Marin, 36, also said her ability to perform her official duties had remained unimpaired on the Saturday night in question and that she would have left the party had she been required to work. Video clips of Marin partying with well-known Finnish influencers and artists began circulating in social media this week and they were soon published by several media outlets in Finland and abroad. "In recent days, there have been quite grave public accusations that I was in a space where drugs were used, or that I myself used drugs," Marin told a news conference. "I consider these accusations to be very serious and, though I consider the demand for a drug test unjust, for my own legal protection and to clear up any doubts, I have taken a drug test today, the results of which will come in about a week." Marin, who became the world's youngest serving government leader in December 2019, had faced calls from members of her governing coalition as well as from the opposition to take a drug … [Read more...] about Finnish prime minister takes drugs test after party video causes stir
Australian prime minister speech on immigrants
PM to chair conference promoting development of northern midland, mountainous regions
Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – A conference announcing the Government’s Action Programme implementing the Politburo’s Resolution No.11 on directions to intensify socio-economic development and ensure national defence and security in the northern midland and mountainous regions by 2030, with a vision to 2045 will be held on August 27 in Lao Cai province. With the theme of “Potential – Opportunities – Development Cooperation”, the conference is expected to attract the participation of around 600 delegates, who are representatives from ministries, sectors, localities, international organisations, and the business communities both at home and abroad. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh plans to chair the event. Speaking at a press conference to release the information in Hanoi on August 19, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Duy Dong said that this conference will focus on analysing the status quo and potential of the two regions and seek … [Read more...] about PM to chair conference promoting development of northern midland, mountainous regions
☀️ Morning digest on August 19
Hanoi (VNA) - The following is a list of selected news summaries last night by Vietnam News Agency. -Vietnam and Kazakhstan should enhance cooperation in areas of good potential such as agriculture, tourism and transportation, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc said at a reception for Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi in Hanoi on August 18. He spoke highly of the visit to Vietnam by the Kazakh official on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, and noted his belief that the visit will contribute to consolidating and promoting the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Read full story -Meanwhile, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed Vietnam always treasures its traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Kazakhstan during his meeting with the Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister the same day. PM Chinh suggested the two sides further promote the exchange of delegations … [Read more...] about ☀️ Morning digest on August 19
UKVFTA promotes cooperation in digital transformation, energy transition
Vietnam was making strong efforts towards the goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045, to which digital transformation and energy transition are considered launch pads for the economy. During a visit to the U.K. from August 10 to 15, Politburo member and Head of the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission Tran Tuan Anh said that Vietnam had set strategic goals in digital transformation, digital economy and green energy conversion to achieve rapid, sustainable and inclusive growth and net zero carbon emissions as well as adaptation to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0). The two countries had established a solid relationship framework, especially with the UKVFTA which came into force more than a year ago, he said, emphasizing many similarities in priority development goals. “Similarities in priority development goals create a very important foundation to boost the bilateral relations, especially in areas where the U.K. has strength in and Vietnam has … [Read more...] about UKVFTA promotes cooperation in digital transformation, energy transition
PM directs export growth plan to RoK
It was part of the announcement made by the Government Office on August 19 about the Prime Minister’s conclusions on his working session with the RoK Embassy and Korean enterprises in Vietnam. The announcement stated that after hearing opinions from the Korean Ambassador to Vietnam, representatives of Korean firms in Vietnam and leaders of ministries, agencies and localities, as well as suggestions by the RoK Embassy and Korean firms in Vietnam, the PM assigned ministries, agencies and localities to promptly deal with difficulties and problems that could be solved immediately under their authority. For complex and unsolved issues, they must promptly outline orientations in the spirit of harmonizing interests and sharing difficulties and submit them to the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) before August 30 to report to the PM. The MPI will collect suggestions to send to ministries, agencies and localities, and at the same time, regularly update and report the settlement of … [Read more...] about PM directs export growth plan to RoK
Partnerships key to green transition
While 2020 was one of the warmest years on record globally, Vietnam has just gone through another historical year of climate extremes. Last November was also decisive for the future of the planet as countries officially submitted their climate pledges at the COP26 climate summit. Dao Xuan Lai, head of Climate Change and the Environment at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam We see a skyrocketing demand for natural resources while witnessing the collapse of functioning ecosystems. You only need to drive a couple of hours outside of Hanoi towards Ninh Binh province with its iconic limestone clasts, synonymous with the beauty of northern Vietnam, to see these emblematic features being devoured by machinery to be used for stone mining and cement production. By 2050, global demand for materials such as plastics, steel, or cement is projected to increase by a factor of 2-4. More than 50 per cent of the world’s emissions can be traced back to our … [Read more...] about Partnerships key to green transition
Disciplinary warning given to former Can Tho official
Vo Thanh Thong, former chairman of the People’s Committee of the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on May 9 signed a decision on disciplinary action against Vo Thanh Thong, former chairman of the People’s Committee of the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho in the 2016-2021 tenure. shortcomings during his term. Can Tho municipal People’s Committee for the 2016-2021 term. It found that the Party Delegation of the municipal People’s Committee had violated the Party's principles and regulations and working rules, shown a lack of responsibility, loosened leadership that resulted in wrongdoings in the procurement of medical equipment, medicines, and the repair and upgrade of hospitals. VNA … [Read more...] about Disciplinary warning given to former Can Tho official
International role key for methane emission cuts
Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh on August 1 approved the National Strategy on Climate Change for 2050. According to the plan, by 2025, the total methane emission volume should not exceed 96.4 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e), a decrease of 13.34 per cent from 2020. The limits on CO2 emissions will be applicable to such areas as cultivation (42.2 million tonnes) and animal husbandry (16.8 million tonnes). By 2030, Vietnam will develop and implement an action plan to reduce methane emissions by 30 per cent compared to 2020. Methane is the primary contributor to the formation of ground-level ozone, a hazardous air pollutant and greenhouse gas (GHG). Mitigating GHG emissions in agriculture is an urgent requirement because agriculture produces a substantial amount of it, which contributes greatly to global warming and climate change. According to the World Bank’s country report on climate and development for Vietnam, agriculture is the second-largest sector of GHG emissions, … [Read more...] about International role key for methane emission cuts
Ha Noi seeks to facilitate UKVFTA implementation
Sport shoes are made for export a factory in Ha Noi. The city will help local businesses join sector linkages, create value chains and supply chains with the participation of UK businesses to take advantage of the UKVFTA. — VNA/VNS Photo Vu Sinh The capital city will seek to improve competitiveness for local businesses so that they may take advantage of opportunities brought by the UK-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA), according to a recently announced plan of the municipal People's Committee. Under the plan, priority will be given to facilitating the development of small and medium-sized enterprises through capital, training, access to markets and information and technology. The city will also help local businesses link with each other, create value chains and supply chains with the participation of UK businesses to take advantage of the UKVFTA while encouraging the UK-invested businesses to team up with local firms to build and develop these supply chains. Furthermore, … [Read more...] about Ha Noi seeks to facilitate UKVFTA implementation
Meeting reviews and promotes CMC – HPC standing boards’ coordination
Vice Secretary of the CMC and Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang and Secretary of the HPC and Secretary of the Hanoi Capital Command’s Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung co-chaired the meeting. At the event, the two sides agreed that since 2017 they have jointly led the comprehensive implementation of the military and defense tasks and local socio-economic development, contributing to achieving all targets set in the 12th National Party Congress’s resolutions, and realizing resolutions adopted at the 13th National Party Congress, the 11th Military Party Congress, and the 17th Congress of Hanoi Party Committee. They have also directed the further building and consolidation of all people’s defense posture and people’s security disposition, and firm defensive area of the capital. Their effective collaboration has helped build a comprehensively-strong local military force with more modern materiel, high synergy, and high combat strength. In particular, a regular force is … [Read more...] about Meeting reviews and promotes CMC – HPC standing boards’ coordination