GOVERNMENT IN BRIEF 17/9 President on landmark Hungary trip President Truong Tan Sang yesterday (Sept 16) met with his Hungarian counterpart Ader Janos, as part of the President's first State visit to the European country. Meeting with host President Janos, President Sang praised Hungary's support of Viet Nam during its struggle for independence, saying that Viet Nam valued the opportunity to strengthen cooperation with Hungary.   The two leaders also discussed international and regional issues, agreeing to strengthen coordination at multilateral forums. He spoke highly of Hungary's achievements as a modern European nation, and expressed hopes for the country to reap the benefits of its national development. Janos said Hungary was committed to strengthening the historic friendship and long-term cooperation between the two countries. Both leaders agreed that despite positive developments, economic and trade ties between the two countries were below expectations. They agreed on measures to achieve greater cooperation in the agricultural, education, trade, pharmaceutical and cultural sectors. They also pledged to strengthen efforts in environmental sustainability and training. The two leaders also discussed international and regional issues, agreeing to strengthen coordination at multilateral forums. They agreed that President Sang's visit was an important milestone in the 60 year-old relationship and would contribute to peace and stability in the region. After the talks, the two leaders issued a joint statement on the signing of a number of cooperation agreements, hosting a meeting with international media. Later in the day, President Sang and his delegation paid a floral tribute to Hungarian heroes at the Heroes' Square in Budapest. He also met with the staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and the Vietnamese community in Hungary, during which he affirmed that the Party and State always consider overseas Vietnamese an inseparable part of the nation, and an important resource for its development and prosperity. VN wishes to broaden NZ links across wide range of sectors Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has suggested Viet Nam and New Zealand expand co-operation in trade, investment, agriculture, aviation and education. At a reception for New Zealand's visiting Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of Finance, Bill English, in Ha Noi yesterday (Sept 16), Dung proposed that more scholarships awarded to Vietnamese students would help increase cultural exchange between Vietnamese and New Zealanders. PM Dung also suggested that New Zealand continue supporting the Vietnamese community in the country. He also voiced his hope to foster ties with members of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), particularly New Zealand. Minister English said his country valued the opportunity to promote ties with Viet Nam and further cooperate in education. He stated that New Zealand was ready to work closely with Viet Nam and other member countries to successfully conclude TPP negotiations in the near future. Deputy PM Nhan travels to Russia for special working visit Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan is on a working visit to Russia from September 14-18 at the invitation of his Russian counterpart Olga Golodet. On Sunday, Deputy PM Nhan met with members of the Russia-Viet Nam Friendship Association (RVFA) and veterans who had assisted Viet Nam during wartime. He affirmed that the Vietnamese people would always keep in mind the precious help of the Russian people during their past struggle for independence as well as the current national construction and defence. He hailed the RVFA's significant contributions to the development of bilateral ties, which were recently elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership. The Deputy PM said he hoped that the association would continue promoting its role as a bridge linking the two nations. RVFA President Vladimir Byuanov pledged that the association would make further contributions to the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. During the meeting, the Russian veterans expressed their delight at the current development of Viet Nam and hoped to have more chances to visit the country and meet their Vietnamese comrades. Earlier the same day, Deputy PM Nhan paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at the square in Moscow named after the Vietnamese founding father. Vietnam moves to reinforce ties with regional countries Vietnam has elevated bilateral relations with Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore to strategic partnership this year, reaffirming the country’s consistent foreign policy of openness, multi-lateralisation and diversification with priorities to enhancing relations with regional countries. The Vietnam Government Portal reports. The strategic partnership reflects an absolute political trust between Vietnam and the three partners, opening up new prospects for closer ties and comprehensive cooperation for the interest of each nation, and for peace, stability and development in the region and the world while contributing to building a united, strong and prosperous ASEAN Community. The Vietnam – Thailand Joint Statement issued in June during Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s official visit to Thailand states that the two countries will enhance mutual trust and understanding through exchanges of high-level visits and strategic political dialogues, and to maintain sound political ties as a solid foundation for the development and strengthening of co-operation in other areas. Meanwhile, the agreements Vietnam signed with Indonesia and Singapore aim to intensify the exchange of high-level visits and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields via mechanisms in which the countries can review the implementation of the strategic partnership. Sound political relations with these partners will not only help Vietnam take advantages of resources to catch up with other ASEAN member countries’ development, but also facilitate the ASEAN community construction. In addition, Vietnam have agreed with the partners to enhance mutual coordination and support at regional and international forums and in coping with traditional and non-traditional security challenges. These enhanced bilateral ties will contribute to strengthening the regional unity on the way towards an ASEAN Community now that the three ASEAN founding members have recognised Vietnam’s role in the bloc and international arena. Economic cooperation is also considered as an important pillar in the strategic partnership between Vietnam and the three regional countries. Thailand now ranks tenth out of Vietnam’s 96 investors with 300 projects worth a total of 6.11 billion USD. In return, Vietnam has invested in seven projects in Thailand with a total capital of 11.35 million USD. Last year, two-way trade hit 8.62 billion USD. The two countries are striving to increase the annual two-way trade volume to 15 billion USD by 2020. The bilateral economic, trade and investment co-operation between Vietnam and Indonesia has seen positive developments with a sharp increase in two-way trade from 364 million USD in 1995 to 4.6 billion USD in 2012, and a target of 10 billion USD by 2018. Indonesia is currently investing in 35 projects in Vietnam capitalised at over 282 million USD, making it the 27th largest foreign investor out of the 101 countries and territories investing in the country. Meanwhile, Vietnam-Singapore two-way trade surpassed 9 billion USD last year and reached 3.5 billion USD in the first five months of this year. Singaporean direct investment in Vietnam continues to rise. By July 2013, Singapore had nearly 1,200 projects worth over 28 billion USD, ranking second among countries and territories investing in Vietnam. Together with enhancing political and economic ties, the three partners have also agreed to boost cooperation with Vietnam in security, defense, education, training, culture, sport, tourism and people-to-people diplomacy. The strategic partnership between Vietnam and Thailand , Indonesia and Singapore has founded the basis not only for future sound bilateral relations, but also for a united and prosperous ASEAN Community. Vietnam treasures strategic partnership with Japan Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung affirmed Vietnam’s constant policy of attaching special importance to the strategic partnership with Japan for peace and prosperity while receiving visiting Japanese Minister of Defence Itsunori Onodera in Hanoi on September 16. Appreciating the outcomes of the strategic partnership between the two countries, PM Dung said he hopes the two sides will continue supporting each other at international and regional forums, especially the United Nations.         He hailed the results of the talks between Minister Onodera and his Vietnamese counterpart, General Phung Quang Thanh, and expressed his wish that the two ministries will further boost their cooperation through regular dialogues, meetings and delegation exchanges.      PM Dung asked the Japanese side to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in personnel training and support the country’s participation in international peace-keeping activities.     Minister Onodera told his host that the two defence ministries have reached high consensus on a number of cooperation realms, including human resources training, bomb and mine clearance, and military technology.        He proposed that the Vietnamese Government back cooperation activities between the two ministries, making bilateral defence ties deeper and more practical and effective. Vietnam wants US contributions to Asian security, development Vietnam hopes the US will contribute to maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in the region, said Vietnamese ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Cuong. He said security, economics and business prospects were the major topics of a recent seminar on Asian structure held by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) prior to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and the East Asia Summit (EAS) scheduled to take place in October. The Vietnamese ambassador added that he will attend these events as a major speaker. During the seminar, participants discussed ways to promote dialogues, cooperation and trust building with a view to ensuring peace, stability, development, security and maritime freedom and settling disputes by peaceful means on the basis of respect for international law. They voiced support for ASEAN and China’s efforts to fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and finalize a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). Regarding Vietnam-US relations, the Vietnamese diplomat said the comprehensive partnership established during President Truong Tan Sang’s recent US trip is a historic landmark in bilateral relations showing that Vietnam is fully committed to fostering them. This model will provide a foundation and orientations for developing Vietnam-US relations in the years to come. Vietnam is one the first nations supporting US participation in the EAS and always expects the US to make greater contributions to regional peace, stability and prosperity. Concerning US-China relations in Asian structure, Cuong expressed hope that the relationship will positively contribute to security and development in the region. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia Vikram J. Singh said the US is fully aware of the important role Asia plays in the national security and future of the US and therefore committed to providing resources to the region. For his part, Scot Marciel, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian & Pacific Affairs, US Department of State said Asia which accounts for 1/3 of the world population, 25 percent of global GDP and 27 percent of global exports is the region where the US is keen to establish a strategic partnership to deal with regional and global issues and create more opportunities for development. US President Barack Obama has devised a strategy rebalancing interests in the Asia-Pacific region under which the US spend more time, effort and necessary resources getting fully and effectively involved in the region which is becoming increasingly important in terms of international issues, Marciel noted. To reach that goal, the US will spare no effort to ensure a peaceful and stable region, prevent conflicts, ease tensions, strengthen people-to-people exchange and join hands with regional nations to build common rules and create an equal playground in the region. According to Marciel the rebalance policy is pivoted on consolidating relations with allied countries, boosting cooperation with new dialogue partners such as Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia and improving institutions in the region, especially ASEAN. China is the US’ partner of paramount importance and the world will benefit from a prosperous and stable China with its sense of responsibility as a power that plays a constructive role in resolving international issues. Marciel also reiterated the US’ national interests in ensuring international law and maritime freedom and its consistent support for COC negotiations. The US will cooperate with other countries within the APEC and speed up the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) negotiations to stimulate regional economic growth, he added. Hanoi boosts relations with Australia A high-ranking delegation from Hanoi led by Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Pham Quang Nghi is visiting Australia to further develop cooperation with the country. The Hanoi guests had working sessions with senior officials of New South Wales and Victoria States. During the meetings, Nghi spoke highly of the fine development of the bilateral relationship over the past four decades, especially since the two sides signed the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement in 2009. He noted that the two countries still see great potential for future cooperation. The Hanoi leader applauded the Australian Government’s assistance for development projects in Hanoi in particular and Vietnam in general. Australia is now Vietnam’s eighth largest trade partner and ranks 21st among foreign investors in the country, he said, adding that it is also an attractive destination for Vietnamese students. Meeting with New South Wales Governor Marie Bashir on September 15, Nghi spoke highly of Australian experience in urban planning and development, especially in Sydney. Marie Bashir expressed her deep love towards Hanoi and Vietnam, informing that she will visit Vietnam this November. While working with Melbourne Mayor Robert Doyle on September 16, the Hanoi leader hailed Australia’s success in preserving cultural diversity and relic sites. The host also praised Vietnam’s efforts in tourism development. Responding to Vietnam News Agency reporters’ queries, Nghi highlighted Australia’s position in Vietnam’s foreign policy, revealing that his visit aims to further intensify the multilateral cooperation between the two countries and call for more investment in Vietnam. The delegation is scheduled to leave for New Zealand on September 17. Vietnam-Cuba committee meets in Hanoi The Vietnam-Cuba Inter-governmental Committee started their 31st meeting in Hanoi on September 16. During the three-day meeting, delegates of the two countries will review the implementation of the minutes of the 30th meeting, including a Cuba-based rice production programme. They will work out solutions to shortcomings to improve the efficiency of bilateral cooperation and set future orientations for 2013-14. They will also examine potential areas of cooperation in the mid-term economic cooperation programme as defined in a memorandum of understanding signed by the two governments in Hanoi in August 2013. A workshop calling for investment in Cuba’s Mariel port and a ceremony marking 40 years of President Fidel Castro’s visit to Quang Tri province will be held on this occasion. VNN/VOV/VNS/VNA