News brief

At the working session between the VNA delegation (L) and Head of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee’s Ideological Department Angel Arzuaga (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and press agencies of Cuba have agreed to expand their bilateral cooperation in specific fields to match with the current demand of each side. The consensus was reached at working sessions between the VNA delegation led by Deputy General Director Dinh Dang Quang and representatives of Cuban news agencies Prensa Latina and ACN in the framework of their visit to the Caribbean island country on April 10-11. In the meeting with Head of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee’s Ideological Department Angel Arzuaga, Quang briefed the host on the cooperation results between the VNA and the Cuban news agencies and upcoming plans to promote cooperation in specific fields. Arzuaga said the cooperation between the VNA and the Cuban news agencies is a vivid symbol of … [Read more...] about VNA promotes cooperation with Cuban news agencies

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (centre) inspects the Mount Kumgang resort on the east coast in this photo provided by the Korean Central News Agency on Oct.ober 23. Kim ordered the removal of all South Korea-built facilities at the once jointly run tourist spot, according to KCNA. — YONHAP/VNA Photo SEOUL — North Korea sent an ultimatum to South Korea earlier this week that it will unilaterally remove the South-built facilities from its Mount Kumgang resort unless Seoul tears them down on its own, Pyongyang's official news agency reported on Friday. The North's tough stance suggests little room for inter-Korean negotiations that South Korea has sought in an effort to keep the long-suspended tour project that was considered one of the most tangible symbols of inter-Korean reconciliation and co-operation. "On November 11, we sent an ultimatum, warning that if the South Korean authorities persist in their useless assertion, we will take it as an abandonment of the … [Read more...] about N. Korea says it sent ultimatum to S. Korea over Mount Kumgang project

Consultation at the social security agency in the northern city of Ninh Binh.(Photo: VNA)   Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - The Vietnam Social Security (VSS) aims to slash the social insurance debt ratio to below 1.7 percent this year in an effort to ensure benefits for social insurance and health insurance card holders, said VSS Deputy Director General Dao Viet Anh. According to the VSS, social insurance debt premiums nationwide have amounted to more than 6.6 trillion VND (280.9 million USD), increasing by 1.3 trillion VND (55 million USD) compared to the end of last year. The debt ratio accounts 2.7 percent of the full-year collection plan. Social insurance debt has been reported to increase in all provinces and cities in all economic sectors, especially at private, joint stock, partnership and joint venture enterprises. The VSS named and shamed enterprises that owe debts amounting to billions of VND. LILAMA 3 Joint Stock Company in Hanoi’s Me Linh district owed 32.2 billion … [Read more...] about VSS aims to reduce long-overdue social insurance debt ratio

Vietnamese Ambassador to Monaco Nguyen Ngoc Son presented his credentials to Prince Albert II of Monaco in Monte Carlo on March 30. Ambassador Son briefed his host on the socio-economic development progress in Vietnam and the bilateral relations between the two countries, thanking Monaco for its support at multilateral forums such as the United Nations (UN), the International Francophone Organisation (OIF) and particularly the International Hydrographic Organisation. Son said Vietnam attaches importance to developing multifaceted ties with Monaco, especially in tourism, finance and oceanic research. Ambassador Son conveyed a message from Vietnamese President Truong Tan San inviting the prince to visit Vietnam Prince Albert II thanked President Sang for his invitation, saying that the visit will be arranged in an appropriate time. The host lauded the significant achievements of the Vietnamese people in the national development cause. Ambassador Son is Vietnamese Ambassador … [Read more...] about Vietnamese Ambassador to Monaco presents credentials

Lawrence Wong, Singaporean Minister of National Development and Second Minister of Finance, speaks at the event (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The Embassy of Vietnam on September 5 hosted a banquet for about 500 Singaporean guests, foreign diplomats, scholars, and Vietnamese nationals living in Singapore to celebrate the 73rd National Day. In her remarks at the event, Ambassador Tao Thi Huong briefed her guests on Vietnam’s hard-won achievements since the country declared its independence. After seven decades, Vietnam has gone a long way from a backward, war-torn country living in poverty and loss to become a developing, middle-income nation which is in the process of industrialisation, modernisation and international integration, she said. Vietnam has demonstrated that it is a good friend and reliable partner amongst the international community, always aiming for win-win cooperation, she added. Lawrence Wong, Singaporean Minister of National Development and Second … [Read more...] about 73rd National Day marked in Singapore, India, Czech