☀️ Morning digest on April 25

State President Luong Cuong's talks with the top leader of Laos, Party General Secretary To Lam's receptions for the ambassadors of the EU and the Philippines, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' regular press conference are among news highlights on April 24 evening.

☀️ Morning digest on April 25

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

– Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong held talks with General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith in Vientiane on April 24, right after the welcome ceremony held with the highest protocol for a head of state.

Sisoulith warmly welcomed Cuong's first visit in his new role from April 24-25, saying that the visit reflects the importance that the Vietnamese Party, State, and President himself attach to the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Laos. Read full story

– Vietnam is a trusted and prioritised partner of the European Union (EU) in the Asia-Pacific, affirmed EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier at a meeting with Party General Secretary To Lam in Hanoi on April 24.

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Party General Secretary To Lam (R) and EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier at their meeting in Hanoi on April 24. (Photo: VNA)

The Party leader expressed his confidence that, with joint efforts, Vietnam – EU relations would continue to strengthen and advance to new heights. He underlined that the EU remains a top partner in Vietnam’s foreign policy and noted with satisfaction the dynamic and comprehensive growth of the bilateral ties across all areas since the establishment of diplomatic relations 35 years ago (1990–2025). Read full story

– Vietnam always values the strategic partnership with the Philippines and aspires to elevate it to new heights, making it deeper and more comprehensive, said Party General Secretary To Lam while receiving Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Meynardo Los Banos Montealegre in Hanoi on April 24.

The leader hailed the ambassador for his active contributions to promoting the Vietnam-Philippines Strategic Partnership in recent times. He emphasised that the year 2025 holds special significance, marking the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two nations, which has seen positive and effective developments, both bilaterally and multilaterally. Read full story

– Vietnam has expressed its readiness to engage in dialogue with the US following the latter’s announcement of steep tariffs on solar panels imported from four countries in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam.

Speaking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' regular press briefing on April 24, spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stressed that Vietnam is willing to work with relevant US authorities to resolve the matter, ensuring that all information is reviewed in an objective and fair manner and in line with international practices, thereby facilitating and promoting bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, and investment. Read full story

– Vietnam highly appreciates Pope Francis’s role in promoting the relationship between Vietnam and the Vatican, Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said at the ministry’s regular press conference in Hanoi on April 24.

Hang said Vietnam also treasures the Pope’s guidance and recommendations encouraging Vietnamese Catholic dignitaries and followers to accompany the nation and contribute to its process of national construction and development. Read full story

– Opportunities for collaboration in clean energy technology development took centre stage at the Vietnam–China–ASEAN international energy forum, held in Hanoi on April 24.

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The Vietnam–China–ASEAN international energy forum takes place in Hanoi on April 24. (Photo: VNA)

The event drew participation from representatives of ASEAN embassies, several European nations, and leading enterprises and corporations from Vietnam, other bloc member countries, and China. It served as a vital platform for business networking and policy dialogue, and also offered a space for industry leaders and policymakers to exchange insights, explore new technologies, and reinforce cooperation toward sustainable energy development, particularly in Vietnam. Read full story

– Three major telecom operators namely MobiFone, Viettel, and VNPT, have agreed to jointly develop a standardised digital platform under the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, aiming to enhance digital identity verification, combat online fraud, and promote a safer digital ecosystem.

They will jointly develop a standardised platform to enhance network interoperability and drive digital transformation through the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, by deploying CAMARA APIs. Read full story

– The Global Sourcing Fair Vietnam 2025 opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 7 on April 24.

Co-organised by VINEXAD and Global Sources of Hong Kong (China), this year’s exhibition brings together more than 400 exhibitors with 500 booths from countries and territories such as India, Hong Kong (China), Bangladesh, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea (RoK), the Netherlands, and Vietnam. Approximately 30,000 export-standard products are on display, covering key sectors including fashion and accessories, home decor and gifts, and consumer electronics. Read full story./.

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The corvettes Rezky and Hero of the Russian Federation Aldar Tsydenzhapov at Tien Sa port (Photo: VNA)

Russian naval fleet makes port call in Da Nang city

During their stay in Da Nang, the Russian naval officers and sailors will engage in various activities, including laying wreaths at the Da Nang Heroes and Martyrs Memorial, paying courtesy calls to leaders of the municipal People’s Committee, the Naval Region 3 Command, and the Military Region 5 Command.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) To Lam (left) and Dmitry Medvedev, Chairman of the United Russia Party (URP) and Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia, at their meeting in Moscow on May 9. (Photo: VNA)

CPV – URP ties serve as solid foundation for Vietnam – Russia relations: General Secretary

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) To Lam and Dmitry Medvedev, Chairman of the United Russia Party (URP) and Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of Russia, affirmed their commitment to further consolidating political trust through high-level exchanges and close cooperation between the CPV and the URP, laying the cornerstone for long-term and sustainable relations.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam (third, right, front), his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly, along with leaders of various countries, attend the military parade at the Red Square in Moscow on May 9 to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Great Patriotic War (May 9, 1945 – 2025) (Photo: VNA)

Party leader attends military parade celebrating Victory of Great Patriotic War in Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, underlined that May 9 is a major holiday for every Russian family and for all nations that fought against fascism. He paid tribute to the immense sacrifices of tens of millions of soldiers and civilians whose contributions on both the front lines and in the rear paved the way for the victory.

☕ Afternoon briefing on May 9

☕ Afternoon briefing on May 9

A Government meeting on expediting the reorganisation of administrative units, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment's opposition to China’s seasonal fishing ban in certain areas of the East Sea, and the opening of IRONMAN 70.3 Vietnam 2025 are among news highlights on May 9.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh addresses the government meeting on May 9. (Photo: VNA)

Prime Minister chairs meeting on reorganisation of administrative units

PM Chinh underscored that as part of efforts to implement the ongoing "revolution" in restructuring the political system’s organisational apparatus, ministries, agencies, and organisations at the central level have largely completed the reorganisation of their structures.

☀️ Morning digest on May 9

☀️ Morning digest on May 9

Party General Secretary To Lam's activities during his visits to Azerbaijan and Russia, PM Pham Minh Chinh's phone talks with his Singaporean counterpart, and the 13th Vietnam – US Defence Policy Dialogue are among news highlights on late May 8.

Party General Secretary To Lam (left) meets with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow on May 8. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam ready to work with Russia to elevate relations: Party leader

The Party leader proposed the two sides continue enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership by further strengthening political trust through increased mutual visits at all levels, improving the efficiency of the Inter-governmental Committee and its member working groups, and bolstering defence – security cooperation.