Vietnam News Today (May 5): Party Chief To Lam’s Trip to Russia Carries Special Strategic Significance

	Vietnam News Today (May 3): Vietnam And Kazakhstan to Elevate Relations to Comprehensive Partnership
	Vietnam News Today (May 4): Vietnam, Sri Lanka Deepen Traditional Friendship, Comprehensive Cooperation

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam (right) receives Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka on May 4. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese Party leader receives Sri Lankan President

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam hosted a reception for Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), in Hanoi on May 4.

General Secretary Lam warmly welcomed President Dissanayaka, who is paying a state visit to Vietnam and attending the 20th United Nations Day of Vesak Celebrations (Vesak 2025), noting the significance of the trip as it coincides with the 55th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties.

He expressed appreciation for the President’s participation in the Vesak celebrations opening ceremony, during which he will deliver a keynote address.

The host thanked his guest for the congratulatory message on the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification, emphasizing that this historic milestone is not only significant for the Vietnamese people but also meaningful to international friends, including Sri Lanka, who stood in solidarity with and supported Vietnam’s struggles for national independence.

The General Secretary congratulated President Dissanayaka and the JVP—the core party in the ruling National People's Power (NPP) alliance—on their victory in Sri Lanka’s national elections in late 2024. He expressed his belief that under the President’s leadership, Sri Lanka will achieve substantial socio-economic progress and national stability, successfully realizing its goal of becoming a developed country by 2048, which marks its centenary.

President Dissanayaka reaffirmed the close and longstanding friendship between Sri Lanka and Vietnam, characterised by mutual support through various historical periods. He extended congratulations to the Vietnamese Party, State, and people on the 50th anniversary of their historic April 30 victory, stating that it was not only a triumph for the Vietnamese people but also for Sri Lanka and peace-loving nations around the world.

The visiting leader expressed admiration for Vietnam’s remarkable economic achievements, noting that in just 50 years since reunification, Vietnam has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies globally, with rising international standing and prestige. He voiced his country’s interest in learning from Vietnam’s experiences in economic development, institutional reform, corruption combat, and national governance, cited VNA.

Both sides noted with satisfaction the sustainable development of their countries' traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation over the past 55 years. They acknowledged that the two countries have built deep strategic trust and close collaboration across multiple fields, particularly politics, diplomacy, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. They emphasized that long-standing friendship, mutual trust, and understanding provide a vital foundation for both nations to further leverage their respective strengths and enhance cooperation, thus generating mutual benefits and contributing to regional development and stability.

The two leaders agreed to further strengthen trust and cohesion between the two countries and their ruling parties. They agreed to step up all-level exchanges and turn defense - security cooperation into a new pillar of the bilateral relationship. Besides, they also highlighted the importance of making breakthroughs in economic, trade, and investment ties to help effectively respond to the rapidly evolving global political and economic landscape.

General Secretary Lam affirmed that with its advantages, Vietnam is ready to accompany and cooperate with Sri Lanka in socio-economic development. In reply, President Dissanayaka pledged to facilitate Vietnamese investments in key and strategic sectors in his country.

The two sides also agreed to further broaden cooperation in agriculture, education, culture, tourism, religion, and people-to-people exchanges, and to accelerate the launch of a direct air route to foster bilateral cooperation and connectivity.

Furthermore, the leaders vowed closer coordination and stronger mutual support at multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations and South-South cooperation frameworks. General Secretary Lam commended Sri Lanka’s active role in the UN and welcomed its efforts to strengthen ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

On this occasion, President Dissanayaka extended an invitation to General Secretary Lam to visit Sri Lanka. The Vietnamese leader expressed his appreciation and assigned the two foreign ministries to make appropriate arrangements.

Party chief To Lam’s trip to Russia carries special strategic significance, says diplomat

Party General Secretary To Lam’s coming visit to Russia is expected to shape new directions and elevate the long-standing relationship between Vietnam and Russia, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang.

Speaking to the press on May 4, Hang described To Lam’s working trip from May 5 to 12, which includes his stopovers in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Belarus, as a major highlight of Vietnam’s foreign policy, carrying special strategic significance.

The visit serves as an opportunity for Vietnam to reaffirm its loyal friendship and express its desire to promote long-term, effective, and mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia and other traditional partners from the former Soviet Union – the nations that have supported Vietnam in both the past and present, said the diplomat.

The visit to Russia, made at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin, aims to enhance political trust and define new pathways for deepening the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, she noted.

This is To Lam’s first official visit to Russia as General Secretary and comes at a historic moment, as both countries are celebrating significant milestones - the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Russia’s 80th Victory Day commemorating its triumph in the Great Patriotic War, and Vietnam’s 50th anniversary of national reunification, alongside Vietnam’s 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day.

Notably, the Party General Secretary will attend the 80th Victory Day celebrations in Russia, demonstrating Vietnam’s deep respect and recognition of the Soviet Union’s immense sacrifices and contributions in defeating fascism and defending global peace.

She emphasized that the Soviet victory inspired and fueled Vietnam’s own revolutionary struggle. Vietnamese volunteer fighters even took part in defending Moscow in 1941.

Bilateral ties continue to be strengthened and elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2012. Security and defense cooperation remains a key pillar, while two-way trade reached nearly US$4.6 billion in 2024, up more than 26% year on year, according to VOV.

Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam and his spouse.

Energy, especially oil - gas cooperation, remains a cornerstone of the relationship. The two countries are negotiating new agreements in geological exploration and oil extraction. They also share a common interest in reviving nuclear energy cooperation, including potential nuclear power development in Vietnam.

For Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Belarus, this marks To Lam’s first state visit to these countries, underscoring efforts to strengthen political trust and convey a clear message of Vietnam’s commitment to deepening traditional friendships and enhancing Party-to-Party cooperation, said Hang.

This working trip also contributes to promoting people-to-people exchanges and reaffirms the enduring affection of the Vietnamese people for the peoples of Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Belarus that are traditional friends of Vietnam.

The trip, she said, reflects a commitment to advancing bilateral relations guided by the “Four More” principle: more sustainable, more effective, more substantive, and more mutually beneficial commensurate with the potential for cooperation, political trust, and the shared aspirations of the Vietnamese people and their partners.

During the trip, the Vietnamese leader is scheduled to hold high-level talks and meetings with leaders of the host countries to shape future bilateral relations and create new momentum for cooperation in a wide range of fields, particularly in economy, trade, investment, fundamental sciences, energy, high technology, and artificial intelligence.

Hang expressed confidence that the Party leader’s working trip will be a success, leaving a lasting impression and further elevating Vietnam’s image as a loyal and responsible partner. It is also expected to provide important impetus for national development and contribute to regional and global peace and stability.

Vietnam's liberation of South and national reunification celebrated in Venezuela

A ceremony has been held in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification of Vietnam.

In his remarks at the May 2 event, Rander Peña, Vice President for International Affairs of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), emphasized that the Great Spring Victory of 1975 was a triumph of justice, a victory for progressive forces and peace-loving people around the world, including the people of Venezuela.

He stated that this historic victory has been and will continue to be a source of inspiration for nations around the world in their struggles for independence, freedom, self-determination, justice, and social progress.

For her part, Venezuelan Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tatiana Pugh shared that during her three-year tenure in Vietnam from 2020 to 2023 as the Venezuelan Ambassador, she had the opportunity to deeply study Vietnamese history, the thought of President Ho Chi Minh, and the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV).

She affirmed that more than 95 years of practical experience have proven the CPV’s wise and sound leadership, along with Ho Chi Minh’s thought to be decisive factors in all of Vietnam’s revolutionary victories, most notably the triumph on April 30, 1975.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Venezuela Vu Trung My reviewed the historical significance and key lessons of the Great 1975 Spring Victory. He expressed sincere gratitude to countries, governments, movements, organisations, and peace-loving, progressive people worldwide, including those of Venezuela, for their strong support, heartfelt solidarity, and valuable spiritual and material assistance to Vietnam’s just struggle for national independence and reunification, reported VNA.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Venezuela Vu Trung My (left) presents a photo of the April 30 victory to a representative of the Antonio Jose de Sucre International Youth Leadership Training School. (Photo courtesy of the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela)

He emphasized that 50 years after this historic victory and nearly 40 years since adopting the "Doi moi" (renewal) policy, Vietnam has achieved significant accomplishments across various sectors. The country’s overall capacity has been enhanced, and its international prestige and position have continued to grow, the diplomat added.

The same day, the Vietnamese Embassy, in coordination with the Antonio Jose de Sucre International Youth Leadership Training School, organized a photo exhibition spotlighting Vietnam, its people and economic reform achievements. The exhibition featured nearly 100 selected photos from the Vietnam News Agency’s archives.

Heatwave begins to bake Northern and Central Vietnam

After a series of cool days during the April 30 – May 1 holiday period, Northern and Central Vietnam are enduring a widespread heatwave due to the influence of a low-pressure heat zone from the west, with maximum temperatures exceeding 37°C.

Meteorological experts say, this low-pressure heat zone is expanding, causing intense heat in the North and Central regions.

On May 4, the Northwestern and Northeastern regions, including the capital of Hanoi, are not experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures not exceeding 35°C. Meanwhile, the North-Central and Central regions are about 1°C hotter.

However, from May 5 onwards, the North-Central and Central-Central regions will experience hot weather, with some areas under intense heat, where maximum temperatures are expected to range from 35–37°C, and some places will exceed 37°C. The lowest relative humidity is forecast to be around 50–55%.

Due to the combined effects of high temperatures and low humidity, there is a high risk of fires and explosions in residential areas as electricity usage rises, and a significant risk of forest fires. In addition, intense heat can cause dehydration, exhaustion, and heatstroke, especially with prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

The actual felt temperatures can differ by 2–4°C, sometimes more, depending on surface conditions such as concrete and asphalt, cited VOV.

A low-pressure heat zone from the west is expanding, causing a new heatwave across the Northern and Central regions.

Meteorologists indicate that widespread heatwaves in the Northern and Central regions typically occur from May through August. Heatwaves are expected to ease in the Central Highlands and Southern Vietnam from June to July.

Mai Van Khiem, director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, says in 2025 temperatures in many areas may exceed historical averages. Particularly, the Northern and Central localities are predicted to experience severe heatwaves, posing serious health risks to the community.

In addition to the heat, drought and saltwater intrusion will also be major challenges in 2025. The Mekong Delta and Central regions are expected to continue facing severe water shortages, negatively affecting agricultural production and daily life.

Wanderlust names Vietnam’s most breathtaking destinations

Alex Robinson, a travel writer for the prestigious UK-based Wanderlust magazine, recently published an article showcasing some of the most breathtaking destinations across Vietnam, from northern mountain passes to central coastlines and iconic island viewpoints.

The first destination on Robinson’s list is the panoramic viewpoint on Ti Top Island. Located about 110 meters above sea level, visitors must climb roughly 400 stone steps to reach the summit. The reward is a sweeping, cinematic view of Ha Long Bay, with its thousands of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. The scene is said to be especially enchanting at sunrise or sunset.

For travelers visiting Vietnam in September during rice harvest season, Robinson recommends venturing to the mountainous province of Ha Giang.

One of Vietnam’s most breathtaking and treacherous mountain roads, Ma Pi Leng Pass offers dramatic views of rugged peaks and the winding Nho Que River far below. Known for its dizzying switchbacks and remote beauty, the pass is a favorite among adventurous travelers, reported VNN.

Ti Top Island. Photo: Crystal Bay

In the north-central region, Ngoa Long Mountain in Ninh Binh also earned a spot on the list. Climbing to the summit provides a panoramic view of the Tam Coc - Bich Dong landscape, where limestone peaks rise over sprawling rice paddies - a quintessential image of rural Vietnam.

In central Vietnam, the Wanderlust feature praises both Hai Van Pass and Hoi An Ancient Town. Hoi An is famed for its well-preserved architecture, glowing lantern streets, and rich culinary heritage. Meanwhile, Hai Van Pass, known as the "First Grand View of Vietnam," impresses with sweeping coastal views and thrilling curves that hug the mountainside.

These destinations, from dramatic cliffs to tranquil heritage towns, together portray the diversity and natural charm that continue to make Vietnam a favorite among global travelers.

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