Political News Headlines 20/2 Gov’t, VFF join forces to inspire national unity The Government and the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) will this year continue their coordination in consolidating and strengthening national unity as well as spurring patriotic emulation campaigns in the population.   PM Nguyen Tan Dung addresses the meeting. Photo: VNA The two sides reached the consensus during their meeting in Hanoi on February 19 to review last year’s collaboration and discuss 2014. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and VFF Central Committee President Nguyen Thien Nhan co-chaired the event. The Government and the VFF will work together to promote democracy and public engagement in the building of the Party and administration. They have promised to actively intensify the fight against corruption and wastefulness while better responding to the complaints and accusations of citizens. Addressing the event, PM Dung spoke highly of the close coordination between the Government and the VFF during the past year, saying that it has helped both sides better perform their tasks and functions, thus aiding the country in its achievements. He expressed his wish that this year the two sides will continue close collaboration in creating social consensus so that socio-economic development goals will be met. Continued unity and patriotism will in turn contribute to stabilising the macro economy, curbing inflation, increasing growth, and ensuring social security and welfare, he argued. VFF President Nhan confirmed that the Front will continue helping the Government in these important tasks. Mozambique hopes for enhanced cooperation with Vietnam Mozambique wishes to boost practical and mutually beneficiary ties with Vietnam, actively contributing to peace, stability and development in the world. Mozambican President Emilio Guebuza made the declaration in Maputo on February 19 while receiving new Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Van Trung, who presented his credentials. He said the Mozambican people admire the unyielding spirit shown by the Vietnamese during their struggle for national independence in the past as well as their achievements reaped in the current process of national development. The President expressed his hope that the ambassador will, in his new capacity, serve as an effective bridge for further developing the traditional friendship between the two countries and their people. For his part, Ambassador Trung congratulated the Mozambican Government and people on their great achievements in reducing poverty, maintaining a high growth rate and improving the country’s regional and international position. He stressed that Vietnam will try its best to deepen its multifaceted cooperation with Mozambique, especially in agriculture, health, education, trade and investment. He also cited Movitel, a joint venture between Vietnam’s military telecom group Viettel and Mozambique’s SPI and Invespar companies, as a successful investment model. Deputy Minister meets top Japanese defence officials Deputy Defence Minister, Sen. Lieut. Gen Nguyen Chi Vinh met with top officials of Japan’s Defence Ministry while visiting the country on February 17-19 to attend the fifth Japan – ASEAN Defence Cooperation Forum in Okinawa city. During a courtesy call to Japanese Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera on February 17, Vinh said he is highly confident in the growing bilateral, mutually beneficial ties between their nations. Onodera said he hopes the defence partnership will continue to grow. He also spoke highly of the Vietnam People’s Army’s role in regional cooperation, especially with Vietnam actively preparing to join the UN peacekeeping mission. Meeting with Japanese Vice Defence Minister Masanori Nishi, Vinh said it is the fourth time he has attended the forum, in which period he has seen Japan – ASEAN defence links become more extensive. With its rich experience, Japan will actively provide the bloc with resources in efforts to cope with emerging non-traditional security issues, he noted. Both deputy ministers stated that it is necessary to share experience in training medical personnel for UN peacekeeping mission, marine police, and armed forces responsible for natural disaster response. Deputy PM pushes northwest renewal Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc requires the Northwestern Region Steering Committee to work on sustainable poverty reduction and promote tourism in the region.   Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc requires the Northwestern Region Steering Committee to work on sustainable poverty reduction and promote tourism in the region.- Photo VGP The committee has to co-ordinate with 14 regional provinces to continue socio-economic development in the northwest, which was the nation's most difficult area, the Government leader instructed yesterday, Feb 19. He said that the endeavour needs more investment in infrastructure development and poverty alleviation. At a working session with the committee's standing board yesterday, Phuc, who is also the committee's head, praised its efforts especially in pushing investment into social welfare protection - and working with other government agencies to maintain social security and peace in border areas. He also asked the committee to strengthen the local political system and enhance Party building in communes and villages. The region covers Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Son La, Hoa Binh, Lao Cai, Lang Son, Yen Bai, Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho, Bac Kan, Cao Bang, Ha Giang and some districts of Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces. Public Security Minister receives Australian, Japanese guests Minister of Public Security General Tran Dai Quang hosted two receptions in Hanoi on February 19 for Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and Secretary General of the Headquarters on the Abduction Issue at the Japanese Cabinet Secretariat Hideshi Mitani. At the meeting with the Australian guest, Minister Quang stressed that the Vietnamese Government and the Ministry of Public Security in particular always want to further develop their partnership with Australia ’s law enforcement agencies. The ministry appreciates the support from the Australian Government in conducting training programmes to raise the working capacity of its personnel, and in the establishment and operation of a Vietnam-Australia trans-national crime prevention centre in Ho Chi Minh City, he added. Bishop declared that she will do her best to boost ties between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and Australia in the fight against trans-national crime and in ensuring security and order. While receiving the Secretary General of the Headquarters on the Abduction Issue at the Japanese Cabinet Secretariat, Minister Quang said he is delighted at the fine development of the two countries’ relations in politics, economics, culture and security-defence. He suggested the two sides strengthen cooperation and exchange information related to national security and social safety and order. Mitani said he believes that his visit will help promote the two countries’ partnership. He also expressed his hope for stronger ties between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and Japan’s law enforcement agencies. Colombian Chargé d’affaires welcomed in Vietnam Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ha Kim Ngoc on February 19 held a reception for the new Chargé d’affaires of Colombia to Vietnam Carlos Alfonso Albán Franco, who came to present his letter of credentials. At the meeting, Vice Minister Ngoc welcomed the Colombian government to open an embassy in Hanoi, voicing his hope that the new Chargé d’affaires will actively contribute to boosting bilateral ties in all fields. For his part, the Colombia official said he will do his utmost to swiftly put the embassy into operation and further develop the relationship between the two countries. As many as 11 Latin American countries have established embassies in Hanoi. The Colombian embassy, together with those of Peru and Haiti, is expected to open in 2014. VNN/VNS/VNA