Politics

General Phan Van Giang, Politburo Member, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of National Defence, on July 8 worked with the Standing Board of the Nghe An Provincial Party Committee on the socio-economic development situation and the consolidation of national defence and security in the first six months of the year, as well as the direction and tasks for the last six months of 2026.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung said he hopes the two countries will together open up a new chapter of stable, substantive and effective development in their relationship based on respect for each other's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and political regimes, as well as mutual benefit.

Russia in general and Saint Petersburg in particular attach great importance to strengthening ties with Viet Nam, expressing his hope for more exchanges between high-level parliamentary delegations and broader cooperation with Vietnamese localities to further deepen the bilateral relations.

At a meeting with Martin Briens, Secretary-General of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, in Ha Noi on July 8, Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung highlighted the positive developments in bilateral ties since the two countries elevated their relationship. He noted that Viet Nam–France cooperation has generated tangible benefits for both peoples while contributing to peace, stability, dialogue, and cooperation in the world.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam cabled his condolences to General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping following recent severe rains, flooding, tornadoes and landslides that have caused significant loss of life and property in several localities in China.

The top leader stressed that rapid growth must go hand in hand with sustainability, better governance and improved quality of life.

At the meeting, Thailand officially handed over the ASEAN-OSHNET chairmanship to Viet Nam, while Brunei assumed the vice chairmanship. Viet Nam also transferred its role as the network’s Secretariat, which it had held for the 2023–2026 term, to Brunei for the 2026–2029 period.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung chaired a meeting of the Central Steering Committee on judgment enforcement and the recovery of misappropriated and lost assets in criminal cases in Ha Noi on July 8.

According to the NA Chairman, the legislature will consider and decide on 27 items, including 20 laws and normative resolutions, three major national issues, and first-time discussions on four draft laws.

According to the Deputy PM, the transition must simultaneously meet three key requirements: ensuring sufficient energy for economic growth, reducing emissions in line with Viet Nam's international commitments, and guaranteeing a just transition for workers, businesses and localities.

The government leader requested ministers and heads of sectors to directly take charge of institutional building, prioritise resources and bear responsibility for legal development in their respective fields.

Viet Nam wants to build a substantive and effective relationship and establish a new partnership framework that matches the level of bilateral ties, he said, adding that Viet Nam supports Mexico’s efforts to bolster ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), thus contributing to peace, cooperation and development between the two regions.

The aid reflects the traditional friendship and solidarity, as well as the longstanding spirit of mutual support between the Vietnamese and Venezuelan people.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang expressed his hope that the Japanese ambassador will continue to support the implementation of bilateral defence cooperation, helping to secure tangible outcomes.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam stressed the importance of addressing existing shortcomings candidly, saying Viet Nam’s challenge is no longer a shortage of workers but a shortage of workers whose skills meet development requirements.

The draft ordinance fully revises and adds rules for first-instance hearings that decide whether to send drug-dependent minors to compulsory rehabilitation facilities, as well as for appellate hearings that handle complaints, recommendations and protests against those decisions.

Western Australia regards Viet Nam as one of its priority partners in South-East Asia and is seeking to deepen cooperation across trade, investment and other key sectors, Premier Roger Cook has said.

The Embassy of Viet Nam in Slovakia has coordinated with and supported the Vietnamese community in Slovakia in successfully organising Viet Nam Day 2026. The event attracted considerable interest from local residents, international friends and the Vietnamese community in the country.

Chairman Man said the committee will discuss a slate of important issues in preparation for the 16th NA’s first extraordinary session set for early August, review preparations for the second regular session later this year, and take up other matters under its purview.

Ty described the twin quakes Venezuela’s deadliest seismic disaster in more than a century, with thousands killed. High temperatures accelerated the decomposition of victims still trapped beneath collapsed buildings.