Republic of Korea's National Assembly Chung Sye-kyun (Photo: VNA) 
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.
With a long-term vision toward 2045, Vietnam is building a comprehensive development strategy that combines strengthening hard power in the economy and defense with enhancing soft power through culture, history, and international integration.
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.
State President Luong Cuong on February 16 sent a congratulatory message to António José Seguro on his election as President of Portugal.
The National Election Council has published the official list of 864 candidates standing in 182 electoral units nationwide to elect 500 deputies to the 16th National Assembly.
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.
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.
General Secretary Lam underscored VTV’s pivotal role in swiftly and effectively conveying the Party’s guidelines and policies to officials, Party members and the broader public.
At the ceremony, PM Chinh and other delegates prayed for national peace and prosperity, and for the people to enjoy happiness.
The PM and his entourage pledged to further advance the study and following of President Ho Chi Minh’s thought, morality and style, meeting the demands of revolutionary tasks in the new phase.
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.
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.
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.
After Tet, the High Command of Military Region 9 will immediately implement plans for military recruitment, with particular focus on preparations for the election of deputies to the 16th NA and to People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term.
The Deputy Minister said that 2026 will be the year when economic diplomacy shifts sharply from "paving the way" to "facilitating development", from "connecting opportunities" to "connecting strategic resources", and from "making commitments" to "verifying effectiveness".
Professor Vladimir Mazyrin, Director of the Centre for Vietnam and ASEAN Studies, emphasised the significance of Vietnam’s long-term vision. He observed that if the country achieves developed-nation status within the next two decades, it could rank among the world’s top 20 economies by GDP, thereby enhancing its global standing.
The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.
In tribute to late PM Pham Van Dong (1906 - 2000), the Party chief expressed great respect and deep gratitude for the immense contributions of the late Government leader — an outstanding disciple and close and trusted comrade of President Ho Chi Minh; a steadfast proletarian revolutionary, and a prominent leader of Vietnam’s revolution in the 20th century, who made great contributions to the cause of national liberation, construction and defence.
The dialogue series entitled “Coffee with the Ambassador” is seen as an engaging blend of politics, economy and culture within diplomatic practice, enabling policy messages to be conveyed in a vivid and accessible manner while helping to amplify Vietnam’s development story in the new era.
The leaders showed their respects and deep gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh – a genius leader and national liberation hero who dedicated his whole life to the struggle for national liberation and reunification, and construction.
