Top legislator asks for EU's support in accessing COVID-19 vaccines

National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue asked for the European Union (EU) assistance to Vietnam’s efforts to access European COVID-19 vaccine sources while receiving Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti, Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, in Hanoi on May 21.
Top legislator asks for EU's support in accessing COVID-19 vaccines ảnh 1Illustrative photo (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue asked for the European Union (EU) assistance to Vietnam’s efforts to access European COVID-19 vaccine sources while receiving Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti, Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, in Hanoi on May 21.

Hue also sought the bloc’s cooperation with Vietnam as regards sharing the copyright for vaccine production technologies.

For his part, Aliberti emphasised the importance of increasing vaccinations against COVID-19 to create broad coverage as soon as possible, affirming that the EU strongly supports the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) mechanism.

The mechanism has so far provided 2.4 million doses for Vietnam and will continue to increase the number by the end of the year, he added.

Both host and guest expressed their delight at progress made in ties between Vietnam and the EU, especially the positive economic and trade growth recorded despite the pandemic.

Top legislator asks for EU's support in accessing COVID-19 vaccines ảnh 2National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue (right) and Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti, Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam (Photo: VNA)

They agreed with an initiative from the European Parliament (EP)'s Committee on International Trade on establishing a joint cooperation mechanism to monitor and continue promoting the implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

The two sides affirmed that they attach importance to and promote the comprehensive partnership and cooperation, including strengthening relations between Vietnam’s National Assembly and the EP as well as with the parliaments of EU member countries, particularly in legislation. The promotion of cooperation between the EP and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), of which Vietnam is an important bridge, is also necessary, they noted.

Considering the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) an important partner of the EU and underscoring the bloc’s support for ASEAN's centrality, the ambassador said he hopes Vietnam will continue playing an active role in the reconciliation of regional issues. 

Hue said that Vietnam backs the EU’s role in sustaining peace, stability, and development in Asia-Pacific and the world.

Vietnam will make every effort to cooperate with ASEAN leaders regarding the reconciliation of regional issues, the top legislator affirmed./.

VNA

See more

The 55th session of the National Assembly Standing Committee on March 2, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

📝OP-ED: Streamlining state apparatus: A foundation for rapid, sustainable development

The election is unfolding as Vietnam presses ahead with sweeping administrative reforms, including efforts to streamline the state apparatus and implement a two-tier local government model from the central level to grassroots authorities. Amendments to key laws are also aimed at strengthening decentralisation, improving the management of public assets and accelerating digital transformation, enabling citizens to access information more easily while fostering a leaner, more transparent governance system that better upholds people’s rights.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (L) at the working session with leaders of the Dien Bien provincial People’s Committee on March 8. (Photo: VNA)

PM asks Dien Bien province to make greater efforts for prosperity, people’s happiness

PM Chinh highlighted Dien Bien’s strategic location, sharing long borders with Laos and China, as well as its large natural area and rich cultural heritage of 19 ethnic groups, and strong growth potential for agriculture, industry, renewable energy, services and tourism, calling for greater efforts to create new momentum for sustainable development.

National Assembly Vice Chairman Tran Quang Phuong (right) inspects election preparations at Polling Station No. 1 in Kenh Dao hamlet, Dat Mui commune, Ca Mau province. (Photo: VNA)

NA Vice Chairman inspects election preparations in southernmost Ca Mau province

The delegation noted that local authorities had launched preparations early and in a well-organised manner, reflecting strong determination and a high sense of responsibility. Communication activities have been carried out in various forms to disseminate official information and create a positive atmosphere ahead of the election.

Mobile loudspeaker vehicles and banners used to promote the upcoming election in Vinh Vien commune, Can Tho city. (Photo: VNA)

Final-week tasks stressed ahead of NA, People’s Council election

Special attention must be given to groups such as workers in industrial parks, university students, the elderly, people with disabilities, ethnic minority communities and voters living in specific or remote areas, ensuring that all eligible citizens can fully exercise their voting rights.

Voters in Truong Sa special zone cast their ballots to elect deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term. (Photo: VNA)

Truong Sa voters cast early ballots for NA, local council elections

Voters at 20 out of the 22 polling stations in Truong Sa (Spratly) special zone in the central province of Khanh Hoa cast their ballots on March 8 in early voting for deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term, one week ahead of the nationwide election day on March 15.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the meeting with the Policy Advisory Council in Hanoi on March 7, 2026. Photo: VNA

PM requests flexible, prompt, effective response to all situations

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called for measures to ensure stable supplies of fuel, electricity and energy, while also viewing current challenges as an opportunity to accelerate the green energy transition and better harness the country’s potential and competitive advantages.

National Assembly Vice Chairman Tran Quang Phuong speaks at the March 7 inspection on An Giang's preparations for the election of deputies to the 16th legislature and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 tenure. (Photo: VNA)

NA Vice Chairman inspects election preparations in An Giang

National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairman Tran Quang Phuong on March 7 led a working delegation to meet with the Election Committee of An Giang to inspect and supervise preparations for the election of deputies to the 16th legislature and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 tenure.

Bru–Van Kieu ethnic minority villagers in Quang Tri province's remote commune of Truong Son are eagerly preparing for early voting. (Photo: VNA)

Bru–Van Kieu community in Quang Tri gear up for early voting

According to the provincial Election Committee, three polling stations in Truong Son commune – located in Hoi Ray, Nuoc Dang and Doc May villages – will organise voting on March 8, seven days before the nationwide election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 tenure, to make it easier for residents in remote areas where travel remains difficult to cast their ballots.

Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) and central mass organisations, and President of the VFF Central Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai speaks at the event in Phu Tho province on March 6. (Photo: chinhphu.vn)

Front leader meets voters in Phu Tho

Voters in Phu Tho province's Hoa Binh and Luong Son expressed their hope that if elected, the candidates would continue to uphold their roles and responsibilities as people’s representatives, remain close to the grassroots level, and understand the legitimate aspirations of the people.

Party General Secretary To Lam speaks at the event in Hanoi on March 6. (Photo: VNA)

2026 inspection-supervision decision for NA Party Committee's Standing Board announced

The NA Party Committee is ready to cooperate closely, promptly provide relevant documents and materials, and work in accordance with the delegation’s requests. During the inspection and supervision process, its Standing Board hopes members of the inspection delegation will offer frank comments and clearly point out both its achievements and shortcomings.