☀️ Morning digest April 26

Hanoi (VNA) - The following is a list of selected news summaries last night by the Vietnam News Agency.

- President Vo Van Thuong hosted a reception in Hanoi on April 25 for President of the Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC) Central Committee Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune.

President Vo Van Thuong (R) and President of the LFNC Central Committee Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune. (Photo: VNA)

President Thuong expressed his belief that the LFNC delegation's visit will contribute to further deepening great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos while promoting close and effective cooperation between the LFNC Central Committee and the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee. Read full story

- The Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) and the Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC) shared experience and agreed to push ahead with cooperation during talks in Hanoi on April 25.

Expressing his delight at the development of the two countries’ special relations, President of the VFF Central Committee Do Van Chien noted the two sides have maintained mutual visits and meetings at all levels. Read full story

- International credit rating agency Moody’s has recently adjusted the credit rating outlook of Saigon Thuong Tin Commercial Joint Stock Bank (Sacombank) from "stable" to "positive".

This adjustment reflects Moody's assessment of the continuous improvement of Sacombank's credit capacity through the handling of bad debts and the disposal of non-performing assets. In addition, Sacombank's asset risk rating has been upgraded from Caa1 to B3. Read full story

- Domestic and international experts have acknowledged Hanoi’s activeness in implementing its initiatives and commitments as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, particularly the engagement of the entire community in creative activities.

The Turtle Tower on Hoan Kiem Lake, an icon of Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

The evaluation was made at an event held by the municipal Department of Culture and Sports and the UNESCO Office in Vietnam on April 25 to review the capital city’s performance since it became a member of the network in the field of design four years ago. Read full story

- Vietnam has approved the first traditional medicine for treating respiratory tract viral infections, including flu and mild COVID-19.

Sunkovir, licenced by the Ministry of Health on April 12, was announced as the first to treat COVID-19 at the seminar on the effectiveness of traditional medicine products in preventing and treating COVID-19 and seasonal flu in Ho Chi Minh City on April 25. Read full story

- Vietnam recorded 2,501 new cases of COVID-19 on April 25, the highest daily number in the past over half a year, according to the Health Ministry.

The total number of cases since the pandemic began rose to 11,549,186. During the day, one patient died from COVID-19, raising the total fatalities so far to 43,188. Read full story

- The 2023 Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship kicked off in the northern province of Vinh Phuc on April 25.

The tournament brings together nine teams from host Vietnam, Iran, Japan, Taiwan (China), Kazakhstan, Thailand, China, Mongolia, and Hong Kong (China)./. Read full story