☀️ Morning digest on February 12

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

☀️ Morning digest on February 12

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

- The all-level Party congresses for the 2025-2030 term hold exceptional significance. They are not only major, wide-reaching political activities within the Party and the people but also serve as a vital premise for the successful organisation of the 14th National Party Congress.

The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) respectfully introduces a translation of the article, titled “Ensuring the successful organisation of all-level Party congresses for the 2025-2030 term” by Party General Secretary To Lam. Read full story

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highlighted the critical task of developing sci-tech, innovation and quality workforce while chairing a conference in Hanoi on February 11, noting that they are essential drivers of economic restructuring, enhanced labour productivity, and greater competitiveness in today’s fast-changing world.

In his address, PM Chinh asked relevant ministries and the Government Office to collect feedback at the event to propose a draft directive for this national effort. Read full story

- The 9th extraordinary session of the 15th National Assembly (NA) will open on February 12, with its activities taking place in person at the NA House in Hanoi.

During the 8-day session, legislators will review and pass the drafts of the revised law on amendments and supplements to the Law on organisation of the NA, the revised Law on organisation of the Government, and the revised Law on promulgation of legal documents. Read full story

- Working at one of the world’s largest and most respected centres for scientific research, a Vietnamese female scientist is positive about changes at home, particularly when seeing young people value Vietnam's vast traditional culture.

Pham Le Thu Ha, or Joni Pham, is a PhD student from the University of Melbourne and a physicist at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, Switzerland. CERN is home to the world's largest particle accelerator. It is renowned for its groundbreaking scientific discoveries and its goal of unraveling the mysteries of the universe such as dark matter and dark energy, while affirming the role of science in promoting peace in a world filled with turmoil. Read full story

- The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) has played a decisive and leading role in the country's current renewal process, according to Professor Liu Ying at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies under the Renmin University of China.

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)’s resident correspondents in Beijing on the occasion of the CPV’s 95th founding anniversary, Liu said that through scientific decisions, wise leadership, and effective policy implementation, the CPV has promoted the comprehensive development of Vietnamese society. Particularly in the economic field, it has successfully implemented the reform and open-door policies, transforming Vietnam from an agricultural country into a key economy in Southeast Asia. Read full story

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Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov (R) speaks at the opening of the exhibition marking the 75th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Russia in Moscow on February 11. (Photo: VNA)

- The friendship and sympathy between the Vietnamese and Russian people have overcome the test of time and political circumstances, said Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov in his opening speech at an exhibition marking the 75th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties in Moscow on February 11.

Russia is proud to have supported heroic Vietnam during the years of fighting for freedom and independence as well as during the period of peace building, he said.Read full story

- Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son had bilateral meetings with leaders of Laos and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) within the framework of the World Governments Summit 2025 (WGS 2025) in Dubai on February 11.

Meeting with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Son provided an overview of Vietnam's socio-economic achievements and drastic measures the country has taken to realise the Resolution on continued reform and re-organisation of the political system for streamlined, effective and efficient operations. Read full story

- Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien represented Vietnam at the 14th Japan-ASEAN Defence Vice-Ministerial Forum in Tokyo, Japan, on February 11.

In his speech, Chien stressed that the world is undergoing era-defining transformations. Against this backdrop, the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+) has proven effective in managing regional security, fostering dialogue, and enhancing cooperation to address emerging challenges, helping to maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific. Read full story

- Despite the US’s imposition of 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum, Vietnam still holds promising opportunities to continue its exports to the US market as US producers have yet to fully meet domestic demand, said Commercial Counsellor Do Ngoc Hung, Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in the US.

However, the new tariffs could squeeze profit margins for Vietnamese exporters, making it crucial for businesses to adapt swiftly, Hung said./. Read full story

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Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung grants an interview to the Vietnam News Agency. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam affirms global responsibility at Board of Peace

Vietnam has practical experience in post-war recovery and stands ready to contribute personnel and resources, within its capacity, to reconstruction efforts, socio-economic recovery and stabilising livelihoods in Gaza.

State President Luong Cuong, on behalf of Party and State leaders, delivers the Lunar New Year message. (Photo: VNA)

State President Luong Cuong conveys Tet greetings on New Year’s Eve

On the occasion of the Lunar New Year (Tet) 2026, at the sacred moment of transition between the old and new year, State President Luong Cuong, on behalf of Party and State leaders, has delivered a message of greetings to all compatriots, comrades, and soldiers nationwide, and the Vietnamese community abroad as well.

Novice monks at Pho Phuoc pagoda in Thailand are very interested in learning about Vietnamese culture, customs, and traditional Lunar New Year practices through making banh chung and banh tet. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese communities abroad celebrate Lunar New Year 2026

Vietnamese communities around the world have been celebrating the Lunar New Year (Tet) with cultural events that highlight traditional customs, strengthen community bonds, and introduce Vietnamese heritage to international friends.

Party General Secretary To Lam visits Ho Chi Minh Relic Site within the Presidential Palace complex (Photo: VNA)

Party chief offers incense in tribute to kings, President Ho Chi Minh

Party General Secretary To Lam offered incense in tribute to the nation’s forefathers at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and to President Ho Chi Minh at House 67, part of the Ho Chi Minh Relic Site within the Presidential Palace complex in Hanoi on February 16, or the 29th day of the last lunar month.

Vietnamese Ambassador Dang Minh Khoi and Lao Ambassador Shiphandone Oybuabuddy with officials and staff of the two embassies. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Laos share festive spirit ahead of Lunar New Year 2026

In a warm and festive atmosphere, officials and staff from the two embassies exchanged new year wishes for peace, development and success, reaffirming the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

Defence Attaché of Vietnam to Laos Colonel Phan Huu Thang speaks at the event (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam–Laos special relationship remains inseparable

No matter how complex and unpredictable global and regional developments may become, Laos and Vietnam will remain inseparable, said Senior Lieutenant General Vongsone Inpanphim, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Minister of National Defence and Director of the General Political Department of the Lao People’s Army.

Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang (R) hosts Michael DeSombre, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, in Hanoi on February 13. (Photo: qdnd.vn)

Minister of National Defence meets with US Assistant Secretary of State in Hanoi

Stressing that Vietnam will keep close coordination and create the best possible conditions for activities related to the search for US personnel missing in action, Defence Minister Phan Van Giang also called on the US to enhance information sharing on documents and artefacts related to Vietnamese soldiers who laid down or went missing during the war.

Party General Secretary To Lam (right) receices US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre in Hanoi on February 13. (Photo: VNA)

Party chief receives US Assistant Secretary of State

The US attaches great importance to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam, supports a strong, independent and prosperous Vietnam, and wishes to enhance strategic-level cooperation with the country both bilaterally and on regional and international matters.

General Luong Tam Quang, Politburo member and Minister of Public Security, receives US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre in Hanoi on February 13. Photo: VNA

Vietnam, US enhance security, law enforcement cooperation

The Ministry of Public Security stands ready to strengthen cooperation with the US in combating transnational crime, said Minister Luong Tam Quang while receiving US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre in Hanoi on February 13.