☀️ Morning digest August 23

The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last night by the Vietnam News Agency.

☀️ Morning digest August 23

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

-Party General Secretary and President To Lam affirmed the Party and State’s special attention to the Vietnamese business community while meeting with a delegation of the Vietnam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (VINASME) in Hanoi on August 22.

president-to-lam-and-representatives-of-smes-6821.jpg.webp
Party General Secretary and State President To Lam meets representatives of Vietnamese small and medium enterprises in Hanoi on August 22. (Photo: VNA)

Lauding VINASME’s achievements and contributions to national development, General Secretary and President Lam emphasised that the Party and State always give special attention to and create the best possible conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to operate and grow.Read full story

-National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man received visiting Lao NA Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Lao Committee for Peace and Solidarity Sommad Pholsena in Hanoi on August 22.

NA Chairman receives Lao guest.webp
National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man (R) and visiting Lao NA Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Lao Committee for Peace and Solidarity Sommad Pholsena in Hanoi on August 22. (Photo: VNA)

Stressing that Vietnam consistently values its strategic relationship and comprehensive cooperation with Laos, including its Party, State, and people, Man said the recent state visit to Laos by To Lam, shortly after being elected President by the Vietnamese NA, exemplifies Vietnam's unwavering policy of prioritising the strengthening and nurturing of the two nations’ great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.Read full story

- Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang on August 22 provided more details about the main outcomes of the recent state visit to China by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam.

At the foreign ministry’s regular press meeting, Hang said the visit by General Secretary and President Lam, his spouse, and the high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese Party and State was successful in all aspects, greatly contributing to the building of a Vietnam - China community of shared future that carries strategic significance, as well as peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.Read full story

-The 4th World Conference of Overseas Vietnamese (OV) officially concluded in the capital city on August 22 afternoon, successfully completing the agenda and planned activities.

OV conference.webp
The Minister of Foreign Affairs’ certificates of merit and the SCOVA’s commendations are presented to individuals and groups in Vietnam and overseas who have made significant, exemplary contributions to OV-related work at the event (Photo: VNA)

Summarising the results of the conference, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang noted that it saw Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attending the opening session and delivering a keynote address at its 2024 forum of OV intellectuals and experts. The event attracted over 200 representatives from ministries, sectors and various central and local agencies, political and social organisations, universities, business associations, former leaders of the ministry, and Vietnamese ambassadors to Japan, Australia, and Thailand.Read full story

-The Ministry of Information and Communications held a conference in Hanoi on August 22 to provide an update on Vietnam’s implementation of recommendations from the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD).

Tran Chi Mai, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department at the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs, informed that Vietnam’s combined 15th to 17th periodic report on the implementation of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), which covers 2013-2019, was approved by the CERD at its 3035th - 3036th meetings in Geneva in November 2023.Read full story

-The Paris Court of Appeal's rejection of the lawsuit filed by Tran To Nga against US manufacturers of Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin is not a surprise for the French-Vietnamese woman, who said she will not give up but continue to pursue this lawsuit.

tran-to-nga-1-1450.jpg.webp
Many politicians and mayors of districts in Paris and nearby cities, along with representatives of left-wing parties and environmental activists come to show support for Tran To Nga (fourth from left) on August 22. (Photo: VNA)

On August 22, the Paris Court of Appeal rejected the lawsuit filed by Nga against the US chemical corporations that supplied AO/dioxin for the US army to use during the war in Vietnam.Read full story

-Vietnam expresses regret over the Paris Court of Appeal's ruling in the lawsuit filed by Tran To Nga against US manufacturers of Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said at the ministry’s regular press briefing on August 22.

"We have recently received information about this matter. Vietnam regrets the ruling by the Paris Court of Appeal and has repeatedly expressed its stance on the issue. Although the war has ended, its severe consequences continue to profoundly impact our country and people, including the long-term and serious effects of AO/dioxin."Read full story/.

VNA

See more

President Ho Chi Minh works at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi. (File photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh Thought guides development path: Top leader

In an article written on the occasion of President Ho Chi Minh’s 136th birth anniversary (May 19, 1890 – 2026), the top Vietnamese leader affirmed that “Ho Chi Minh Thought serves as a guiding light along our development path.”

Vietnamese Ambassador to Venezuela Vu Trung My speaks at the event (Photo: VNA)

President Ho Chi Minh’s enduring legacy highlighted at Venezuela commemoration

Vice President of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) Jesús Faria expressed deep admiration for President Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam’s indomitable struggle for national independence. He described President Ho Chi Minh as an immortal symbol of 20th-century national liberation movements, whose legacy continues to inspire leftist parties, progressive movements, and peoples across Latin America, including Venezuela.

Standing Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Loc Ha (R) and EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier. (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City, EU boast ample room for sustainable development cooperation

Since the establishment of their diplomatic ties in 1990, Vietnam and the EU have deepened the bilateral ties into one of the bloc’s most dynamic and in-depth partnerships with an ASEAN member, Ha noted, adding that the relationship entered a new chapter in January when the President of European Council’s visit upgraded it to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang speaks at a discussion session on reforming multilateral systems and global governance, held on May 15, 2026, as part of the expanded BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in India. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam ready to strengthen BRICS connection with Asia-Pacific

Hang called on countries to act responsibly in accordance with international law and the UN Charter; respect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states; refrain from using or threatening to use force; and settle disputes peacefully through dialogue. She also underscored the importance of ensuring security, safety and freedom of navigation through straits in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung (centre), DPRK Vice Minister Pak of Foreign Affairs Sang Gil (left), and Vietnamese Ambassador to the DPRK Le Ba Vinh cut the ribbon to open the exhibition. (Photo: VNA)

Photo exhibition highlights Vietnam–DPRK relations

Visitors at the exhibition were moved by historical photographs dating back nearly 70 years, including images of the founding leader of the DPRK Kim Il Sung personally welcoming President Ho Chi Minh and a CPV delegation at Pyongyang’s Sunan International Airport during their visit to the DPRK from July 8–12, 1957. In return, the DPRK leader paid an official visit to Vietnam from November 27 to December 3, 1958.

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Deputy PM calls for substantive assessment of two-tier local administration operations

Chairing a meeting on the development of a scheme to review the first-year operations of the political system’s organisational apparatus and the two-tier local administration model, Tra emphasised that the review must comprehensively and objectively evaluate the nationwide implementation of administrative unit restructuring and the operation of the new local administration model.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi (right) and First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of Russia Andrey Yatskin at their meeting in Moscow on May 14. (Photo: VNA)

Key directions for Vietnam–Russia cooperation in 2026

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi had a working session with a delegation from the Russian Federation Council led by First Deputy Chairman Andrey Yatskin, in Moscow on May 14, discussing the expansion of multifaceted cooperation in 2026.

Officials from Cao Bang province of Vietnam and Baise city in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China hold talks on May 15. (Photo: VNA)

Cao Bang, China’s Baise city eye to boost all-around cooperation

Cao Bang province of Vietnam and Baise city in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China are exploring a “red tourism” route linking Pac Bo and Meng Mo (China) to promote revolutionary tradition education and strengthen bilateral friendship. They are also stepping up cooperation in human resource development through training exchanges and efforts to improve workforce quality.

Atsaphangthong Siphandone (centre), Secretary of the Vientiane Party Committee and Chairman of the municipal People’s Council, speaks at the working session. (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City, Vientiane strengthen cooperation for 2026–2030

Under the MoU, the two sides will strengthen cooperation in politics – diplomacy, security – defence, legal and judicial affairs, economic affairs, education, culture and society, cooperation among mass organisations and socio-political organisations, and development support.

Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung (left) meets with Jo Yong Won, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) and Chairman of the SPA of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, in Pyongyang on May 15. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam wishes to unceasingly develop ties with DPRK: Foreign Minister

Jo Yong Won, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) and Chairman of the SPA of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), expressed confidence that under the leadership of the CPV, headed by General Secretary and President Lam, Vietnam will successfully achieve the strategic goals set forth at the 14th National Party Congress.

New Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar (front) at the swearing-in ceremony of the new Government in Budapest on May 12, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Congratulations to newly-elected Hungarian leaders

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man on May 15 sent messages of congratulations to Magyar Péter and Forsthoffer Ágnes on their election as Prime Minister and Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary, respectively.

Ministers and deputy ministers from BRICS member and partner countries pose for a group photo while attending the Expanded BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in India on May 14. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam proposes key cooperation orientations at BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang shared Vietnam’s approach to building an independent and self-reliant economy linked to deep international integration, while proposing several key areas for enhanced cooperation between BRICS and partner countries at the Expanded BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting that opened on May 14 in India.

Dr Anatoly Sokolov from the Oriental Research Institute under the Russian Academy of Sciences in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s correspondent in Russia. (Photo: VNA)

President Ho Chi Minh’s experience in Soviet Union crucial to Vietnam’s revolution: Russian scholar

The Russian scholar emphasised that Ho Chi Minh’s years in the Soviet Union provided him with essential experience in organising the masses and conducting political work for revolutionary purposes. This knowledge proved crucial when he later successfully led the August Revolution in 1945, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam - the first people’s democratic state in Southeast Asia - without relying on external assistance. The victory became a powerful inspiration for national liberation movements across colonised countries worldwide, he added