PM Phuc sends sympathy to Japan over quake devastation

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on September 11 sent his sympathy to his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe over the human and property losses caused by a major earthquake and subsequent landslide in Japan’s Hokkaido prefecture on September 6.
PM Phuc sends sympathy to Japan over quake devastation ảnh 1Japan Self-Defence Forces search for missing people after the quake in Hokkaido Prefecture (Photo: Kyodo/VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Prime MinisterNguyen Xuan Phuc on September 11 sent his sympathy to his Japanese counterpartShinzo Abe over the human and property losses caused by a major earthquake andsubsequent landslide in Japan’s Hokkaido prefecture on September 6.

Also on September 11, Deputy PrimeMinister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh sent his sympathy to JapaneseForeign Minister Taro Kono.

At least nine people were killed andabout 300 injured by a magnitude 6.7 earthquake that struck Japan'snorthernmost main island of Hokkaido early September 6, destroying houses,ripping apart roads and causing a number of massive landslides, including some thatburied parts of towns.

The quake also cut power to all 2.95million homes and a nuclear power plant in the prefecture, causing thecancellation of flights and disrupting train services to the popular touristdestination.

The temblor, which occurred in southernHokkaido at a depth of about 37 km, registered the highest reading of 7 on theJapanese seismic intensity scale in Atsuma and upper 6 in Abira, both southeastof Sapporo. No tsunami warning was issued.

Smaller aftershocks continued and theJapan Meteorological Agency warned that earthquakes with a similar intensitycould continue in the area for about a week.

The quake is the latest in a series ofnatural disasters in Japan this year, and came just days after a powerfultyphoon roared through western Japan, killing more than 11 people, injuringmore than 400 and forcing the temporary shutdown of Kansai InternationalAirport, one of the country's key gateways.

The incident brought back memories ofthe 2011 quake and subsequent tsunami, which knocked out both the main andemergency power supply at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant and caused threereactors to melt down.-VNA
VNA

See more

Delegates at the meeting (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, US enhance cooperation in education - training

Affirming that Vietnam regards the US as one of its top strategic partners, Vice President of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Thanh said Vietnam wishes to further advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the US in a substantive and in-depth manner on the basis of respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political systems.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung (R) receives Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Rajpal Singh in Hanoi on August 12 (Photo: VNA)

Singapore remains one of Vietnam’s leading important partners: PM

Highlighting positive outcomes in Vietnam-Singapore cooperation across all areas, particularly since bilateral ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2025, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung proposed that the two sides maintain and step up high-level visits and exchanges at all levels.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung (R) receives Israeli Ambassador to Vietnam Yaron Mayer in Hanoi on August 12 for a farewell visit as the diplomat concludes his four-year tenure in the country. (Photo: VNA)

Prime Minister receives outgoing Israeli Ambassador

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung asked the Israeli Government to continue creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese people living, studying and working in Israel at a meeting with outgoing Israeli Ambassador to Vietnam Yaron Mayer in Hanoi on August 12.

An overview of the first extraordinary session of the 16th National Assembly on August 12. (Photo: VNA)

Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh urged to embrace modern urban governance

According to Government proposals submitted to the legislature, Quang Ninh and Bac Ninh cities will be formed based on the respective natural areas, populations and numbers of commune-level administrative units of the two provinces. Both proposals meet all five conditions stipulated in the Law on Organisation of Local Administration No. 72/2025/QH15 and all seven criteria for establishing centrally-run cities under Resolution No. 112/2025/UBTVQH15.

Politburo member, Standing member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee's Secretariat Tran Cam Tu leads a high-level delegation of the CPV to attend the funeral service for Politburo member of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and President of the Lao National Assembly Xaysomphone Phomvihane on August 12, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese Party leader attends funeral service for top Lao legislator

The Party leader stressed that the passing of NA President Xaysomphone is a great loss to the Lao Party, State and people, while Vietnam has also lost a great friend and a close, loyal comrade who had always held deep affection for the country, offered valuable support, and worked tirelessly to nurture and consolidate the Vietnam-Laos great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion.

Politburo member and President of the National Assembly of Laos Xaysomphone Phomvihane passed away on August 8 at the age of 70. (Photo: VNA)

Condolences sent to Lao Front over parliamentary leader’s passing

For the VFF and the Vietnamese people, Xaysomphone Phomvihane was a great friend and close comrade who devoted himself to fostering and developing the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States and peoples, as well as between the VFF and LFNC.

New Zealand officials welcome Party General Secretary and President To Lam (R) at Auckland International Airport. (Photo: VNA)

Party General Secretary and President To Lam begins state visit to New Zealand

Over more than five decades since the establishment of diplomatic relations on June 19, 1975, Vietnam and New Zealand have continuously worked to build a solid foundation for the bilateral ties. The two countries are expanding cooperation in smart agriculture, climate change adaptation and carbon markets in line with Vietnam’s green growth objectives.

Standing Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Loc Ha (R) and Vice Chairman of the Champasak provincial Administrative Committee Phimpone Phandanuvong sign an MoU on cooperation between the two localities for the 2026-2030 period. (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City-Champasak cooperation: A bright spot in Vietnam-Laos local ties

Cooperation priorities for the 2026-2030 period will cover trade, investment, agriculture, tourism, finance, education and human resources training, and socio-cultural affairs, with a focus on business connectivity, trade and investment promotion, tourism development, and support for education and human resources training.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President To Lam (right) meets with Craig Bradshaw, CEO of EQ Resources Limited of Australia. (Photo: VNA)

Top Vietnamese leader highlights strategic mineral, high-tech cooperation with Australian firms

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President To Lam received leaders of Australian businesses in Canberra on August 12 morning (local time), highlighting opportunities to expand cooperation in strategic mineral supply chains, high technology and innovation as the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations enters a new phase.