Havana (VNA) - Director General of the Cuban News Agency (ACN) Edda Diz Garcés has expressed confidence that General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam will continue to uphold unity and solidarity and successfully implement the goals and tasks set by the 13th National Party Congress.
In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency in Havana, the official also said that Lam will help promote the traditional and exemplary relationship between Cuba and Vietnam.
Regarding the foreign policy priorities outlined by the leader, she emphasised that these strategic viewpoints will enhance Vietnam's international standing as a reference point for protecting global peace, multilateralism, and integration for development. She noted that this is invaluable in a world facing multifaceted crises and needing balance, fairness, and more equal exchanges.
As for the anti-corruption efforts in Vietnam, the ACN Director General said that Vietnam’s endeavour is necessary and needs to be promoted. She highlighted Vietnam as a model of determination and transparency in the fight against at all levels. As a result, it has gained sustainable national development achievements across various fields.
Mentioning Vietnam's efforts to pursue the goals set in the 13th National Party Congress’s Resolution, including becoming a modern industrialised, high-income developing country by 2030, Edda Diz Garcés expressed her belief that continued strengthening of unity within the Party and Government, along with a comprehensive, transparent, and robust political system, will ensure Vietnam's success, building on the legacy of previous leaders./.
See more
Thailand shortens visa-free stay for visitors from over 90 countries
Most foreign nationals will now be allowed to stay for a maximum of 30 days instead of the previous 60 days, while citizens of some countries and territories may be limited to just 15 days.
Singapore: Illegal e-cigarette market persists despite ban
In a report published on May 18, the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) and market research firm Euromonitor International said illicit tobacco sales in Singapore, comprising mainly illicit cigarettes and e-vaporisers, resulted in an estimated 156 million SGD in lost government revenue over the same period.
Thailand tightens durian quality control
Durian is not only a key agricultural export but also an important economic asset, contributing to incomes for farmers, exporters and the logistics sector, while promoting Thailand’s culinary image in the global market, according to Thai Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Suriyas Junrungreangkit.
Cambodia ranked world’s top country for natural environment in 2026
Cambodia currently manages 73 protected natural areas covering more than seven million hectares, equivalent to about 41% of the country’s total land area. These protected areas play a vital role in forest conservation, wildlife habitat protection and biodiversity preservation through stricter law enforcement and conservation measures.
Singapore’s non-oil exports surge beyond forecasts in April 2026
The strong performance was driven mainly by electronic exports amid sustained demand linked to artificial intelligence technologies, according to a statement from Enterprise Singapore.
AI-related demand pushes Singapore exports in April
Singapore's exports to the US surged 59.6%, reversing a fall of 2.8% in March. Shipments to China climbed 37.8% from 20.3% the previous month and those to the European Union rose 33.4% after shrinking 12.2% in March.
Indonesia’s rupiah hits record low amid market turmoil
The Indonesian rupiad at one point on May 18 dropped more than 1% to around 17,668 IDR per USD, its weakest level on record. Indonesia’s benchmark stock index also plunged more than 4% after a long holiday, reflecting growing investor concerns.
Thailand enforces seasonal fishing ban to protect spawning stocks
Under Thailand’s 2015 Fisheries Act, violators may face fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 THB (approximately 150–1,500 USD), or penalties of up to five times the value of illegally caught fishery products.
Thailand attracts 5.5 billion USD in EV industry investment
The global automotive industry is undergoing a strong shift towards electric vehicles, smart vehicles and digital technology, BOI Secretary General Narit Therdsteerasukdi said in a keynote speech.
Malaysia records sharp rise in online scam losses
Teo revealed on May 16 that online scam losses in Malaysia reached 2.77 billion RM (about 700 million USD) last year, compared with 1.28 billion RM in 2023 and 1.57 billion RM in 2024. Investment scams accounted for the largest share of the losses.
Indonesia eyes building international financial hub in Bali
The KEK Kura Kura Bali SEZ is expected to serve as a platform for innovative financial activities, including sustainable finance, digital finance, and investment management.
Hantavirus classified as “dangerous communicable disease” in Thailand
The new mandate requires authorities to report suspected cases within three hours, conduct disease investigations within 12 hours, and enforce a strict 42-day quarantine for high-risk contacts.
Malaysia tightens import controls on selected seafood products from Thailand
The temporary restriction involves the shrimp species Penaeus esculentes (brown tiger prawn), Fenneropenaeus merguiensis (banana prawn), Penaeus vannamei (whiteleg shrimp), Penaeus monodon (giant tiger prawn) and Penaeus stylirostris (blue shrimp).
Malaysia tightens spending to strengthen economic resilience
The move to tighten control over non-essential spending, including scaling down official events, reflects a proactive and disciplined approach to public financial management.
Scientists discover largest dinosaur species ever found in Thailand
According to the researchers, Nagatitan Chaiyaphumensis belonged to the Titanosauridae family, a group of herbivorous dinosaurs characterised by their long necks and tails. The species is estimated to have measured between 27 and 30 metres in length and weighed more than 26 tonnes.
Cambodia lowers 2026 economic growth forecast to 4.2%
According to the medium-term fiscal framework for 2027-2029 recently published by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Cambodia is navigating a transition against a backdrop of protracted global crises, including rising protectionism, trade wars, geopolitical and geo-economic tensions, and increasingly severe impacts of climate change and natural disasters as well.
Philippines hit by widespread power outage affecting millions
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) said rolling one-hour power outages hit parts of the capital Manila and the rest of the main island of Luzon from mid-afternoon.
Thailand enters 2026 rainy season
According to forecasts by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), Thailand entered the rainy season, after key meteorological conditions met the criteria for the start of the season.
Indonesia records highest-ever rice reserves
The figure marks the highest level of rice stocks in Indonesia’s history as the country steps up policies aimed at boosting agricultural output and strengthening national food security.
Philippines warns of power cuts as heat strains grids
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) issued a red alert, warning of potential outages of up to seven hours in 32 areas across the Visayas grid, and hour-long outages in nine areas across Luzon, including the capital Manila.