Political News Headlines 19/2

Politburo member receives French party delegation
Politburo member Le Hong Anh received a delegation from the French Communist Party (PCF) led by Jean Charles Nefgre, Co-ordinator of the PCF's Standing Committee, in Ha Noi yesterday, Feb 18.

Politburo member Le Hong Anh received a delegation from the French Communist Party (PCF) led by Jean Charles Nefgre, Co-ordinator of the PCF's Standing Committee, in Ha Noi yesterday.

During the reception, the host, who is also a permanent member of the Party Central Committee's Secretariat, said the Communist Party of Viet Nam has always attached importance to strengthening friendship and co-operation with the PCF.

He expressed his hope that the friendship between the two parties would be further strengthened and developed in all fields, contributing to improving bilateral ties, which were elevated to a strategic partnership in September 2013.

For his part, Nefgre spoke highly of the effective co-operation between the two countries and their people in recent times.

He briefed the host on the PCF's operations as well as the goals set by the party for 2014.

The two sides also discussed ways to foster their traditional friendship and co-operation in the future.

Viet Nam speaks out over latest terror attacks in Iraq

Viet Nam has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks targeting state-run offices and civilians in Iraq, including the deadly bomb explosion outside the Iraqi Foreign Ministry building on February 5.

Viet Nam's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Hai Binh made the statement yesterday while answering reporters' queries on Viet Nam's response to the recent spate of terrorist attacks that have left many dead and injured.

"We express our deep sympathy and condolences to the Iraqi government and the bereaved families. We believe that the culprits must be punished," Binh said.

Attacks and clashes have killed more than 480 people so far this month and over 1,450 since the start of the year, according to AFP figures based on security and medical sources.

Indonesian Assembly Speaker to visit Vietnam

Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly of Indonesia will pay an official visit to Vietnam from March 1-5 at the invitation of Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Sinh Hung.

He will be accompanies by a high-ranking delegation from the Assembly, said the National Assembly’s Committee for External Relations on its February 18 announcement.

Vietnam and Indonesia have shared a long-standing friendship.

The elevation of bilateral ties to a strategic partnership in June last year created a momentum and opened up new chances for the two countries to further develop their relationship.

Viet Nam and Sudan boost co-operation

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh met Sudanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal-Eddin Ismail Saeed in Ha Noi yesterday, when he urged greater efforts for co-operation.

He said for cooperation to improve, there should be an increase in the exchange of delegations and meetings among businesses.

Also, to complete the legal framework for bilateral cooperation, the deputy PM urged the acceleration of negotiations and signing of important agreements, such as those on avoidance of double taxation, investment encouragement and protection, banking co-operation and visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders.

Minh also proposed that Sudan create more favourable conditions for the national oil and gas group PetroVietnam and the telecoms enterprise Viettel to invest in Sudan.

For his part, the minister from Sudan informed his host that Sudan will grant 10 Arabic language study scholarships to Vietnamese students.

Sudan supports Viet Nam's candidacy to the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-21 term, the diplomat affirmed.

During his three-day visit to Viet Nam, the Sudanese minister also conducted working sessions with the ministries of Industry and Trade and of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Vietnamese, Lao Presidential Offices bolster ties

Officials from the Presidential Offices of Vietnam and Laos have agreed to maintain their annual delegation exchanges in the future to enhance the special and mutually beneficial friendship between the two countries.

They reached the consensus during talks on February 18 in Vientiane. Chairman of the Vietnamese Presidential Office Dao Viet Trung led the visiting delegation taking part in the event.

Participants showed their satisfaction at the sound cooperation between the two offices which has been incessantly reinforced and tightened since a cooperation agreement was struck in March 2012.

The regular delegation exchanges have also helped both sides share experiences and mutual support in the fields of their common interest.

The same day, the Vietnamese delegation visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Laos.

VNN/VNS/VNA