Vietnam supports economic cooperation in Francophone organisation

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh stressed that Vietnam backs the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF)’s efforts to enhance economic cooperation.
Vietnam supports economic cooperation in Francophone organisation ảnh 1Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh shakes hands with OIF Secretary-General Michaelle Jean  (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh stressed that Vietnam backs the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF)’s efforts to enhance economic cooperation apart from joint work in traditional sectors.

At his talks with Michaelle Jean, OIF Secretary-General in Hanoi on October 12, the Deputy PM said such cooperation will help strengthen the Francophone community and meet the expectations of its members.

Minh affirmed that the OIF is an important partner of Vietnam, and suggested specific measures to lift Vietnam-OIF ties, particularly in trade with African countries, supporting startup, promoting the teaching of French and in French, and joining the UN peacekeeping mission.

He discussed with the guest priority activities for the Francophone community in the time ahead and preparations for Vietnam’s delegation headed by President Tran Dai Quang to attend the 16th Francophone Summit in Madagascar this November.

For her part, Michaelle Jean said the OIF is willing to support Vietnam’s economic integration as well as assist the country in encouraging startups and connecting with African businesses.

Taking note of contributions and strong commitment of the country to the Francophone community, she said Vietnam is an important and reliable of many OIF state members in Africa.

She praised Vietnam’s mutually beneficial and sustainable approach when carrying out joint projects in some Francophone countries.

She affirmed that the OIF will strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in teaching French and teaching in French as well as back the participation of Vietnam in UN peacekeeping mission.

Concerning the East Sea issue, she urged sides involved to settle disputes by peaceful measures in line with international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

After their talks, Deputy PM Minh and the OIF Secretary General witnessed the signing of a partnership agreement between the IOF and the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, which aims to improve French competency of Vietnamese diplomats and public servants.-VNA

VNA

See more

An overview of the press briefing in Hanoi on March 10 to introduce the 10th Vietnam–China Border Defence Friendship Exchange. (Photo: VNA)

Tenth Vietnam–China border defence friendship exchange to feature innovations

Scheduled for March 18–19 in Quang Ninh province of Vietnam and China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the exchange aims to realise high-level common perceptions between the two Parties and countries on deepening substantive defence cooperation, strengthening friendship and solidarity, and promoting practical collaboration among border protection forces, local authorities and people in border areas, thereby contributing to building a border of peace, friendship, stability, cooperation and development.

Professor Carl Thayer from the Australian Defence Force Academy at the University of New South Wales speaks to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s resident correspondent in Sydney. (Photo: VNA)

Australian expert hails performance of 15th NA, People’s Councils at all levels

During the 15th term, NA deputies raised a number of critical issues with government ministers during question time regarding environmental protection, land administration, and food safety. Deputies were particularly engaged during discussions on amendments to the 2013 Constitution and the Law on the Organisation of Local Administration.

General Nguyen Tan Cuong (right), Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army and Deputy Minister of National Defence, presents a souvenir to Senior Lieutenant General Saichay Kommasith, Chief of the General Staff of the Lao People’s Army and Deputy Minister of National Defence of Laos, at their meeting on March 9. (Photo: qdnd.vn)

Vietnam, Laos strengthen defence cooperation

General Nguyen Tan Cuong proposed both sides continue effectively implementing the agreed cooperation areas, including holding high-level delegation exchanges, maintaining consultation and dialogue mechanisms, and coordinating to successfully organise the annual meeting of the defence ministers of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh holds phone talks with the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese PM holds phone talks with Qatari counterpart

Emphasising Vietnam's opposition to the use of force against sovereign states, especially against civilian infrastructure that results in numerous casualties, PM Chinh called for a peaceful solution to the region based on respect for international law, the United Nations Charter, and ensuring the legitimate rights of all parties.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in the phone talks with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on March 9 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese, Kuwaiti PMs hold phone talks

PM Pham Minh Chinh commended Kuwait’s efforts and called on Kuwait and relevant countries to continue exercising restraint, promoting de-escalation efforts and seeking peaceful solutions based on respect for international law and the United Nations Charter, while ensuring the legitimate interests of all parties.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam (right) receives Scott Strazik, President and CEO of GE Vernova, in Hanoi on March 9, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Party leader receives President and CEO of US’s GE Vernova

Vietnam always values and creates favourable conditions for US energy corporations to invest and operate in the country, bringing tangible benefits to the people and businesses of both nations while contributing to the development of bilateral ties, said Party leader To Lam.

NA Vice Chairman Tran Quang Phuong (first, right) examines election preparations at Polling Station No. 1 in Kenh Dao hamlet, Dat Mui commune, Ca Mau province, on March 9. (Photo: VNA)

NA Vice Chairman urges Ca Mau to ensure safe elections

Ca Mau was asked to give special attention to ethnic minority communities, residents in remote and disadvantaged areas, the elderly living alone, and people with disabilities, so they can fully take part in voting.

An overview of the conference to announce a decision of the Politburo and the Secretariat. (Photo: VNA)

Politburo, Secretariat announce inspection of Party Committee of Central Party Agencies

NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man said the inspection and supervision aim to comprehensively evaluate the leadership and direction of the Standing Board of the Party Committee of Central Party Agencies in implementing the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress – a resolution carrying special significance, as it provides strategic orientation for the country’s development in the new phase.

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.