A Vietnamese navy frigate has departed South Korea after a four-day port call that included professional exchanges and joint activities to strengthen naval cooperation.

An Giang province hosted a conference on December 12 to review and monitor legal aid activities under two national target programs: the national target program on building a new-style countryside and the national target program on socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas for the 2021-25 period.

A new directive from the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat urges agencies at all levels to reduce paperwork and meetings while accelerating digital transformation to modernize governance.

After inspecting the construction site, PM Phạm Minh Chính had a working session with representatives of ministries, sectors, and units to review tasks for the project following Party General Secretary Tô Lâm’s directions a month ago.

Lieutenant Colonel Chu Văn Hùng, deputy political officer of Ship 09, added that alongside the exercise mission, the unit also conducted training to improve proficiency in operating and utilising weapons and technical equipment, as well as enhancing endurance for long deployments and operations at sea.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lê Hoài Trung emphasised that the two countries’ similarities in culture and religion, especially Buddhism, as well as their common views on regional and international issues, constitute an important foundation and strong bond strengthening the friendship between the two peoples.

TechFest Vietnam 2025, held from December 12 to 14, is expected to attract more than 60,000 participants both in person and online, with the participation of over 20 corporations, 50 investment funds, more than 100 supporting organisations and incubators.

Several voters called on the Government to study and submit to the NA an early adjustment to raise the base salary in 2026. Other concerns raised included the upgrading of transport infrastructure, planning work, and social insurance policies.

Addressing the event linking with all 34 provinces and centrally-run cities, PM Chính praised the justice sector and its units across ministries and local authorities for their dedication and achievements, which, he said, have supported socio-economic development, national defence, security, social safety and order.

The PM also ordered the vigorous and effective implementation of the “Quang Trung Campaign”, with the goal of completing repairs to severely damaged houses by December 31 this year, and rebuilding or resettling all households whose homes were destroyed or swept away no later than January 31, 2026.

The Mekong Delta city of Can Tho is stepping up the application of digital technologies in managing and monitoring fishing vessels.

An official has underlined the crucial role of social open innovation in national development, helping Vietnam address challenges such as the middle-income trap, population ageing, environmental pollution and urban pressures.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has requested building a workforce for external information service with resilience, intelligence, creativity, responsibility, dedication and vision that committed to promoting the positive and addressing the negative.

The external information service has actively amplified Việt Nam’s independent, self-reliant, and righteous voice on the international stage, promoting the image of a stable, dynamic, responsible, trustworthy, distinctive, and friendly Việt Nam.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyễn Minh Hằng said Việt Nam always stands ready to share its renewal, economic development, and international integration experiences with African friends.

The two foreign ministers agreed to continue working closely to further enhance the Việt Nam – Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and to convene the eighth meeting of the joint commission soon to officially adopt the 2026–2030 action plan for implementing the partnership.

The two PMs agreed to soon formally adopt the 2026–2030 action plan for implementing the partnership to set specific directions for each pillar and raise bilateral trade to US$20 billion in a more balanced manner.

The two ministers agreed to maintain close coordination in the time ahead and to expand cooperation under the new framework and orientation, underscoring the significance of the two countries’ “great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, strategic cohesion”.

Receiving Egyptian Ambassador Hany Mostafa Mohamed Mostafa Hassan, President Lương Cường affirmed that Việt Nam highly evaluates Egypt’s role, position, and contributions to regional peace and stability. He also congratulated the African country on its achievements in implementing the 2030 Vision.

Provincial departments and sectors in Bắc Ninh are carrying out solutions, strengthening coordination to ensure effective management, and improving the quality of services for citizens and businesses as the two-tier local government model is further refined.