☀️ 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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Comrade Tran Duc Luong, former Politburo member, former President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

SPECIAL COMMUNIQUÉ on former State President Tran Duc Luong’s funeral

The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, the National Assembly, the State President, the Government and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee have issued a special communiqué, announcing that former State President Tran Duc Luong passed away at 22:51 on May 20, 2025, and his funeral will be held as a national mourning.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame (R) receives Vietnamese Ambassador to Tanzania and Rwanda Vu Thanh Huyen. (Photo: VNA)

Rwanda treasures traditional friendship with Vietnam: President

Expressing her great honour to assume this position, Huyen affirmed her commitment to making every effort to further promote the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Rwanda, particularly in the fields of economy, trade, agriculture, and education.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh addresses the Government’s law-building session in Hanoi on May 22. (Photo: VNA)

PM urges stronger decentralisation, delegation of power crucial during law building

They also considered two draft laws and four legislative proposals - the law on enforcement of temporary detention, custody, and travel restrictions; the amended law on enforcement of criminal judgements; the amended law on thrift practice and wastefulness combat; the amended law on judicial assessment; the amended law on food safety; and the law on population.

☕ Afternoon briefing on May 22

☕ Afternoon briefing on May 22

The Government’s law-building session for May, the conclusion of the second round of negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement between Vietnam and the US, and Vietnam's participation in SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025 are among news highlights on May 22.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang (R) and Swedish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dag Hartelius (Photo: baoquocte.vn)

Deputy FM’s visit seeks to deepen ties with Sweden

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang reaffirmed Vietnam’s dedication to consolidating and developing friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Sweden, expressing sincere gratitude to the Swedish Government and people for their invaluable support during Vietnam’s past struggle for independence and in its ongoing development and global integration.

☀️ Morning digest on May 22

☀️ Morning digest on May 22

PM Pham Minh Chinh's message to the 78th session of the World Health Assembly, the passing-away of former State President Tran Duc Luong, and Vietnam's participation in the 2025 Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) Japan exhibition are among news highlights on May 21 evening.

Associate Professor Dr. Duong Trung Y (R), Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, has a meeting with Nomvula Mokonyane, First Deputy Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa. (Photo published by VNA)

Vietnam, South Africa enhance cooperation in training of leaders, managers

They agreed to further deepen collaboration between the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and the ANC’s OR Tambo School of Leadership in the areas of leader and manager training, political theory research, as well as academic and expert exchanges in public governance, public policy, and strategic-level capacity building.