Spouses of Vietnamese Party leader, Singaporean PM contemplate water puppetry

Ly believed that the ongoing official visit to Vietnam by the PM, his spouse, and the high-level delegation of Singapore will be a great success, ushering in a new chapter in Vietnam-Singapore relations.

Madam Ngo Phuong Ly (L) presents a water puppet to Madam Loo Tze Lui. (Photo: VNA)
Madam Ngo Phuong Ly (L) presents a water puppet to Madam Loo Tze Lui. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Madam Ngo Phuong Ly, spouse of Party General Secretary To Lam, received Madam Loo Tze Lui, spouse of visiting Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on March 26.

Ly expressed her delight at meeting Loo again and welcomed the latter to Vietnam. She believed that the ongoing official visit to Vietnam by the PM, his spouse, and the high-level delegation of Singapore will be a great success, ushering in a new chapter in Vietnam-Singapore relations.

Recalling the official visit to Singapore from March 11-13, Ly showed her gratitude to the PM, Loo, the Government and people of Singapore for their warm welcome reserved for Party General Secretary To Lam, herself and the high-ranking delegation of Vietnam.

Ly recalled her memorable participation in the orchid-naming ceremony and the deep connections formed during her trip. She shared that the newly named orchid, Papilionanda To Lam Linh Ly, has been carefully nurtured upon her return to Vietnam and was brought to this gathering as a symbol of the growing friendship between the two nations.

vna-potal-phu-nhan-tong-bi-thu-tiep-phu-nhan-thu-tuong-singapore-7935455.jpg
Madam Ngo Phuong Ly and Madam Loo Tze Lui pose for a photo with artists from the Vietnam Water Puppet Theatre. (Photo: VNA)

In response, Loo expressed her admiration for Vietnam’s rich cultural traditions. She recounted her visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology and her enjoyment of Vietnamese cuisine, highlighting her appreciation for the country’s deep-rooted history and diverse cultural heritage.

The two ladies exchanged insights into the cultural values of their respective nations, discussing the significance of the orchid and the lotus, each representing national pride in Singapore and Vietnam, respectively

Ly also introduced traditional Vietnamese textile weaving and presented Loo with a set of beautifully crafted ao dai, Vietnam’s signature traditional dress, elaborating on the history and symbolism of the lotus motif featured in the design.

Following their conversation, the two ladies contemplated a show of water puppetry, a distinctive Vietnamese folk art that originated in the Red River Delta. Ly expressed her hope that through this unique performance, Loo will gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s cultural heritage and the daily life of its people./.

VNA

See more

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 strenthern 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.

Bui Quang Hung, Deputy Director General of the Trade Promotion Agency, addresses the seminar. (Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Industry and Trade)

Vietnam, Netherlands seek deeper manufacturing cooperation

Manufacturing remains one of Vietnam's core industries, making a major contribution to economic growth, exports and foreign direct investment. The country has become an important production base for multinational corporations in electronics, precision engineering, electrical equipment and high-tech industries.

Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith (right) receives General Nguyen Trong Nghia, Chairman of the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People's Army on August 6 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Laos strengthen political, defence ties

The Lao leaders expressed satisfaction with the steady development of bilateral ties, noting that political relations have become increasingly close, deep and trustworthy, serving as the guiding force for overall cooperation.

Collins Chong Yew Keat, a foreign affairs, security and strategy analyst at the University of Malaya (Photo: VNA)

Malaysia-Vietnam defence ties set for more practical cooperation: expert

According to the expert, another key outcome was the reaffirmation of the 2023 defence cooperation MoU and the Action Programme for implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as the principal roadmap for future collaboration. The framework builds on existing cooperation in delegation exchanges, consultation mechanisms, military education, defence industry, and coordination within ASEAN and other multilateral forums.

Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung speaks at the networking session with business community on August 6. (Photo: VNA)

Diplomacy to accompany businesses in expanding Vietnam's development space

Opening the event, Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung said Vietnam is entering a new era of development in which foreign affairs and international integration is a crucial and regular task, contributing to maintaining a peaceful and stable environment, mobilising external resources and enhancing the country's international standing.