During the visit, the Lao leader held talks with Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong, met President Tran Dai Quang, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, and visited a number of economic, historical, and cultural relics in Hanoi and Nghe An province, and Military Zone 4.To mark the occasion, the two countries released the Vietnam-Lao Joint Statement affirming their determination to work closely to realize agreements signed by their Party and State leaders. They agreed to deepen the political relationship to guide bilateral cooperation, maintain exchanges, and improve cooperation between the two Parties and States.They agreed to boost bilateral cooperation in economics, trade, education, training, health care, science and technology, as well as facilitate Vietnamese and Lao people in country of residence to work and live in line with local law and international practices. Vietnam and Laos agreed to strengthen cooperation in national defense and … [Read more...] about Vietnam, Laos deepen political ties
Politics
Vietnam attends political parties’ conference in Russia
The conference was attended by representatives from political parties of ASEAN member nations and the URP. Acting General Secretary of the International Conference of Asian Political Party Jeon Jae-man was present at the event as an observer. Delegates discussed topics related to dialogue among parties as a mechanism for enhancing relations between Russia and ASEAN members.They highlighted the role played by political parties, especially ruling parties, in promoting ties among countries. They also strongly opposed external intervention in countries’ internal affairs.The Vietnamese delegates, led by deputy head of the CPV Central Committee’s Commission for External Affairs Nguyen Tuan Phong, contributed to the conference’s agenda. On the sidelines of the event, the Vietnamese officials held a working session with representatives from the URP, during which they discussed measures to strengthen the friendship between the two parties and states. … [Read more...] about Vietnam attends political parties’ conference in Russia
Thailand maintains ban on political activities
Thai police patrol around the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok. (Photo: AFP/VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister and DefenceMinister General Prawit Wongsuwan on December 7 reiterated that the junta willmaintain its three-year-old ban on political activities.The government has yet to discuss it, he said, adding thathe himself does not see any readiness to lift the ban. However, the Deputy PM affirmed that the Thai Governmentwill stick with the roadmap to return to democracy, with the highlight being the general electionslated for late 2018.Prawit’s comment came after Interior Minister GeneralAnupong Paochinda, who has been working to prepare for local elections, said hemight ask Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha to consider lifting the ban.The ban followed the2014 coup. Accordingly, all kinds of political gatherings of five or morepeople are illegal.-VNA … [Read more...] about Thailand maintains ban on political activities
CPV delegation attends dialogue with world political parties in China
Secretary of the CPV Central Committee Phan Dinh Trac speaking at the event - Credit: VOV The delegation is led by Phan Dinh Trac – Secretary of the CPV Central Committee, Chairman of the CPV Central Committee’s Commission for Internal Affairs and deputy head of the Central Steering Committee for Anti-Corruption.Speaking at the event on December 2, Trac highly valued the CPC’s initiative to organise the dialogue, saying that it actively contributes to building strong political parties in the world.He introduced the renewal policy of the CPV, which defines economic development as a central task and building a pure and strong Party as a key mission.These tasks are of vital significance to the success of the revolutionary career, he stressed.According to Trac, the Vietnamese party also determines corruption as one of the great risks threatening the existence of the Party and the socialist regime. Therefore, fighting corruption and degradation in political thought, … [Read more...] about CPV delegation attends dialogue with world political parties in China
Time Inc. sale highlights economic, political turmoil in media in the Trump era
The sale of Time Inc., home to some of the most storied American magazines, highlights the troubled state of print media and raises questions about the politics of the news industry in the Donald Trump era. In a deal announced Sunday, Meredith Corp, publisher of Better Homes & Gardens and other titles, agreed to pay $2.8 billion for the owner of the renowned Time Magazine and other well-known magazines including People, Fortune and Sports Illustrated. The deal is backed by the billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch, known for supporting conservative causes and candidates, and largely antagonistic to the mainstream media. The $650 million from the family's Koch Equity Development (KED) was described as a "passive" investment, according to Meredith, which said the group would not have a board seat or any "influence on Meredith's editorial or managerial operations." The backing from Koch has nonetheless raised concerns about wealthy conservatives bankrolling efforts to reorient … [Read more...] about Time Inc. sale highlights economic, political turmoil in media in the Trump era