Truong Thi Phuong, Nguyen Thi Huong, Diep Thi Huong and Nguyen Thi Tuyet claim a gold medal after finishing first in the women’s 1 ,000m quadruples. (Photo: VNA)Vietnam championed two canoeing events held in Hai Phong city on May 19, raising the total number of gold medals won by the country in this sport at SEA Games 31 to five so far.Truong Thi Phuong, Nguyen Thi Huong, Diep Thi Huong and Nguyen Thi Tuyet claimed a gold medal after finishing first in the women’s 1,000m quadruples, leaving the runner-up Indonesia over 10 seconds behind.Pham Hong Quan and Hien Nam secured another gold in the men’s 1,000m doubles after completing the race just about a second before silver medalists from Thailand.After three days of competition, canoeing /kayak earned Vietnam five golds, two silvers and one bronze.The canoeing/kayak competitions will continue on May 20./.

Tourists at Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia (Photo: khmertimeskh.com)Tourists who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 will not be exempted from quarantine when entering Cambodia, according to the national press agency of Cambodia AKP AKP quoted Prime Minister Hun Sen as saying at a meeting on May 17 with the Samdech Techo Young Volunteer Doctors Association (TYDA) that Cambodia welcomes all visitors, but people who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 must still be quarantined for seven days.The PM emphasised that Cambodia has overcome the epidemic waves caused by variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus such as Alpha, Delta and Omicron, but has not yet conquered COVID-19 . Cambodia is devoting all of its efforts to pushing the COVID-19 vaccination programme, so unvaccinated travellers cannot enter without quarantine.Travellers who have been immunized against COVID-19 do not need to be quarantined and are not required to take rapid or PCR tests before entering Cambodia.As of May 16, about 93.79 percent of Cambodia's total population of 16 million people had received basic immunizations against COVID-19, with approximately 9 million individuals receiving the third dose and 2.2 million receiving the fourth dose. Cambodia has not found a new case of COVID-19 in the last 9 days.The total number of COVID-19 cases recorded in Cambodia since the beginning of the pandemic is 136,262 cases, of which 133,197 patients have recovered and 3,056 died from the disease. Cambodia detected the first case of COVID-19 in Preah Sihanouk province at the end of January 2020./.

President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA) Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang has been busy on his visit to Germany from May 14 – 19, with renewable energy and climate action high on his working agenda.Thang co-chaired the seventh theory dialogue between the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SDP), during which the two parties exchanged views on a number of both theoretical and practical matters.Discussions have placed an emphasis on Vietnam’s energy transition strategy to ensure national energy security and fulfil international commitments; developing green agriculture in Vietnam in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution; green growth and climate resilient models in some Vietnamese localities; and the path towards an eco-social market economy and advantages and challenges to energy transition and green agriculture development in Germany.The Vietnamese official also had a meeting with SPD Co-leader Lars Klingbeil. He spoke highly of the long-standing friendship between the two parties and the SPD’s efforts in co-hosting the seventh dialogue, and proposed both sides to further expand their relations in the coming time, contributing to accelerating the Vietnam-Germany strategic partnership.He briefed his host on Vietnam’s socio-economic recovery post-pandemic and the State and Party’s policies in climate change response, energy transition, green growth and sustainable development. He also proposed both countries to strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership through cooperation in energy transition, green growth, green agriculture, and harmoniously resolving social, economic, environmental and security problems, contributing to peace, dialogue, cooperation and development in the region and the world.Thang later met State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Patrick Graichen; State Secretary and Special Envoy for International Climate Action Jennifer Lee Morgan; Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Transformation and Digitalisation of the State of Rhineland-Palatinate Alexander Schweitzer; and Chairwoman of the Parliamentary Friendship Group for Relations with the ASEAN States.The German officials highly valued Vietnam’s role and position regionally and globally, affirming that the Southeast Asian country remaining a key partner of the region and the two countries’ strategic partnership is growing constantly.Additionally, they appreciated Vietnam’s commitments made at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) last year and its achievements in transitioning towards renewable energy ./.

Thailand wins gold medal in the women's team badminton. (Photo: VNA)– Thailand’s badminton players grabbed a gold medal after defeating their Indonesian rivals in the final of the women’s team event at SEA Games 31 held at Bac Giang Gymnasium on May 18.In the first match of the women’s singles, Pornpawee Chuchuwong of Thailand quickly defeated her Indonesian rival, Putri Kusuma Wardani, in the first two sets with scores of 21-16, 21-20, respectively.In the second match of the women’s doubles, Thai players Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai obtained a win over Indonesian opponents Apriyani Rahayu and Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhantiin righ the first two sets with scores of 21-16 and 21-12.Supanida Katethong of Thailand also easily beat Indonesian player Stephanie Widjaja in the first two sets of the third match of the women’s singles.With the 3-0 victory over Indonesia, the Thai players stood on the top podium in the women's team badminton category.

Bringing forward our reopening to all international students shows this Government’s strong commitment to them, and to the rebuild of high-quality, world-class, New Zealand international education,” Chris Hipkins said. Documentary features President Ho Chi Minh’s building culture of peaceThe Vietnam Film Institute has completed a 29-minute documentary on President Ho Chi Minh to mark his 132nd birthday (May 19, 1890). It also highlights the value of the Declaration of Independence delivered by President Ho Chi Minh at Hanoi’s Ba Dinh Square on September 2, 1945. On his bookshelf, Yazar displays other photos of President Ho Chi Minh, including one featuring the President working and a group photo of the beloved President and international children. The man said President Ho Chi Minh, as a poet, a writer and a philosopher, has given inspirations in his life.

Cai Rang floating market - a destination of the project (Photo: kinhtevadubao.vn)At the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the project (Photo: baotainguyenmoitruong.vn)– A waste reduction and circular economy project for Mekong River was launched at a ceremony in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on May 18.Titled ‘ Zero Waste to Mekong River : Pilot Circular Economy model for Floating markets in Can Tho’, it is sponsored by the Dow Chemical Vietnam Limited Liability Company (DOW) and implemented by the Can Tho Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the Centre for Supporting Green Development – GreenHub, and the Research Centre for Resources and Rural Development (RECERD).By managing waste from sources in the city, the project will build and promote a pilot model of a circular economy in Vietnam, reduce waste from rivers into the sea, and create behavioral change in waste management for local communities living on the river.At the event, Vice Director of the department Cao Thi Minh Thao said the project is set to run at the local Cai Rang floating market and Con Son tourist area.Related activities will help the city raise awareness on environment protection, and improve environment quality in the two tourist destinations, she noted.Ekkasit Lakkananithiphan, DOW Director General, expressed his confidence that the project's results and key lessons will be among best practices for implementing Vietnam’s Law on Environmental Protection, in contribution to the Government's goal of reducing ocean plastic waste by 50 percent and 75 percent by 2025 and 2030, respectively.Scheduled to finish in February 2023, the project is expected to collect some 300 – 400 tonnes of waste in both sites annually, and raise awareness on the matter for at least 15,000 residents.Also at the ceremony, a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the project was signed among parties involved./.

At the Hai Phong City boat race training area where Teo's race takes place (Photo: thanhphohaiphong.gov.vn)– Seven years after becoming Singapore's first canoeing gold medallist at the 28th SEA Games on home turf in 2015, Lucas Teo won the men's kayak single 1,000m race at the ongoing SEA Games 31 st in Hai Phong on May 18.Teo, 31, completed the race in 3 mins and 51.501 secs, leaving far behind six other competitors. Maizir Riyondra of Indonesia and Methasit Sitthipharat of Thailand finished second and third within 3 mins 56.446 secs and 3 mins 58.278 secs, respectivelyTeo bagged a silver medal in the same event and a bronze in the men's kayak four 1,000m team event at SEA Games 26 hosted by Indonesia in 2011.From the sport, Singapore captured seven gold and five silver medals at SEA Game 28./.

Participants at the workshop (Photo: VNA)Algiers (VNA) – Representatives of the Vietnamese Embassy in Algeria joined an international workshop on friends of Algeria’s revolution on May 17 -18 in Algiers. Jointly organised by the Ministry of War Veterans and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Committee of Algerians abroad, the event gathered hundreds of delegates from the Algerian government, historical witnesses of the Algerian revolution of various nationalities, and foreign researchers. Vietnam was one of the first countries to recognise the provisional government of Algeria (September 26, 1958), four years before the North African country actually gained independence. Participants discussed topics related to human values, the charters of the Algerian revolution and its role in strengthening relations with countries around the world. On the sidelines of the event, exhibitions are being arranged to introduce historical books and photos on friends of the Algerian revolution./.

Questioned about this, President Ho Chi Minh answered: “Later, when the struggle (of Vietnam) wins, I will put on shoes.”According to her, President Ho Chi Minh’s simple answer demonstrated his confidence in Vietnam’s independence. Sakellaropoulou is paying an official visit to Vietnam from May 15 to 19 at the invitation of Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Lotus village festival marks birthday of President Ho Chi MinhThe central province of Nghe An is scheduled to run a music gala on May 19 in Vinh City as part of the Lang Sen (Lotus Village) festival to celebrate President Ho Chi Minh’s 132nd birthday. The music gala will feature many songs which praise the life and revolutionary career of President Ho Chi Minh. The music gala will be broadcast live on Nghe An province’s NTV channel and Ho Chi Minh City’s HTV channel.

Minister of Public Security To Lam (R) in a working session with Vladimir Voronkov, UN Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism in New York (Photo: VNA)- Vietnam commits to cooperating with the UN and countries in the fight against terrorism, Minister of Public Security To Lam affirmed during a working session with Vladimir Voronkov , UN Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism in New York on May 16 (US time).Minister Lam appreciated the UN’s support of the prevention and control of terrorism and extremist violence in Southeast Asia in general and Vietnam in particular. He underlined the urgency of cooperation in promoting multilateralism globally and in strengthening and enhancing the effectiveness of regional and international cooperative mechanisms, including those of the UN.The two sides shared the view that the threat from terrorism continues to grow globally, with international terrorist groups constantly seeking new operational methods, increasing the use of the cyberspace and information technology and linking with transnational criminals. Terrorism continues to be a serious threat to international security and peace.Lam expressed the concern that COVID-19 long-term economic impacts would lead to a rise in terrorist attacks, and online extremist propaganda and terrorist recruitment. The UN plays an important role in coordinating and connecting international efforts, solidarity and vigilance among UN member states, to create a synergy strength to counter the threat and expansion of terrorism, he said.Affirming that Vietnam supports efforts of the international community in seeking effective solutions to fight and eliminate terrorism, the minister said the country needs assistance in counter-terrorism and air security through the building of a Countering Terrorist Travel programme (CTTP) and Threat Assessment Models (TAM Programme).He took the occasion to inform the UN side that Vietnamese public security officers enrolled in UN peacekeeping operations have completed training and necessary procedures and are ready for duty.The UN Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism thanked the Vietnamese Public Security Ministry for its active and responsible cooperation in implementing the UN’s programmes and initiatives to fight transnational crimes, including terrorism and extremist violence.He expressed a wish that the ministry will continue to participate in carrying out the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and assign experienced officers to work in UN offices including the Office of Counter- Terrorism ./.

World Former Indonesian President tells story about President Ho Chi Minh Megawati Sukarnoputri, Chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), former Indonesian President and daughter of the country’s founder Sukarno, has repeatedly told a story about President Ho Chi Minh in his meeting with her father on February 27, 1959, as part of his historic visit to Indonesia. World Malaysia's tourism industry needs thousands more workers Malaysia‘s tourism industry is facing a shortage of about 15,000 to 20,000 workers, Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Nancy Shukri said, citing data from tourism associations across the country. World PM’s visit reaffirms Vietnam’s role in stabilising Southeast Asia: Indian daily The Economic Times, an Indian English-language daily, has posted a commentary on the Vietnamese Prime Minister’s working visit to the US and the UN, saying that the trip aims to reaffirm Vietnam’s role in stabilising Southeast Asia.

President Ho Chi Minh (R) and Indonesian President Sukarno - File photo (Source: VTC) Jakarta (VNA) –Megawati said she was impressed when seeing the Vietnamese President wearing sandals instead of shoes in this meeting as well as knowing the meaning behind. Questioned about this, President Ho Chi Minh answered: “Later, when the struggle (of Vietnam) wins, I will put on shoes.”According to her, President Ho Chi Minh’s simple answer demonstrated his confidence in Vietnam’s independence. In office from July 23, 2001 to October 20, 2004, the first female President of Indonesia visited Vietnam twice, in August 2001 and June 2003. Questioned about this, President Ho Chi Minh answered: “Later, when the struggle (of Vietnam) wins, I will put on shoes.”According to her, President Ho Chi Minh’s simple answer demonstrated his confidence in Vietnam’s independence.In office from July 23, 2001 to October 20, 2004, the first female President of Indonesia visited Vietnam twice, in August 2001 and June 2003. In Indonesia, Vietnam’s national liberation hero and world cultural celebrity Ho Chi Minh, also called "Paman Ho” (Uncle Ho) by Indonesians, is often mentioned as the person who laid the foundation for the friendship between the two countries over the past 65 years.

Read full story - President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Greek counterpart Katerina Sakellaropoulou shared delight at the growth of Vietnam-Greece ties and agreed on measures to promote the relations during their talks in Hanoi on May 16.President Sakellaropoulou lauded the important achievements that Vietnam has made during its struggle for independence and present process of socio-economic development. She affirmed that Greece highly valued the increasingly important role of Vietnam in the region and the world, and hoped to foster cooperation with Vietnam in all fields. Read full storyNational Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue (L) and his Lao counterpart Saysomphone Phomvihane co-chair the event. Read full story - Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam on May 16 hosted a reception for Deputy PM and President of the National Olympic Committee of Thailand Prawit Wongsuwon.The Thai official is paying a visit to Vietnam and attending activities of the ongoing SEA Games 31. Read full story

The industrial sector experienced a year-on-year increase of over 7 percent in Quarter 1, and grew two percentage points in April as compared to the previous month, providing motivation for the country’s economic growth. Meanwhile, the service sector became more vibrant with the bouncing back of such segments as finance, banking and insurance, transportation, warehouse and whole sales and retail sales. Those are vivid illustrations for the efficiency of the Government’s policies to recovery the economy. According to experts, the service sector will enjoy more robust expansion as economic activities are returning to normal after nearly two years of hiatus. Experts have their firm belief in the strong growth of the industry and service sectors in the economy as a whole, with increasing business confidence among entrepreneurs and rational policies initiated by the Government./.

ASEAN member countries have voiced their support for digital technology convergence for developing a globally-accepted vaccine passport. Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said at a press conference following the 15th ASEAN Health Minister’ Meeting (AHMM) on May 14 that ASEAN will issue a joint statement on its countries' adoption of health protocol standards.“This is similar to what we will achieve at the G20," he explained, as cited by Indonesia's Antara news agency.Digital technology convergence for developing a vaccine passport was one of the agendas of the AHMM which discussed the mutual recognition arrangement on COVID-19 health certificates, he said. Sadikin noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to countries adopting diverse health protocol standards which often complicate matters for international travelers.The proposed vaccine passport will adopt an overseas travel passport mechanism utilised by each country's immigration authority for ascertaining a traveler's identity.Travel businesses currently need vaccine certificates from travelers to confirm they are healthy to carry out travel-related activities.For this reason, the health sector in the ASEAN region has proposed a digital-based vaccine passport as a single standard that can be recognised, acknowledged, and trusted by every country.Digital technology convergence for vaccine passport development has so far been accepted by the European Union and is planned to be applied globally in every country.Sadikin also said ASEAN health ministers have approved the establishment of an ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED) as a collaborative effort to deal with extraordinary events and future pandemics.There will be three pillars of ACPHEED, surveillance or detection, response, and risk management, which are supported by three ASEAN representative countries, namely Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia.There will be a collaboration of the three countries, each of whom will build offices in their countries for the three existing pillars, he said, noting that the working principles of ACPHEED will be generally similar to those of the United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).According to him, every ASEAN country has the right to fill the three offices in the spirit of togetherness.Minister Sadikin, who is also chair of the ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting, called ACPHEED a solution to address the problems of differing health protocols in each ASEAN country./.