☀️ Morning digest on May 9

The following is a list of selected news summaries over the weekend by Vietnam News Agency.
☀️ Morning digest on May 9 ảnh 1
Hanoi, (VNA) - The following is a list of selected newssummaries over the weekend by Vietnam News Agency.

- Leaders of Vietnam have extended their sympathies to theirCuban counterparts over huge human and asset losses caused by a massiveexplosion at Hotel Saratoga in Havana capital city on May 6.
PartyGeneral Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Nguyen Xuan Phuc senttheir sympathies to First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba CentralCommittee and President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez. Read full story

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other ASEAN leaders willattend a special ASEAN-US summit marking the 45th founding anniversary of therelations between the two sides in Washington D.C. on May 12-13, at theinvitation of US President Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.

On this occasion,a delegation of Vietnam led by PM Chinh will visit the US and the UnitedNations from May 11 to 17, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Read full story

– The 13th Party Central Committee looked into a projectreviewing the 20-year implementation of a resolution on continuing to reform,develop and improve the efficiency of the collective economy during its fifthplenum on May 7. The resolution was adopted at the fifth plenum of theninth Party Central Committee. Read full story

- The Presidium of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) CentralCommittee convened its 12th conference on May 8 to discuss its draft report onthe summary of opinions and recommendations by voters and people for submissionto the 15th National Assembly’s 3rd meeting.

In his remarks, Presidentof the Committee Do Van Chien affirmed the importance of the report, addingthat comments will be taken into account for its completion. Read full story

- Queen Margrethe II of Denmark has expressedher confidence in the growth of the Vietnam-Denmark relations toward newheights toward comprehensiveness and effectiveness, at a reception for the newVietnamese Ambassador, Luong Thanh Nghi, following a ceremony to receive hisletter of credentials.

The queen also showed her delight at thedevelopment of the bilateral diplomatic ties since its establishment in 1971across myriad sectors, from traditional socio-political-economic affairs to newarenas of climate change and green growth. Read full story

- The Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam)has reported that its crude oil output reached 3.63 million tonnes in the firstfour months of this year, surpassing the set target by 23 percent. Thegroup’s revenue in the period was estimated at 292.6 trillion VND (12.74billion USD), up 62 percent on-year and exceeding the goal by 62 percent. Read full story

– A Vietnam Airlines flight from Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpurlanded safely at Noi Bai international airport in Hanoi at night on May 7,making it the first operated by the national flag carrier between the twocapitals after 26 months due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Talking to theVietnam News Agency in Kuala Lumpur, Hoang Minh Tri, head of the airlines’branch in Malaysia, said there will be three flights on the route per week. Read full story

- Global website US News has released its 2021 globaleducation rankings, with Vietnam placed 59th, up five notches compared to 2020. In 2020, Vietnam was in the 64th position out of 73 countries in the rankings.The top 10 countries in the 2021 global rankings are the United States, theUnited Kingdom, Germany, Canada, France, Switzerland, Japan, Australia, Sweden,and the Netherlands. Read full story/.
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General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam (R) hosts Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn in Hanoi on September 10, 2025. (Photo: VNA)

New impetus for deeper Vietnam–Australia ties

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam's state visit comes as the Vietnam–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is booming. Leaders expect it will inject new momentum, making ties deeper, more substantive and more effective.

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Doan Anh (standing) presides over the session on August 8. (Photo: VNA)

National Assembly reviews bill on WMD non-proliferation

Most deputies agreed on the need for the law, saying it will help complete the legal framework for implementing Vietnam’s international commitments and proactively prevent, detect and stop the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and related delivery systems.

The ASEAN flag hoisting ceremony held in Hanoi on July 31, 2026 to mark the 59th founding anniversary of ASEAN and the 31st anniversary of Vietnam's accession to the bloc. (Photo published by VNA)

Vietnam to remain active player in shaping ASEAN’s future: minister

Entering a new era of national development with the aspiration of building a strong and prosperous country, the mindset of "growing alongside ASEAN" will guide Vietnam’s more proactive, positive, and substantive contributions to the ASEAN Community and the co-creation of the region’s shared future, noted Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man (R) and President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand Sophon Zaram in Hanoi during the latter's official visit to Vietnam from August 5-7, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Thailand's parliamentary leader concludes official visit to Vietnam

Thailand attaches great importance to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam, and the two countries share a solid foundation of friendship, many common strategic interests and significant potential for cooperation, said President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand Sophon Zaram.

Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung speaks at the 33rd Diplomatic Conference's closing session in Hanoi on August 7, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

33rd Diplomatic Conference wraps up in Hanoi

Foreign relations are no longer viewed simply as relations with the outside world but as an integral component of national comprehensive strength and a responsibility shared by the entire Party, people, armed forces and political system.

Lawmakers in a group discussion (Photo: VNA)

Lawmakers seek legal reforms to promote telecom infrastructure data sharing

A deputy of Ha Tinh province said there is currently no clear legal basis for sharing technical infrastructure data. While the issue may be less apparent under normal circumstances, it could hamper local coordination and response during storms, floods and other disasters when detailed infrastructure data is not readily available.

Consuls general of ASEAN countries in Ho Chi Minh City show calligraphy works presented to them at the gathering on August 7. (Photo: VNA)

Get-together celebrates 59th founding anniversary of ASEAN

​Despite differences in history, culture, languages, religions, levels of development, and social conditions, ASEAN member states have chosen to respect one another, build consensus, and pursue shared regional interests. It’s the unity in diversity that has shaped ASEAN’s identity, strength, resilience, and central role in the regional architecture.

Vina Nadjibulla, former Vice President for Research and Strategy at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (Photo; VNA)

33rd Diplomatic Conference: Vietnam's foreign policy wins praise from Canadian expert

Vina Nadjibulla, former Vice President for Research and Strategy at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, credited pragmatic diplomacy with allowing Vietnam to build relationships with a range of partners without becoming overly dependent on any single country. That approach, she noted, has become more relevant as major-power rivalry heats up, the global economy fragments, and pressure mounts on countries to pick sides.

Minister of Agriculture and Environment Trinh Viet Hung speaks at the session (Photo: VNA)

Legislators review bills to streamline administrative procedures in agriculture, environment

Presenting the draft law on amending and supplementing several articles of 10 laws concerning administrative procedures and business conditions in the agriculture and environment sector, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Trinh Viet Hung said it is designed to institutionalise the Party's policy of reducing and simplifying administrative procedures and business conditions, while promoting decentralisation, innovation, and more effective state governance.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee (right) hosts a reception for Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn in Hanoi during her state visit to Vietnam in September last year (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Australia to further strengthen cooperation

The messages posted on Australian Government media platforms highlighted Australia and Vietnam as close regional partners with a long-standing friendship. This will be General Secretary and President Lam’s first visit to Australia since being appointed as President in April and it is also the first in-person meeting between the two leaders.

Lawmakers discuss bills in groups (Photo: VNA)

Lawmakers mull over various bills in group debates

The legislative package includes a draft Law on Urban Development, a bill amending and supplementing several articles of 10 laws that govern administrative procedures and business conditions in agriculture and environment, and the draft Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Radio Frequencies, the Law on Telecommunications, the Law on E-Transactions, and the Law on Technology Transfer.

A flag-raising ceremony is held to mark the 58th founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on August 8, 2025 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam remains active contributor to ASEAN Community Vision 2045

Vietnam's 31-year journey with ASEAN stands as compelling testimony to its strong commitment to regional integration, as well as its pioneering spirit, sense of responsibility, and proactive contributions to building a united and resilient ASEAN Community.