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At the talks between Party General Secretary To Lam and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev (Photo:VNA)

Vietnam regards Azerbaijan as key regional partner: Party leader

Vietnam considers Azerbaijan a key partner in the region and hopes bilateral ties will continue to grow and thrive, Party General Secretary To Lam said during talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who is also Chairman of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party, following a welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace in the capital Baku on May 7.

At the talks, President Ilham Aliyev warmly welcomed Party General Secretary To Lam, his spouse, and high-level Vietnamese delegation on their state visit to Azerbaijan. This marks the first visit by a General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1992. He expressed confidence that the visit would create strong momentum for expanding bilateral cooperation across a variety of fields for the benefit and prosperity of both nations.

Recalling his deep impressions from his 2014 visit to Vietnam, including the country’s natural beauty, the hospitality of its people, and its dynamic development and growing international profile, President Aliyev congratulated Vietnam on its remarkable and steady progress. He affirmed that the country is on the right path in socio-economic development.

The Vietnamese Party leader expressed his pleasure at visiting the beautiful and prosperous country of Azerbaijan. He congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on Azerbaijan’s important achievements in national development, social welfare, and enhanced regional and international standing under his leadership.

He affirmed that Vietnam always values the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Azerbaijan, which was founded on President Ho Chi Minh’s visit to the country in 1959 and has been strengthened through high-level exchanges over the years. Vietnam considers Azerbaijan a key partner in the region and hopes bilateral ties will continue to flourish. He also expressed sincere gratitude for the valuable support of the Azerbaijani people during Vietnam’s struggle for national liberation and unification, as well as in its current development efforts.

The two leaders noted with satisfaction that more than 30 years after establishing diplomatic relations, Vietnam and Azerbaijan have achieved many important results. Political and diplomatic relations have been maintained and consolidated; cooperation in energy has advanced; and there remains considerable potential for expanding cooperation in defense and security, trade, investment, and education and training.

To fully tap this untapped potential and overcome the challenges of a rapidly changing global landscape, General Secretary To Lam proposed five solutions to promote substantive, effective, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, cited VOV.

These include enhancing the coordinating role of the Intergovernmental Committee on Economic, Trade, Scientific and Technical Cooperation to promote joint work in new areas such as processing industries, mechanical engineering, and chemicals; boosting cooperation in energy and oil and gas; increasing information exchange and investment opportunities, training human resources, and exploring cooperation in clean and renewable energy; encouraging businesses to share information, build connections, and invest in each other's markets; advancing agricultural investment and expediting the signing of agreements on investment encouragement and protection; and leveraging the two countries’ strengths in maritime and railway transport while stepping up locality-to-locality cooperation.

President Ilham Aliyev affirmed his commitment to directing efforts to reinforce comprehensive relations, particularly in trade, investment, and economic cooperation. With its strategic geographic location, Azerbaijan hopes to partner with Vietnam in logistics, seaports, railways, aviation, and renewable energy. He expressed his wish to attract Vietnamese businesses to operate in Azerbaijan and pledged to offer favorable conditions for their investment and business activities.

Pleased with recent positive developments in bilateral ties, the two leaders agreed to intensify exchanges and meetings at all levels, especially high-level visits, as well as exchanges between ministries, sectors, and localities, to strengthen political trust. They also pledged to implement the cooperation agreement between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the ruling New Azerbaijan Party, chaired by President Ilham Aliyev, through delegation exchanges, information sharing, experience exchange, and collaboration at multilateral inter-party forums.

They also discussed and agreed on major directions and measures to augment cooperation in trade, energy, defense, security, education and training, culture, and people-to-people exchange.

Host and guest stressed the historic significance of adopting a Joint Statement on the establishment of the Vietnam–Azerbaijan Strategic Partnership during this visit. The statement serves as a foundation for significantly strengthening bilateral ties in the coming period, capitalizing on each country’s strengths to boost development in the new era for the benefit of both peoples and for peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

On regional and international issues of shared concern, the two leaders consented to continue coordination at multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

They affirmed Vietnam’s readiness to serve as a bridge to help Azerbaijan strengthen ties with Southeast Asian countries, while Azerbaijan will support Vietnam’s efforts to bolster cooperation with Central Asia.

They underscored the importance of resolving disputes and differences by peaceful means in accordance with international law and the UN Charter. Both sides also voiced support for ASEAN’s stance on the East Sea issue, in line with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Following the talks, General Secretary To Lam and President Ilham Aliyev witnessed the signing of cooperation documents and adopted the Joint Statement on establishing the Vietnam–Azerbaijan Strategic Partnership, marking the comprehensive achievements of this official visit.

Vietnam remains committed to UNCLOS: official

Vietnam remains committed to adhering to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and contributing to joint efforts and promoting international legal cooperation on maritime issues for peace, stability, and prosperity based on international law, according to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong.

Addressing the 14th Ocean Dialogue themed “Dispute settlement mechanisms: UNCLOS’ indispensable guardians,” in Hanoi on May 7, Cuong affirmed that UNCLOS in general and dispute settlement mechanisms in particular contribute to reinforcing the stability of the legal order at sea, ensuring maritime security, peace, and sustainable global economic development, while promoting international cooperation for long-term ocean governance.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Vice President of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, UNCLOS represents the international community’s effort to establish a unified legal framework for the sustainable and peaceful use of the seas. It codified a comprehensive system of maritime law, becoming the legal foundation for global ocean governance.

One of its significant achievements is the establishment of dispute settlement mechanisms, which not only provide frameworks and options for dispute settlement but also serve as a basis for promoting the legal order at sea.

As the international community marks the 30th anniversary of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), the dialogue offers an opportunity not only to assess the role of dispute settlement mechanisms under UNCLOS but also to advance the progressive development of maritime law. It is also a chance to identify ways to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of these mechanisms in addressing emerging challenges, stated Anh.

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird emphasized that significant events like this dialogue reaffirm the importance of addressing disputes peacefully based on international rules and norms, rather than through threatening to use or using force and power. She noted that peace is vital for the economies of Australia and Southeast Asia, as both rely on open sea lanes for trade and economic development, according to VNA.

Delegates to the 14th Ocean Dialogue pose for a photo. (Photo: VNA)

Australia is concerned over aggressive and coercive actions in the East Sea, which jeopardise security and risk miscalculations, and will continue to voice its concerns when countries pursue claims inconsistent with UNCLOS, she added.

The diplomat also highlighted the positive practice between Australia and Timor-Leste in peacefully solving maritime agreements through the first conciliation process under the convention.

Olivia Schlouch, Program Manager of the German NGO Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS)’s Rule of Law Program Asia, reaffirmed her confidence in a rules-based multilateral order in ensuring peace and stability across the world’s seas and oceans. She also expressed her strong support for Vietnam’s candidacy for a Judge position at ITLOS, highlighting that Vietnam is increasingly asserting its capability, reputation, and leadership in international maritime law.

The 14th edition of the Ocean Dialogue, held by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, in partnership with the KAS and the Australian Embassy in Hanoi, was attended by approximately 130 in-person participants and nearly 50 online attendees, including nearly 20 speakers from 14 countries and territories, around 40 representatives from nearly 30 foreign representative offices in Vietnam, and over 70 delegates from central agencies, ministries, research institutes, and universities across the country.

Vietnam ready to negotiate with US for balanced, sustainable trade

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has affirmed Vietnam's readiness to negotiate with the United States for the benefit of both nations’ people and businesses, aiming for balanced and sustainable trade.

He made the statement in Hanoi on May 7 while receiving a delegation from the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) of the US Congress, led by Chair Reva Price.

Prime Minister Chinh welcomed the delegation's visit to Vietnam during the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the US, which also coincides with the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's reunification. He reaffirmed Vietnam's consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification, and multilateralization of international relations. He emphasized Vietnam's commitment to building an independent and self-reliant economy in tandem with proactive and effective international integration.

The Vietnamese Government leader hailed the positive developments in Vietnam–US relations, expressing appreciation for the US's continued efforts in dealing with war legacies. He proposed that the US soon recognize Vietnam's market economy status, remove Vietnam from the list of countries subject to strategic export controls (categories D1 and D3), and enhance technology transfer in bilateral economic, trade, and investment cooperation to promote balanced and sustainable trade relations.

He applauded the US administration and Congress for supporting a strong, independent, self-reliant, and prosperous Vietnam, and called on Chair Price and other USCC members to continue supporting the development of bilateral ties, reported VOV.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and USCC Chair Reva Price

Regarding tariff issues, PM Chinh affirmed Vietnam's readiness to negotiate with the US for the benefit of both nations' people and businesses, aiming for balanced and sustainable trade. He viewed this as an opportunity to restructure the economy, diversify markets, products, and supply chains, and continue building an independent and self-reliant economy in line with proactive and effective international integration.

Discussing regional matters, the Government leader reiterated Vietnam's consistent stance on resolving the East Sea (South China Sea) issue through peaceful measures in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

He informed the delegation about Vietnam's efforts to seriously implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and to promote substantive and effective negotiations on a Code of Conduct (COC) that aligns with international law.

He called for continued US support for ASEAN's common position on the East Sea and for efforts to settle disputes peacefully and legally.

Chair Reva Price and her delegation members affirmed Vietnam as an important partner of the US in the region, praised the achievements in bilateral relations over the past 30 years, and expressed optimism about future developments. They agreed with the Prime Minister's proposals and committed to continuing support for efforts to boost bilateral relations, including recognizing Vietnam's market economy status and engaging in tariff negotiations.

Vietnam, Italy promote tourism cooperation

A Vietnam-Italy tourism promotion program was held in Milan on May 6 with the participation of nearly 200 people from agencies, localities and businesses of the two countries.

The event, jointly organized by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines, Hanoi's Department of Tourism and Saigontourist Group, is part of the Vietnam-Europe tourism promotion program which includes Switzerland and France.

Speaking at the event, VNAT Director Nguyen Trung Khanh said that Vietnam identifies Italy as one of the key markets in Europe. Italian tourists are famous for their refined aesthetic taste, deep understanding of culture, art and history and for their passion for discovering original values and sophistication in experiences.

Meanwhile, Vietnam, with its diverse tourism ecosystem, heritages recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), majestic nature, rich cuisine and culture can meet Italian tourists’ demand, Khanh said.

According to the official, strengthening aviation connectivity, exchanging business delegations and developing suitable products are key factors to promote tourism between Vietnam and Italy.

In particular, the official launch of the Hanoi - Milan direct flight by Vietnam Airlines from July 1 is an important step that opens up favorable opportunities for direct connection between the two cultures and two potential tourism markets, cited VNA.

A show featuring "ao dai" (traditional Vietnamese dress) is held as part of the Vietnam-Italy tourism promotion programme in Milan on May 6. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Duong Hai Hung said that the Vietnam - Italy tourism promotion program in 2025 in Milan, following the 2024 tourism roadshow, is a testament to Vietnam's strong commitment to the Italian market and to strengthening two-way tourism relations in a practical and long-term way.

Lombardy region’s Secretary of State Raffaele Cattaneo affirmed that the Lombardy region has been strengthening its relationship with Vietnam from all angles, particularly tourism.

Cattaneo said that he is also very impressed with the recovery of Vietnamese tourism, affirming that Vietnam is a new and attractive destination for Italian tourists.

In 2024, 89,000 Italian tourists visited Vietnam, an increase of 56% compared to 2023. In the first three months of 2025, the number of Italian visitors reached 32,000, or 29% higher than the same period last year.

At the event, participants were informed about Vietnam's tourism policies, unique destinations of the capital city of Hanoi, and products and services offered by Vietnam Airlines and Saigontourist.

Free all-day school and meals for border students under new education policy

General Secretary To Lam has directed ministries, agencies, and localities to fully prepare for the implementation of free two-session school days for primary and lower secondary students nationwide, beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year. The policy also includes lunch support for students in border communes.

The announcement was made following a working session between General Secretary To Lam and the Government, central committees, and relevant ministries on the current implementation of national education and training resolutions, and the upcoming Politburo resolution on breakthrough education reform.

General Secretary To Lam approved the policy of organizing two-session school days in primary and lower secondary schools, with implementation adjusted to local conditions regarding infrastructure, budget, and teaching staff.

The initiative is to be rolled out step-by-step, combining major public investment with private sector involvement. Importantly, the two-session school day will be entirely free of charge to reduce pressure on students while expanding cultural and artistic education and promoting well-rounded development.

Free two-session school days to begin nationwide in 2025–2026.

The General Secretary tasked the Government with directing the Ministry of Education and Training and other relevant bodies to ensure schools are equipped with adequate facilities, staff, curricula, and educational activities to support the new model by the 2025–2026 school year.

In addition, the state will support lunch provision for students in primary and lower secondary schools in border communes - especially in mountainous areas - including both ethnic minority and Kinh students residing in those areas, reported VNN.

This policy will be implemented in land-border communes first. Based on its effectiveness, it may gradually expand nationwide. Localities with available funding are encouraged to implement the initiative sooner within their jurisdictions.

To support this shift, localities are also required to accelerate the construction and improvement of boarding and semi-boarding schools in border areas. These schools must be equipped with classrooms, labs, clean water supply, kitchens, bathrooms, playgrounds, and teacher accommodations.

Furthermore, in communes bordering other countries, students should be taught the neighboring nation’s language to promote future cross-border cultural exchange.

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