is not only a place where I worked, it became a part of my diplomatic life”. Today, in his message to the 14th National Party Congress, his enduring affection for Vietnam remains steadfast, a quiet thread connecting friends across half the globe in shared aspirations for peace, independence, and social justice.