Soc Trang (VNA) – Khmer people in the southern province of Soc Trang have grieved for the passing of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong who always paid much attention to ethnic minority groups in general and Khmer people in particular.
Tram Chai Xuol, a prestigious person in Dai Tam commune of My Xuyen district, said that local senior citizens usually come to his house to enjoy tea and have lively talks every morning.
However, their conversations have become much quieter over the last few days upon learning of Party General Secretary Trong’s passing, Xuol said, adding that Khmer people are grateful to the leader for his consistent care for economic, cultural, and social development in ethnic minority-inhabited areas, including Khmer communities.
Tran Sen, a resident in the same commune, said that to Khmer people, Trong was a good leader who cared for people's life.
Over the past few days, they have closely followed the media's coverage of his life, leadership, and example. They deeply regret that they are unable to come to directly offer incense and pay their last respects to him, he shared.
Son Sa Ranh, Secretary of the Party Committee of My Thuan commune in My Tu district, noted that upon hearing the news of the General Secretary's death, sadness has blanketed the commune, and all people have mourned his passing.
The leader directed the Party building and rectification to be carried out in a drastic, comprehensive, and concerted manner. He resolutely promoted the fight against individualism, corruption, and other negative phenomena, along with the constant practice of revolutionary ethics and the promotion of good national traditions, the official went on.
He added that under Trong's clear-sighted and smart leadership, the Party and the nation are becoming stronger, overcoming all difficulties and challenges, and gaininging great achievements in all fields.
To Khmer people in Soc Trang, they are happy to see considerable improvements in the transport infrastructure, education, and life quality, Ranh said.
Soc Trang is home to the largest community of the Khmer people in Vietnam who make up 30% of the province’s population. It also accommodates 94 Khmer Theravada Buddhist pagodas, which are also much quieter these days.
Venerable Ly Minh Duc, head of Botum Vong Sa Som Rong Pagoda in Soc Trang city, recalled that on March 9, 2015, the Party leader warmly received delegates from the Standing Board and Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha chapter in Soc Trang province.
The monk said that he always keeps in mind what Trong talked to them that time.
The leader said he hopes that Buddhists would maintain solidarity with followers of other religions and the local community to realise the province's goals. Up to now, the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Soc Trang has successfully followed the leaders' instructions, the venerable continued.
Venerable Ly Minh Duc said that the passing of the Part General Secretary is a huge loss for the country in general and ethnic minorities in particular. As a top leader, Trong always paid attention to creating conditions for the development of ethnic minorities nationwide, including Khmer people. Thanks to that, the quality of life of Khmer people in Soc Trang has improved significantly, with people having jobs and children going to school./.

See more

PM lauds SK Group’s vision for mutual growth in Vietnam
As Vietnam is focusing on three strategic breakthroughs regarding institutions, infrastructure, and human resources, he fully endorsed the SK Group’s proposals and encouraged the group to continue its consultation, support, and investment in such critical sectors as artificial intelligence (AI) research and development, data centres, transportation, logistics and energy infrastructure, green and clean agriculture, and workforce training.

Vietnam resolute in achieving 8% growth target
The ambitious growth target of at least 8% underscores the government’s strong commitment to socio-economic development during the 2021-2025 period and lays the foundation for long-term prosperity.

Party chief welcomes RoK’s SK Group investments in Vietnam
The Party chief praised achievements that Korean firms, including the SK Group, have reaped in their operations in Vietnam, underscoring their role in the country’s socio-economic development.

Deputy PM, FM holds talks with Lao Foreign Minister
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane promised to effectively carry out the 2021–2025 cooperation agreement and collaborate on building a cooperation framework for the next phase.

☕ Afternoon briefing on February 14
The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.

Trust, motivation strengthened for ASEAN – China cooperation
The consultation highlighted the importance and value of the ASEAN – China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for each side and the whole region.

India’s Republic Day celebrated in HCM City
Vietnam - India relations have continuously obtained significant achievements across various fields since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972, the strategic partnership in 2007, and the comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016.

Samsung Vietnam leader honoured for contributing to Vietnam-RoK diplomatic relations
Choi Joo Ho, General Director of Samsung Vietnam, was commended for his efforts in expanding Samsung’s investment in Vietnam, significantly contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.

NA deputies debate supplements to 2025 socio-economic development plan
The national GDP growth in 2025 must reach at least 8% to lay a solid stepping stone for double-digit growth sustained for a long enough period of time, starting in 2026, according to the Government's proposal.

☀️ Morning digest on February 14
The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last night by the Vietnam News Agency.

Vietnam wishes for continued cooperation with US in fixing war aftermath
Over the past years, through various cooperation mechanisms, including those involved the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Vietnam and the US have effectively collaborated in various fields.

Vietnam further facilitates foreign nationals’ entry, exit, residence
Vietnam has been actively adopting various measures to draw foreign tourists, improve the quality of its tourism sector, and facilitate the entry and stay of foreign nationals.

Vietnam’s business climate unaffected by State apparatus reshuffle: Spokeswoman
Vietnam has introduced regulations to simplify investment procedures, making it easier for foreign firms to establish long-term operations in the country.

Vietnam willing to contribute to int'l efforts in settlement of Russia-Ukraine conflict: Spokeswoman
Vietnam supports the international community's mediation efforts aimed at finding lasting peaceful solutions to conflicts, ensuring the involvement of all relevant parties in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter.

Vietnam wants to boost trade with Southern Common Market: PM
PM Pham Minh Chinh urged the Brazilian Government and business community to advocate for the Vietnam-MERCOSUR FTA, as well as the two countries’ agreements on trade, investment, labour, visas, and double taxation avoidance.

Vietnamese State President hosts Lao foreign minister
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane believed that Vietnam will successfully realise the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress, especially as it approaches the 14th National Party Congress, and on the way to become a developed, high-income nation by 2045.

Vietnam ready to cooperate closely with US in receiving deported nationals
Hang made the statement while answering a reporter’s query about Vietnam’s handling and receiving of Vietnamese nationals deported from the US, as President Donald Trump has announced that he will enact a deportation campaign against illegal immigrants or those with prior criminal records, which include Vietnamese.

Prime Minister welcomes top Lao diplomat in Hanoi
The government leader emphasised that the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos is a unique relationship in the world.

Over 500 delegates register for ASEAN Future Forum 2025 this month
The ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) 2025, themed Building a United, Inclusive, and Resilient ASEAN amidst Global Transformations, will take place on February 25-26 in Hanoi.

Party chief receives Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs
Party General Secretary To Lam affirmed Vietnam’s commitment to preserving and strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation with Laos in a more practical and effective manner.