Social News 23/7 PM inspects environment at Formosa Ha Tinh steel company    Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (second, right) inspects the Hung Nghiep Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Company on July 20  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc inspected the wastewater treatment and manufacturing process at Hung Nghiep Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Company on July 20, nearly one year since his visit to check its environmental protection commitment following the marine environment incident in 2016. He visited the wastewater treatment area, wastewater quality monitor office, steel refining units, and Formosa wharf, as well as checking data transmission from biological lake and automatic wastewater monitor stations to the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment. During a working session with leaders of Formosa, and ministries and agencies in the central province of Ha Tinh, the PM said his visit was also to ensure that the furnaces No.1 and No.2 will be put into operation stably, towards producing nearly 7 million tonnes of steel in the near future. He lauded Formosa for fixing 52 out of 53 faults under open and transparent supervision, building houses for workers, and granting scholarships to students. The PM affirmed that Vietnam offers all possible support to domestic and foreign investors to do business in the country, adding that the Vietnamese Government protects the legitimate rights and interests of investors in line with both the law and their responsibilities to the Vietnamese Government and people. The PM hailed Formosa for building large-scale technical infrastructure worth over 11 billion USD in Vietnam – making it the largest foreign-invested project in the country, generating jobs for more than 12,000 workers and making important contributions to local budget. Recalling the serious marine environment impacts from the incident two years ago in the central provinces, he asked Formosa to learn from its lesson and prevent committing the mistake again, adding that it is a strict requirement of the Vietnamese State and it will be punished strictly in line with the law if it commits any related violations again. The PM heralded the efforts of ministries, agencies, localities, and scientists of Ha Tinh province and Formosa for overcoming the marine environment incident in the central region of the country. The company was requested to conform to environmental requirements, invest in advanced technologies to improve product quality, and mitigate environmental impacts. He suggested that the firm should adopt technologies to recycle and use waste materials; improve the efficiency of land use, technical infrastructure, and seaports; and build a 200ha industrial zone for the support industry. The Vietnamese government will continue stabilising the macro-economy and foreign exchange rates, as well as stepping up the fight against smuggling and trade fraud to protect domestic manufacturers. Ministries and agencies were assigned to make it easier for Formosa to deliver on its commitment with the Government, including studying manufacturing standards. Ha Tinh authorities must work closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to closely monitor environmental indicators at the company, and consider issuing a joint working mechanism to address any difficulties. Formosa put the furnace No.1 on trial run in 2017, producing 1.6 million tonnes of cast iron valued at 854 million USD. In the first half of this year, the volume of cast iron reached 1.9 million tonnes, which is expected to hit over 5 million tonnes this year, bringing a revenue of roughly 2.6 billion USD. The furnace No. 2 was put into pilot operation on May 18, reaching 95 percent of its capacity. The company has built three levels of incident prevention inside and outside the factory. Water quality at the ecological lake has reached A-standard while solid wastes have been recycled. It is also stepping up training cooperation with the Hanoi University of Science and Technology, the Da Nang University of Science and Technology, and Hue University to train technical staff. The firm has built 304 apartments for married workers, a dormitory for single workers, and a 100-bed hospital for workers and local residents. -VNA Food safety, hygiene shows improvement, but needs more measures   The prevention of food poisoning and food-borne diseases have been improved drastically and showed positive results based on the decrease on food poisoning cases in the first six months of this year  The prevention of food poisoning and food-borne diseases have been improved drastically and showed positive results based on the decrease on food poisoning cases in the first six months of this year, a conference heard on July 20. The number of food poisoning cases nationwide is 53, a reduction of 27 cases compared to the same period last year. Eleven people died and around a thousand others were hospitalised this year, more than twice as many as 2017. Speaking at the conference on implementing food safety and hygiene, Vice Minister of Health Le Thanh Long said inspections on food safety and hygiene have been carried out from central to local levels. Reports from inspection teams from 63 cities and provinces showed that in the first 6 months of the year, the inspection teams discovered 68,362 out of 351,130 businesses violating food safety and hygiene regulation. Of that, 13,017 businesses were fined more than 35 billion VND (1.54 million USD). 170 businesses had their licenses suspended, 300 businesses were required to add labelling, and 2,822 businesses had their products destroyed. Reports from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development focused on inspecting food safety and hygiene, which contributed to the curb of using banned chemicals in livestock, minimised the abuse of chemicals and antibiotics, and reduced micro-bacterial contamination on products. The national steering committee on food safety and hygiene said there were shortcomings in the inspection work on food safety and hygiene in many localities. Penalties for violations on the abuse of plant protection chemicals and antibiotics in agricultural production, as well as the use of food additives in food processing, remained low. Food without clear origin was not controlled and is available for purchase in markets. Fraud on producing and trading supplementary food online was still complicated, it said. Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien said it was vital for the country’s health authority to enhance the post-inspection work on food safety and hygiene to better control food quality. The ministry would complete the amended decree on giving fines for food safety and hygiene violators based on the current Decree 178/2013/NĐ-CP issued in 2013. Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam required relevant ministries and agencies to complete the amended decree stipulating sanctions for violations and submitted it to the Government for approval. Of that, the process of culling violated livestock and substandard products, advertising on supplement foods and cosmetics should be in the focus. He said raising awareness of food safety and hygiene should continue to be promoted. Sound practices in food safety and hygiene management in big cities like Hanoi and HCM City should be replicated.-VNS/VNA Photo exhibition demonstrates green future of biomass energy    A photo displayed at the exhibition depicts children playing by a sugarcane farm. There are 11 sugar mills across the country generating biomass energy to sell to the grid (Photo courtesy of GIZ) A photo exhibition entitled “Biomass energy-for a green future” took place from July 18-21 at the Saigon Exhibition Convention Centre in HCM City’s District 7. The exhibition, organised by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Climate Finance Readiness Programme of Germany, aims to manifest the immense potential of renewable energy development, especially biomass energy in Vietnam. About 20 photos by photographers from across the country are displayed at the exhibition featuring individuals, organisations and localities which are now making a great contribution to the cause of promoting clean and eco-friendly energy sources in Vietnam. Each photo tells story about efforts in improving society’s awareness of the importance of biomass energy in helping reduce the impacts of climate change as well as maintaining sustainable agricultural development. Vietnam is one of the most rapidly growing economies in Southeast Asia. This rapid growth goes hand-in-hand with a rising demand for electricity, which is set to increase exponentially by the year 2020, a report from the GIZ said. Recent scientific research has shown that by the end of 2014, the country could have exploited approximately 20.67 million tonnes of wood energy and 52.91 million tons of agriculture residues, mainly rice husk, straw and bagasse. Biomass energy, which has the potential to utilise millions of tons of agricultural residue including bagasse, rice husk and woods, plays an important role in generating clean electricity and contributing to rural development while at the same time reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change impacts. Sri Lanka’s Bodhi tree planted at Tam Chuc Pagoda   At the ceremony  The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha held a ceremony at Tam Chuc Pagoda in Kim Bang district, the northern province of Ha Nam, on July 22 to plant a Bodhi tree presented by Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament Karu Jayasuriya.  The Bodhi tree is a branch of Sri Lanka’s 2,250 year-old Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest tree in the world.  The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is said to be the right-wing branch (southern branch) from the historical Sri Maha Bodhi at Buddha Gaya in India under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Tam Chuc pagoda sits on a site of nearly 5,000ha, surrounding by lakes, mountains, forests and valleys.  Excavated objects reveal that the pagoda is around 1,000 years old.  The pagoda, which has been entirely damaged with time, is being rebuilt with the first phase expected to be completed in May 2019 when the pagoda hosts the UN Day of Vesak (Buddha's Birthday, Enlightenment and Passing Away). The Tam Chuc complex was recognised by the Prime Minister as a national tourism site in 2013. Association promotes solidarity among Vietnamese in Laos   Delegates at the congress  The Vietnamese Association in Vientiane, Laos reviewed its performance over the past five years and set out orientations for the 2018-2022 tenure during a congress on July 21.  During the past five-year term, the association has organised many community-based activities and promoted traditional Vietnamese culture in Laos, while constructively participating in activities launched by the Vietnamese Embassy in the country.  Of note, the association has paid attention to developing the Nguyen Du Lao-Vietnamese bilingual language school in Vientiane, with an increasing number of students, and better teaching and learning quality.  The congress elected a new nine-member executive board for the tenth tenure headed by Le Van Mui.  Bounna Phathounmavong, Director of Vientiane’s Department of Home Affairs, expressed his hope that the Vietnamese expats in Vientiane set example in observing Lao laws and help each other escape from poverty, contributing to the development of the Lao capital city.  Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Ba Hung voiced his wish that the association will reap more achievements in developing the Vietnamese community in Vientiane in particular and in Laos in general. Overseas Vietnamese contribute to Vietnam-Russia ties   Participants at the conference  Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Ngo Duc Manh has praised the association of Vietnamese people in Russia for their active contributions to reinforcing and developing the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership. At a conference to review the association’s performance in 2015-2017 in Moscow on July 20, the ambassador recognised its efforts to help overseas Vietnamese stabilise their lives and integrate into the host society. The association also held activities to support the homeland, he said. Deputy Foreign Minister Vu Hong Nam took note of the opinions raised by the association members and pledged to deliver their proposals and aspirations to domestic relevant agencies. Participants suggested increasing dissemination of legal regulations and changes in business conditions in Russia for Vietnamese expatriates to promote their legal status in the country. They recommended that the association step up the teaching and learning of Vietnamese language and culture for expat children. At the same time, the association should provide consultation for enterprises and individuals who want to explore business opportunities in Russia and promoting Vietnamese goods and tourism. It is necessary to seek new and diverse measures such as organising workshops, exchanging delegations, and establishing twin ties among localities to enhance Vietnam-Russia comprehensive cooperation. The association members also suggested expanding exchanges with other foreign communities in Russia and sending representatives to attend relevant activities held by Russian legal social organisations. Egyptian newspaper hails cooperation prospects with Vietnam   A photo of Nha Trang city - a popular destination in Vietnam  Vietnam and Egypt hold great potential for cooperation in marine economy and tourism, according to Al Messa, one of the most prestigious Egyptian daily newspapers. The assessment was made in an article published in the newspaper on July 20. Author of the story Refat Khaled said during the visit to Egypt in last May, Vo Van Thuong, Politburo member and Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, highlighted the growing relations between Vietnam and Egypt in all fields, especially after the historical visit to Vietnam by Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi in September 2017. The President’s visit created a good foundation for the bilateral cooperation to grow in various spheres, particularly marine economy and tourism. The article pointed to Egypt’s significant geo-strategic position, serving as the gateway between the three continents of Africa, Europe and Asia. Meanwhile, Vietnam has great potential in sea-based economy development with 48 bays and more than 3,000 islands in the East Sea. Regarding fishery resources, Vietnam is on the list of 20 most economically advantageous seas for marine fisheries in the world, with many species of high economic value. Vietnam is also a popular destination for millions of foreign tourists with white beaches and world-renowned scenic sites in Ha Long, Nha Trang, Da Nang and Phu Quoc along the country’s 3,260 km long coastline. In 2017, Vietnam welcomed 12 million international visitors, including tens of thousands of holidaymakers from Africa and Egypt in particular. At the same time, an increasing number of Vietnamese people are also visiting Egypt – the country of pyramids. According to the article, Vietnam and Egypt have signed nine cooperation agreements, including four relating to marine economy and tourism. This shows that the two sectors are the focuses and priorities for win-win cooperation. Association contributes to enhancing Vietnam-Germany friendship   Huynh Minh Thien, President of the Union of Friendship Organisations in HCM City (fourth, right), presents gifts to individuals and organisations in recognition of their contributions to the Vietnam-Germany Friendship Association in HCM City.  Daniela Scheetz, Vice Consular General of Germany in Ho Chi Minh City, has lauded contributions made by the Vietnam-Germany Friendship Association in HCM City to enhancing the friendship and cooperation between Germany and Vietnam over the past 25 years.  Speaking at a ceremony to mark the 25th anniversary of the association in HCM City on July 21, the diplomat congratulated the association on its successful organisation of cooperation programmes in the fields of culture, tourism and trade promotion between Vietnam and Germany.  She said the increasing number of Vietnamese people travelling to Germany and vice versa has demonstrated the thriving collaboration and friendship between the two sides.  Daniela Scheetz expressed her wish that the community of Vietnamese who used to study and work in Germany will continue to work as a bridge helping intensify the mutual understanding and friendship, bringing practical benefits to people of the two countries.  Huynh Minh Thien, President of the Union of Friendship Organisations in HCM City (HUFO), hailed the diverse activities organised by the association, ranging from politics to economy, culture and social affairs, which he said have contributed to the city’s people-to-people diplomacy.  The association has 10 chapters and 500 members who are mainly young businesspeople. VFF extends sympathies to flood victims    11 people were killed, 12 others went missing and 13 were injured in floods.  The Standing Board of the Vietnam Fatherland Front  Central Committee (VFFCC) on July 21 sent a message of sympathy to authorities and people affected by floods in Thanh Hoa, Yen Bai, Hoa Binh, Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces. The message noted that storm Son Tinh, the third tropical storm to enter the East Sea this year, has triggered torrential rains and floods in the north central provinces of Thanh Hoa, Nghe An and Ha Tinh, and the northern mountainous provinces of Yen Bai and Hoa Binh, causing human and property losses. The Central Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control reported that as of July 21 morning, 11people were killed, 12 others went missing and 13 were injured in floods. Besides, the natural disasters also damaged hundreds of houses, and flooded and destroyed hundreds of hectares of rice and other food crops. The VFFCC Standing Board applauded the high sense of responsibility and concerted efforts of all-level Party Committees, authorities, VFF’s chapters, organisations, agencies and armed forces in searching for the missing and supporting flood victims. In the message, the VFFCC Standing Board asked the VFF committees of the provinces to coordinate with local authorities and provincial steering boards for natural disaster prevention and control to evaluate human and property losses caused by the floods and reported to the VFF. The VFFCC Standing Board also announced a decision to send 5 million VND (220 USD) in aid to each family of the bereaved and missing, 3 million VND (30 USD) to each seriously injured person and 40 million VND (1,760 USD) to each family made homeless by the floods. Requiem commemorates heroic martyrs in Quang Tri    At the ceremony  A requiem ceremony was held in the central province of Quang Tri on July 21 to commemorate soldiers who died during an 81-day battle here in the summer of 1972 to safeguard the country. Jointly held by the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel Soldier Association and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS), the ceremony was among activities to mark the 71st anniversary of the Vietnam Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27, 1947-2018). It was attended by representatives from ministries, departments and sectors, armed forces, local officials and heroic Vietnamese mothers, and over 3,000 dignitaries, monks, nuns, and Buddhist followers nationwide. Fierce fighting for control of the citadel, the central province’s symbol of power, started from June 28 and ended on September 26, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. The fight contributed to Vietnam’s triumph at the Paris Conference and was a prerequisite for the General Offensive and Uprising in the spring of 1975, which completely liberated the south and reunified the country. The old citadel, just under 3,000sq.m, and a small area around it was bombarded by the combined fire power of American B52 strategic bombers, the 7th Fleet and thousands of artillery pieces. An estimated 328,000 tonnes of bombs were dropped on the old citadel and a small town of some 10,000 houses around it. By the time the fighting ended, the town was almost leveled. No houses remained intact. In recent time, a series of activities have been organised by local authorities, organisations and those in and ouside the province to support families of wounded soldiers and martyrs.  Hundreds of houses were presented to people who contributed to the revolution. On the occasion, the Sai Gon - Hanoi Bank presented 20 houses worth 50 million VND (2,184 USD) each to members of the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel Soldier Association’s chapters nationwide. The Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam’s branches in Quang Tri and Ho Chi Minh City also gave 12 houses totaling 600 million VND (26,210 USD) to the families of invalids and martyrs in the locality. Tokyo concert marks 45 years of Vietnam-Japan ties   The concert took place at the Suntory Hall in Tokyo on July 20  A concert marking the 45th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations was held at the Suntory Hall in Tokyo on July 20 with the presence of the Japanese Emperor and Empress. After the two countries’ national anthems, the audience enjoyed famous musical pieces of the world and Vietnam performed by artists of the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra (VNSO). Notably, the symphony “Nguoi ve dem toi ngay vui” (He who brought happiness to us) composed by Trong Bang, describing Vietnamese people’s love for late President Ho Chi Minh, received a big round of applause from the audience.  The orchestra was led by Japanese conductor Tetsuji Honna, who is also principal conductor and music director of the VNSO. Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Nguyen Quoc Cuong said musical exchange is an impressive thing in the two countries’ relations, noting that Nha Nhac (Vietnamese court music) came to Japan in the mid-8th century.  It could be said that people-to-people exchange between the countries began through music, he added. The concert, part of a series of activities celebrating 45 years of bilateral diplomatic relations, attracted about 1,500 Vietnamese and Japanese people. A similar concert took place in Osaka city on July 18. Activities to commemorate heroic martyrs held nationwide The Vietnam Red Cross Society on July 20 started construction of “Red-Cross houses” for disadvantaged veterans in the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang who fought in the Vi Xuyen battle.   The Vietnam Red Cross Society on July 20 started construction of “Red-Cross houses” for disadvantaged veterans in the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang who fought in the Vi Xuyen battle between 1979 and 1989. The houses were built at a total cost of over 4 billion VND (174,000 USD) raised with support of former President Truong Tan Sang. Furthermore, 80 families of Vi Xuyen battle veterans will receive 60 million VND each to repair their houses. At the event, Thao Hong Son, Vice Secretary of the Party Committee of Ha Giang and Chairman of the provincial People’s Council asked local authorities to take care of living conditions of those who have made contribution to the country and their families. On the evening of the same day, a lantern floating festival was held in the central province of Quang Tri, with the participation of martyrs’ family members, tourists and local residents. More than 15,000 lanterns were lightened up on the province’s Thach Han river. On the occasion, organisers of the festival also presented 32 houses of gratitude worth 50 million VND (2,170 USD) each to families of policy beneficiaries and gift sets to two Heroic Mothers in the province. Meanwhile, the central city of Da Nang has offered presents worth nearly 11 billion VND (478,500 USD) to local people who rendered services to the nation. In the south central province of Ninh Thuan, 10 houses were presented to disadvantaged war veterans in Phan Rang - Thap Cham city. Families of the veterans also received five million VND. Ninh Thuan is home to 302 poor war soldiers, accounting for 4.78 percent of total number of veterans in the province. Eighty of them are living in dilapidated houses, according to Chairman of the provincial Association of War Veterans Nguyen Van Thuan. Exchange celebrates 45 years of Vietnam-Belgium relations    Chairman of the Vietnam-Belgium Friendship Association Pham Manh Hung speaks at the exchange in Hanoi on July 20 (Photo: baoquocte.vn) The Vietnam-Belgium Friendship Association and the Belgian Embassy in Vietnam have held an exchange in Hanoi to mark the 187th National Day (July 21, 1831) of the European nation and 45 years of the two countries’ diplomatic ties (March 22, 1973). The July 20 event saw the presence of Vuong Thua Phong – deputy head of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee’s Commission for Foreign Relations; Pham Sanh Chau – Assistant to the Foreign Minister, Special Representative of the Vietnamese Prime Minister on UNESCO Affairs and Secretary General of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO; Pham Khac Son – Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations; and Deputy Head of Mission at the Belgian Embassy Anke Van Lancker. Chairman of the Vietnam-Belgium Friendship Association Pham Manh Hung, who is also Deputy Minister of Education and Training, said since Prince Leopold I became the first king of Belgium 187 years ago, Belgium has swiftly become an industrialised nation with a developed economy and leading science-technology in the world. It currently ranks 21st in the Human Development Index and has won 10 Nobel prizes in different fields. He wished the Belgian people to obtain more achievements to further contribute to the world’s development, prosperity and peace. Hung added that this year, Vietnam and Belgium celebrate the 45th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties, which is a significant milestone in bilateral friendship and cooperation. Great strides have been seen in bilateral relations over the last four and a half decades, he said, elaborating that Vietnam has become an important Southeast Asian partner of Belgium in all spheres, from politics, economy, trade, culture and education-training to scientific research. The two sides have also coordinated closely at multilateral forums and international organisations like the United Nations, the Asia-Europe Meeting, the ASEAN-EU cooperation, and the International Organisation of La Francophonie. Thousands of Vietnamese students, postgraduates and doctors have been receiving training in the European nation. Notably, more than 2,000 Vietnamese have finished the Solvay Vietnam Master programmes, the official said, describing the positive outcomes of educational partnership as a pride of bilateral relations. At the exchange, Anke Van Lancker said the two countries’ friendship and cooperation have been marked with fruitful cooperation in multiple areas such as economy, development, research and especially education-training with over 2,000 Vietnamese used to study in Belgium and 2,000 others used to enroll in the Solvay Vietnam Master programmes. She expressed her hope that the Vietnam-Belgium Friendship Association will continue to organise meaningful cultural exchanges to help promote people-to-people diplomacy and enhance the countries’ friendship. Winners of songwriting contest praising Dong Loc girls announced    Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (C) at the ceremony  A ceremony was held in the central province of Ha Tinh on July 20 to present prizes to the most standout entries to a contest of writing songs praising ten young unmarried girls who were volunteers helping with logistics at the Dong Loc T-junction during the war. Organised by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU) Central Committee, the provincial Party Committee and Thanh Nien Newspaper, the event was attended by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc; representatives from ministries, departments and sectors; and local youths and people. As many as 87 entries were sent to the contest after it was launched in Hanoi in April 2018, with many of them were written by professional and amateur songwriters who live in Ha Tinh or joined art troupes that performed in the battlefields in the locality during the war time. All the songs praise the bravery, fortitude and heroic sacrifice of the Dong Loc girls, as well as show deep gratitude for them. The first prize was presented “Co tich que minh” by Ngoc Thinh and Ngoc Vuong, while the second and third prizes was awarded to “Hoa cuc rung lai no” by Le May and Hong Phong; and “Chi oi” by Hoang Nha, respectively. The contest was part of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of Dong Loc victory (July 24, 1968-2018). The award ceremony was followed by an art programme entitled “The immortal flowers”, featuring songs on the glorious path of the Vietnamese army and people in the anti-US resistance war, especially the contributions by volunteer youths in the Dong Loc T-junction.  Former imperial city of Hue to build tourism mart   The famed Truong Tien Bridge in Hue at sunset. Hue is to offer visitors a place for muster with modern look The former imperial city of Hue in central Thua Thien-Hue province plans to develop a complex featuring a hotel, leasing offices, shopping malls and tourist recreation facility to offer something new from the heritage monuments in the former imperial capital. Local authorities called the complex a tourism mart. According to the local tourism department, the mart will be a righteous place for visitors to Hue to enjoy. The mart will be built at An Dong, a new urban zone east of the city. It will be built around a lake surrounded with trees, creating a green and natural ambiance. Under the mart’s master plan approved by local authorities in early July, the mart’s core will also include a square and small parks. The core nearby areas will be reserved for a tourist information centre, a trade centre, a floating market and duty-free stores. Hotel facilities and leasing offices will be located in the rear of the mart, with a hotel capable of housing 320 people each day. In the area beside the mart, authorities plan to build a residential area with room for 1,200 residents. Authorities also plan to place public toilets along the roads in the mart and a separate system for collecting rubbish. Dong Thap, An Giang hold memorial services for fallen soldiers Remains of Vietnamese soldiers are carried inside the Tam Nong district martyr cemetery  Ceremonies to commemorate and rebury remains of Vietnamese soldiers during wartime took place in the Mekong Delta provinces of Dong Thap and An Giang on July 20. In Dong Thap, following a solemn requiem, 85 remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts, who died in Cambodia, were reburied at the Tam Nong district martyr cemetery.  Speaking at the ceremony, Chanh Tha, deputy governor of Cambodia’s Prey Veng province, stressed the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia, adding that Prey Veng province will continue supporting the searching and repatriation of Vietnamese soldiers’ remains there. Since 2001, search team K91 under the Dong Thap military command has carried out 17 searches, unearthing 1,713 sets of remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts. In An Giang, a memorial and reburial service was held for 168 volunteer soldiers, who fell down during wartime. Search team K90 of Military Zone 9 and K93 of the An Giang Military High Command found these remains during the 2017 – 2018 dry season.  Of the 168 sets of remains, 130 were unearthed in Cambodia, while the remainder in Vietnam. VNN