Vietnam is ready to further deepen the traditional relationship and strategic partnership with France, especially with the French Development Agency (AFD), Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha told its CEO Rémy Rioux during a reception in Hanoi on February 17.

Secretary of the Party Central Committee and President of Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Do Van Chien on February 17 received a delegation of the Russian Federal Assembly’s Federation Council led by its First Deputy Speaker Andrey Yatskin.

National Assembly Vice Chairman Nguyen Khac Dinh held talks with visiting First Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council of Federal Assembly of Russia (upper house) Andrey Yatskin in Hanoi on February 17, during which the host underlined that Russia is one of the prioritised and most important partners in Vietnam’s external policy.

The President of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives, Eliane Tillieux, on February 16 affirmed her backing for strengthening relations with Vietnam while receiving Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao in Brussels.

Ambassador Duong Hai Hung, Vietnam’s permanent representative at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), attended the 46th session of the IFAD Governing Council in Rome from February 14-15.

The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue on February 17 chaired a discussion on the draft Cooperative Law (revised), which will receive the final consideration from the NA Standing Committee in the time to come before being submitted to the legislature's upcoming fifth session for approval.

The US Institute of Peace (USIP) and the Vietnamese Embassy in the US held a webinar on February 16 to look into impacts of the Paris Peace Accords, signed 50 years ago, on the two countries’ relations today.

The following is a list of selected news summaries last night by the Vietnam News Agency.

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Phan Van Mai hosted a reception for visiting former French Prime Minister Edouarad Philipe, who is now Mayor of Le Havre city, on February 16.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Quang Hieu attended the World Government Summit (WGS) 2023 and visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he co-chaired the second deputy ministerial level political consultation, from February 13-15.

Acting President Vo Thi Anh Xuan on February 16 sent a message of greetings to President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda on the occasion of the 105th anniversary of the Day of Restoration of the State of Lithuania (February 16, 1918-2023).

Vo Van Thuong, Politburo member and Permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat, on February 16 praised intellectuals, scientists, writers, and artists for their contributions to the country’s science, technology, health care, education – training, culture, and national defence.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh demanded Ben Tre further tap into its advantages and develop the sea-based economy, while addressing a working session with officials of the Mekong Delta province on February 16.

El Salvador's embassy office officially opened in Hanoi on February 15, the first for the Central American country in Southeast Asia.

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen on February 15 held a working session with a delegation of Israeli entrepreneurs led by Einat Halevy Levin, President of the Israel-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce.

A tree-planting ceremony was held on February 15 in Israel’s Ashdod city to mark the 30th anniversary of the Vietnam-Israel diplomatic relations.

The following is a list of selected news summaries yesterday by the Vietnam News Agency.

The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee wrapped up the 20th session on February 15.

Acting President Vo Thi Anh Xuan sent her congratulatory message to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on the 219th National Day of Serbia (February 15).