GOVERNMENT IN BRIEF 5/8

Kiwi G-G visit spurs friendship

New Zealand Governor-General Jerry Mateparae arrived in Viet Nam on Saturday for a five-day State visit at the invitation of President Truong Tan Sang.

This is Mateparae's first trip to Viet Nam since he took office and only the second visit of a New Zealand Governor-General.

New Zealand Governor-General Jerry Mateparae.

The visit of the Governor-General this time aims to affirm New Zealand's intention to reinforce bilateral and all-around cooperation with Viet Nam as well as exchange views on regional and international issues of common concern.

The Viet Nam-New Zealand comprehensive partnership has seen a boost in recent years with all-level delegation exchanges and the maintenance of the Political Consultation mechanism, with the 9th meeting taking place on July 11 this year in Wellington.

The two countries have accomplished talks on a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement.

The signing of the deal is scheduled for the visit of the Governor-General.

Foreign minister visits lift China, France ties

Measures speeding up the implementation agreements, especially the action plan to realise Viet Nam-China comprehensive strategic co-operative partnership, dominated talks between Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Ha Noi yesterday, August 4.

The talks formed part of the Chinese FM's visit to Viet Nam from August 3-6 as guest of Foreign Minister Minh.

The two FMs agreed that strengthening political trust and comprehensive co-operation is in the long-term interests of Vietnamese and Chinese peoples. Towards that, exchanges and meetings of high-ranking officials will be increased, as will those between branches, agencies, localities and people of all walks of life.

Economic and trade co-operation as well as partnerships in building infrastructure and transport systems linking both countries will be accelerated.

Regarding border and territorial issues, the two FMs gave high estimation to the two countries' co-operation in seriously implementing the three land border-related documents.

Together they declared that their ministries would actively encourage relevant agencies to talk for an agreement on tourism development at the Ban Gioc waterfall and an agreement on regulations on free travel of ships at the mouth of the Bac Luan river to be signed soon.

Mentioning the East Sea issue, the FMs affirmed the settlement of all disputes through peaceful and friendly negotiations and the handling of emerging problems with a constructive attitude, not letting these matters affect the two countries' friendship and co-operation as well as peace and stability in the East Sea.

Minh laid special emphasis on the need for both sides to address sea-related disputes on the basis of the Viet Nam-China agreement on the principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues, international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the spirit of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DoC), looking towards the building of a Code of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (CoC).

Strategic partnership

Yesterday Minh also discussed with his French counterpart Laurent Fabius the main content and a roadmap to lift the two countries' relations to a strategic partnership during their talks in Ha Noi.

The talks took place in an atmosphere of openness, mutual understanding and trust as part of the Fabius's three-day visit to Viet Nam starting Saturday as the two countries are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

Both ministers shared the view that economy and trade linkages and exchange of delegations at all levels would be stepped up while the existing dialogue mechanisms in diplomacy, defence, economics, trade, investment, and science-technology would be strengthened and fully utilised.

Ties between localities would be encouraged and French groups and businesses would be helped to seek investment opportunities as well as expand operations in Viet Nam, particularly in the fields of France's technological advantages, such as infrastructure, energy, transport, aerospace, health, agriculture and food processing.

Discussing international and regional issues of mutual concern, the two ministers affirmed continual, close co-operation and collaboration at regional and international forums.

Fabius voiced his country's support for the settlement of disputes in the East Sea through peaceful means in compliance with international law to ensure peace, stability and development in this important area.

France backs Viet Nam's bid to develop relations with the EU while Viet Nam, as an ASEAN-EU co-ordinator, pledges to support France in strengthening ties with ASEAN, heard the talks.

Prime Minister congratulates CPP on election win

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has expressed his congratulations to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on the victory of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) in the recent general election.

"I believe that with the outcome of this election, Cambodia's new National Assembly and Government will be formed soon for the sake of stability, national development and interest of the Cambodian people, which will contribute to peace and development in the region and the world," PM Dung said in a message sent to his Cambodian counterpart last Friday.

He expressed his wish that the comprehensive, long-standing co-operation between Viet Nam and Cambodia would be further consolidated and developed.

In a congratulatory message to CPP, the Communist Party of Viet Nam expressed its belief that Cambodia's new National Assembly led by the CPP would continue to lead the Cambodian people to overcome difficulties and reap further achievements as the country is making efforts for national construction and development, successfully building a Cambodia of peace, independence, democracy and social progress.

Vietnam congratulates Cambodia

Viet Nam congratulated Cambodia on the success of its fifth general election and hoped it would continue developing with peace, stability and prosperity, said Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Luong Thanh Nghi.

Nghi was commenting on the result of Cambodia's election, held on July 28.

The election led to the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) winning with 68 parliamentary seats. The opposing Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) took the remaining 55 seats, according to primary results released by Cambodia's National Election Committee.

Friendship with Japan strengthened

Japanese top leaders pledged to bring Viet Nam-Japan relations to a new height at their meetings last Friday with Politburo member To Huy Rua of Viet Nam in Tokyo.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stated his first overseas visit right after taking office to Viet Nam reflected Japan's policy of placing importance on its ties with Ha Noi.

Deputy PM and Finance Minister Taro Aso, for his part, said he would spare no effort to enhance the two countries' economic co-operation, referring to the provision of ODA and investment activities in Viet Nam in the future.

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida stressed the need for the two countries to increase co-operation through various dialogue channels to become real strategic partners of each other.

At these meetings, Rua, who is also Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee and Head of the CPV Central Committee's Organisation Commission, affirmed that the relations and co-operation between the two countries and the two governments was experiencing the best time in almost all fields so far.

As chairman of the Viet Nam-Japan Friendship Parliamentarian Group, Rua has been in a working visit to Japan from August 1-5 at the invitation of the Japan-Viet Nam Friendship Parliamentarian Alliance as part of the activities to mark the 40th anniversary of the two countries' diplomatic ties.

During the visit, he also met with President of the Communist Party of Japan Kazuo Shii to exchange views on theoretical and practical issues stemming from Viet Nam's renovation process.

He held talks with Speaker of the House of Representative Buimei Ibuki, chairman of the Japan-Viet Nam Friendship Parliamentarian Alliance Roshihiro Nikai, chairman of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) Takahashi Kyohei and chairman of the Democratic Party of Japan Banri Kaieda.

He also visited Canon group, one of successful Japanese businesses in Viet Nam.

Embassy deals with detentions

The Vietnamese Embassy in Russia has established a working group to handle the cases of the 1,200 Vietnamese living in Moscow who have been detained by local police on suspicion of being in the country illegally.

The detentions followed a raid on several Moscow markets on Wednesday.

On receiving the information, the embassy immediately contacted and met with the Russia agencies concerned, as well as the authorities in Moscow to deal with this matter according to Russian law.

According to the embassy, Russian police are investigating the detainees to verify their identity and classify their residency status.

People found to be legal will be released, however those without the correct paperwork will be deported.

Sources at the embassy say that Russian agencies will continue to work with the Vietnamese Embassy to deal with the issue without affecting the lives and businesses of the Vietnamese community who have abided by Russia's laws.

Party official in Japan to promote friendship and co-operation

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday met with To Huy Rua, Politburo member and Secretary of the Vietnamese Party Central Committee.

Rua was on a working visit to Japan to further the Viet Nam-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Alliance.

Abe reaffirmed his efforts to further the ties and said that his decision to choose Viet Nam among his first stops in January after taking office was a clear indication of Tokyo's emphasis on the relationship.

Rua also met with Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and Kazuo Shii, chairman of the Japanese Communist Party.

Vietnam hopes to boost ties with Mozambique

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam ( CPV ) Nguyen Phu Trong has voiced his hope that the CPV and the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) will continue expanding their cooperation in a more practical, deep and effective manner for the benefit of both peoples.

Meeting Filipe Paunde, Secretary General of FRELIMO in Hanoi on August 2, CPV General Secretary Trong hailed the fruitful cooperation between the two countries, especially in telecommunications, agriculture, healthcare and education.

He also lauded the signing of a cooperation agreement between the two parties for the 2013-2017 period.

He also briefed the guest on Vietnam’s achievements as well as challenges the country is facing.

Congratulating FRELIMO on the success of its 10th National Congress, he expressed his belief that through resolutions passed during the congress, the people of Mozambique will reap further victories in its national construction and development for the sake of peace, national independence, democracy, national conciliation and social progress.

Filipe Paunde applauded Vietnam’s socio-economic success over the past years, as well as the country’s rising position in the region and the world.

He briefed his host on the situation in his country as well as the southern African region.

He expressed hope to further promote and expand solidarity, friendship and traditional cooperation between the two Parties and States in all realms, especially economics, trade and investment.

Earlier the same day, the FRELIMO delegation held talks with a CPV delegation led by Le Hong Anh, Politburo member and Standing member of the CPV Secretariat.

The two sides discussed the situation of each Party and country, while discussing regional and international issues of mutual concern.

They sought ways to further bilateral ties between the two Parties and States.

Following the talks, a cooperation agreement between the CPV and FRELIMO was signed between representatives of both sides.

During their stay in Vietnam, the FRELIMO delegation will have working sessions with CPV Central Committee’s Office and Commission for Organisation, the Ho Chi Minh Politics and Administration Academy, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and the military-run Viettel telecommunication group.

They will also make fact-finding tours to some aqua-farms in the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa.

Cuban ambassador prepares Vietnamese memoirs

Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Fredesman Turro Gonzalez is collecting documents and materials in preparation for writing his memoirs about his time in Vietnam.

The Ambassador announced his plans at an August 2 farewell meeting with Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) President Huynh Dam.

Dam said the fraternal relationship between Vietnam and Cuba was forged in the fires of both countries’ revolutions.

Vietnam has never forgotten Cuba’s pioneering role in the popular movements that supported Vietnam’s struggles for independence, freedom, and national construction, he said

Dam thanked the Cuban Ambassador for his practical contributions to reinforcing bilateral solidarity over the years.

Turro Gonzalez promised his tireless efforts to strengthen the traditional friendship between the two parties, fatherland fronts, and peoples, no matter his future position.

Bright prospects for Vietnam-South Africa cooperation

Bright prospects are visible in Vietnam-South Africa trade and investment cooperation, Vietnamese Ambassador to South Africa Le Huy Hoang has affirmed.

The diplomat made the statement in an interview with Vietnam News Agency correspondents on August 2, on the occasion of the upcoming visit of Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and the 20th anniversary of Vietnam-South Africa diplomatic ties (1993-2013).

He said that both countries are promising markets. South Africa, as a gateway to Africa, has a rising status in the continent and is a member of BRICS - the world’s emerging economies.

South Africa is strong in mining, finance, telecommunications, education and tourism, he noted, adding that to make full use of these strengths, besides a favourable legal corridor, the two sides should create conditions for businesses and investors to meet and explore each other’s potential.

In addition, both countries should set up financial-banking mechanisms to support businesses, he said.

Regarding bilateral ties, Ambassador Hoang said since the two countries established diplomatic relations on December 22, 1993, the Vietnam-South Africa friendship and cooperation has been developing strongly in all fields, especially in politics-diplomacy and economics-trade.

In politics, the two sides have signed a series of important documents, laying the foundation for the promotion of bilateral ties. Notably, the Joint Statement on the Partnership for Cooperation and Development was signed during the official visit of Prime Minister Phan Van Khai in October 2004, he noted.

The two countries have maintained regular delegation exchanges of all levels. In 2012 and the first half of 2013 alone, more than 30 delegations of various levels from both sides paid visits to each other’s country, he added.

Ambassador Hoang also underscored that the two sides have supported each other effectively at international forums.

On economics and trade, the diplomat highlighted the surge in two-way trade between Vietnam and South Africa from US$30 million to US$300 million in 2008. South Africa has also recognized the market economy in Vietnam.

Despite difficulties facing both countries’ economies, two-way trade between Vietnam and South Africa is estimated to reach US$700 million this year, he noted, adding that the two sides are considering the possibility of opening a direct air route linking the two countries to further promote tourism and exchanges.

South Africa has also actively cooperated with Vietnam within the South-South framework as well as in the model of tripartite cooperation among Vietnam, South Africa and a third African country, he said.

Both sides hope to expand the model to other African countries, the diplomat added.

VNN/VOV/VNS/VNA