Politics

☀️ Morning digest December 16

The following is a list of selected news summaries last night by the Vietnam News Agency.
☀️ Morning digest December 16 ảnh 1
Hanoi (VNA) - The following is a list ofselected news summaries last night by the Vietnam News Agency.

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with foreign leaders andpartners on the sidelines of the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit in Brussels,Belgium, on December 14 (local time).

Among the foreign leaders are German ChancellorOlaf Scholz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Portuguese PMAntónio Costa, Czech PM Petr Fiala, Polish PM Mateusz Morawiecki,Greek PM Kyriákos Mitsotákis, President of the European CommissionUrsula von der Leyen, Croatia’s PM Andrej Plenković, amongothers.Read full story
☀️ Morning digest December 16 ảnh 2Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (L) and President of the Chamber of Representatives of Belgium Eliane Tillieux (Photo: VNA)
-  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and President of theChamber of Representatives of Belgium Eliane Tillieux have agreed to promotecooperation and facilitate all-level visits between the two legislatures andoffer mutual support at regional and global inter-parliamentary forums.

During their meeting in Brussels on December 15(local time), PM Chinh suggested the Belgian Federal Parliament soonapprove the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), support theEuropean Commission’s early removal of “yellow card” warning on Vietnam’saquatic products, and assist Vietnam in development research and humanresources training. Read full story

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has stated that theVietnamese Government commits to creating a pro-business environment and fine-tuninglegal regulations in support of enterprises.

During a working luncheon with Minister-Presidentof Flanders and Flemish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Culture, ICT and FacilityManagement Jan Jambon in Brussels on December 15 (local time), PM Chinh saidfine political ties between Vietnam and Belgium over the past five decadesprovide a firm foundation for cooperation between Flanders region and Vietnamto grow.Read full story

- President Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended a conference of theCentral Military Commission in Hanoi on December 15 to review the 10-yearimplementation of a Resolution on national protection strategy in the newsituation which was adopted by the eighth plenum of the 11th Party CentralCommittee.

President Phuc, who is also head of the SteeringCommittee in charge of a project reviewing the 10-year implementation of theResolution, said amid rapid and uncertain developments in the region and theworld over the past decade, the Central Military Commission and DefenceMinistry have accomplished their goals, with some surpassing initialexpectations.Read full story

- The US’s decision to put Vietnam in the special watch liston religious freedom is based on unobjective assessment and inaccurateinformation regarding the situation of freedom of religion and beliefin Vietnam, Foreign Ministry deputy spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang said atthe ministry’s regular press briefing on December 15.

Vietnam follows a consistent policy of ensuringhuman rights as well as the freedom of religion and belief, Hang said,noting that this is clearly stated in the 2013 Constitution as well aslaws of the country, and has been ensured and respected in practice. Read full story

- Vietnam welcomes the European Union (EU)’s commitment tomobilize 10 billion EUR (10.6 billion USD) by 2027 for investment ininfrastructure projects in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN),Foreign Ministry deputy spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang stated at the ministry’sregular press conference on December 15.

The decision is intended to support the GlobalGateway strategy through cooperation projects, and kick start the SustainableConnectivity Team Europe Initiative in the ASEAN region.Read full story

- The Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Culture, Sports andTourism co-hosted a conference promoting tourism cooperation between Vietnamand Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries on December 15.

The event was held both online and in-personformat, attracting over 250 delegates and more than 100 travel agencies andhospitality providers from both sides. Read full story
☀️ Morning digest December 16 ảnh 3At the launch ceremony (Photo: VNA)

- The General Department of Taxation (GDT) on December 15officially operated its e-commerce information portal and launched electronicinvoices from cash register.

Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, head of the GDT’s TaxAdministration Department for Small and Medium Enterprises, Business Householdsand Individuals, said the portal has three main functions, including supportinge-commerce platforms in information supply and tax declaration on behalf ofindividuals and helping individuals file tax declarations./.Read full story
VNA
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

See more

Vietnamese Ambassador to the RoK Vu Ho speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)

President Ho Chi Minh honoured in RoK on 136th birth anniversary

With Vietnam–Korea ties expanding across multiple fields, he noted that honouring President Ho Chi Minh in the RoK carries significance beyond the overseas Vietnamese. It offers a chance to raise mutual understanding, empathy, and bonds between the Vietnamese and Korean people built on shared values of peace, cooperation, and development.

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.