Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long and EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier co-chaired the 4^th meeting of the EU-Vietnam Sustainable Energy Transition Program Steering Committee in Hanoi on December 3.

The meeting created new and crucial conditions for the two countries to implement their development, defence – security, and foreign policies which will be specified at the coming national congresses of the two Parties in early 2026.

As the national news agencies of their respective countries, the VNA and Xinhua share various similarities in their missions and guiding principles. Above all, they boast a long history of cooperation and mutual support, especially during times of hardship.

The President's report noted that during the 2021-2026 term, the President has closely coordinated with agencies of the political system, striving to effectively carry out the duties and powers as prescribed by the Constitution, laws, and tasks assigned by the Party.

Legislators will also look into the performance reports of the NA Standing Committee, Council for Ethnic Affairs and committees, along with those of the State Audit Office, the Supreme People's Court, and the Supreme People's Procuracy.

Each year, the Central Party Committee and Chief Justice issue resolutions and directives to lead and direct key court tasks, including maintaining and effectively realising solutions to improve case resolution and adjudication quality.

With disability-focused social protection expenditure at around 0.2 per cent of Gross Domestic Product, Việt Nam is among a number of middle-income countries that have made meaningful investment.

An international conference in Hà Nội yesterday brought together policymakers, scholars and diplomats to examine how Việt Nam can enhance its role in multilateral forums in the face of shifting global dynamics.

The National Assembly Standing Committee (NASC) on December 3 gave in-principle approval to a draft ordinance amending several provisions of the Ordinance on Environmental Police, with all members present voting in favor during its 52^nd session.

Vietnam must shift from a medical and welfare-based approach to a fully inclusive social model when crafting policies for those with disabilities, Party General Secretary To Lam said on December 3, urging laws to treat the disabled as active contributors rather than care recipients.

The parliamentary Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs backed merging the three existing schemes into one 10-year programme and broadly endorsed its two-component design

On security cooperation, the General Secretary welcomed progress made by the two countries’ relevant agencies, saying coordination should continue in line with national laws and international norms to effectively respond to traditional and non-traditional security threats.

The relationship between the two nations has continued to deepen, particularly in political ties marked by strong mutual trust, reinforced through frequent delegation exchanges and bilateral engagement at all levels.

Social welfare policies must ensure a minimum standard of living, livelihoods and housing support, and legal assistance to enable genuine societal integration

Việt Nam suggested strengthening direct cooperation through regular delegation visits, joint verification of cases involving citizens of both countries, and mutual support at multilateral forums.

Reaffirming that Việt Nam always gives the highest priority to its unique and special relationship with Laos, PM Phạm Minh Chính underscored Việt Nam's unwavering support for Laos’ national safeguarding, building, and development.

Lao leaders and people extended exceptionally warm and heartfelt hospitality to the Vietnamese delegation, reflecting their deep respect and appreciation.

Comprising six chapters and 36 articles, the law regulates the principles, procedures, and authority for declaring, announcing, and lifting the state of emergency.

The Embassy of Japan hosted a reception on November 28 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Japan–ASEAN Financial Technical Assistance (JAFTA) programme in Việt Nam, marking two decades of partnership that have helped advance the development of Việt Nam’s domestic capital market and ASEAN’s wider financial integration.

As of April, Vietnam had invested in 267 projects in Laos, with total registered capital of USD 5.63 billion. In the first 10 months of this year, Vietnam’s investment reached USD 566.1 million, focusing on high-quality, sustainable projects in key sectors where Laos has strengths, such as clean energy, mining, and agriculture.