National Assembly Chairman Vương Đình Huệ pays a courtesy call to King of Cambodia Norodom Sihamoni in Phnom Penh on November 19. — VNA/VNS Photo Doãn TấnViệt Nam always treasures and stays determined to consolidate the fine neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive, long-term and sustainable cooperation with Cambodia, said National Assembly Chairman Vương Đình Huệ. Paying a courtesy call to King of Cambodia Norodom Sihamoni in Phnom Penh on November 19, Chairman Huệ expressed his honour to pay the official visit to Cambodia on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties, which is concurrent with the 100th birth anniversary of late King Norodom Sihanouk. Speaking highly of Cambodia’s achievements under the sound rule of King Sihamoni, the Vietnamese guest wished that the King would continue supporting the strong, substantive and effective development of bilateral friendship and cooperation. He expressed gratitude to Việt Nam for helping Cambodia in the resistance war against imperialists and the escape from the genocidal regime.

Illustrative image. (Photo: VNA)– The national COVID-19 caseload rose to 11,511,452 with 274 new cases recorded on November 20, according to the Ministry of Health.With 155 patients given the all clear during the day, the number of recoveries rose to 10,606,901.Meanwhile, there are 107 patients needing breathing support.No death from COVID-19 was recorded in the past 24 hours. The total fatalities stood at 43,169.With 22,043 doses administered on November 19, the total number of doses of COVID-19 vaccine s injected rose to 263,287,066./.

The Francophone Community should continue with reforms and set long-term goals to carry forward its role, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan said while addressing the 18th Francophonie Summit in Djerba, Tunisia, on November 19 afternoon (local time).She presented major proposals regarding operational orientations of the community in the time ahead, saying the French language should continue to be its foundation, and support should be provided to community members in popularising the language, and providing French training courses for UN peacekeeping forces.The Vice President also proposed enhancing cooperation in economy, trade and investment, creating a favourable environment for French to become a business language, and building a global Francophone digital economic space.She called for promoting efforts for peace, stability and development in the world, strongly supporting the maintenance of peace, stability, safety and security of navigation in the East Sea, and calling on sides to address disputes by peaceful measures and international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS). Vietnam has actively participated in and made responsible contributions to build a united, strong Francophone Community with a significant voice in the international arena, for the sake of people, and for a world of peace, stability and development, the Vice President affirmed.On the sidelines of the summit, Xuan had meetings with Senegalese President Macky Sall, President of Côte d'Ivoire Alassane Ouattara, French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Vice President of Bulgaria Iliana Iotova, aiming to boost cooperation in diplomacy, politics, economy and trade with the countries, both bilaterally and multilaterally.The 18th Francophonie Summit themed “Connectivity in diversity – the digital vector of development and solidarity in the French-speaking world,” is taking place on November 19 and 20 in Djerba, Tunisia, with discussions on political and economic situation in the world.Founded in 1970, the Francophone Community groups 88 member states with the goal of sharing French language and universal values for the sake of peace, cooperation, solidarity and sustainable development. The members are from five continents, with about 220 million French speakers out of a population of 890 million./.

(Photo: VNA)New Delhi (VNA) - A business delegation of the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak has brought many local products to the 41st India International Trade Fair (IITF) in the capital New Delhi. At the event, Dak Lak presented key local products such as coffee, pepper, macadamia, cashew nut, sacha inchi (Plukenetia Volubilis), rice wine, and high-quality rice. With the support of the Vietnam Trade Office in India, the Dak Lak delegation engaged in meetings with delegations from Indian states to seek investment and business opportunities. Trade Counselor Bui Trung Thuong stated that the Vietnamese embassy in India always supports and accompanies Vietnamese companies in researching and expanding the market in this South Asian country. He stressed that in the context of international economic integration, India is one of the potential destinations that Vietnamese companies in general and Dak Lak, in particular, should pay attention to./.

Hailing the developments of bilateral cultural-education and health cooperation over the past years, he thanked the French Government and people for their valuable support for Vietnam during COVID-19 pandemic. Son affirmed that Vietnam stands ready to serve as a bridge promoting ties between Papua New Guinea and ASEAN. US and Vietnamese partners work together to conserve Vietnam's Cultural HeritageThe US Embassy in Vietnam, in cooperation with the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum and the Centre for Research and Promotion of Cultural Heritage will organise an exhibition and a workshop in Hanoi to celebrate Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day. The photo exhibition “The US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation - Two Decades of Cooperation with Vietnam” will be held from November 23-26 at the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum. The workshop “US and Vietnam: Working Together to Conserve Vietnam's Cultural Heritage” will take place from 8am- 12 pm on November 23 at the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum.

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – There were 259 new COVID-19 cases nationwide, the lowest in the past four days, including one fatality from the south central province of Binh Thuan, reported the Health Ministry on November 19. Since the pandemic broke out, Vietnam has recorded 11,511,178 infection cases, ranking 13th out of 230 countries and territories. The same day, 113 patients were given all-clear from the virus, bringing the total recoveries to 10,606,746. So far, the total fatalities have amounted to 43,169, accounting for 0.4% of the total infections. On November 18, as many as 107,210 COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered, raising the total to 263,166,365./.

At the event (Photo: VNA)A gathering in commemoration of deceased victims of COVID-19 took place in Ho Chi Minh City on November 19 with the participation of local officials, religious dignitaries, families of the victims, and people from all walks of life.Addressing the event, President of the municipal Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee Tran Kim Yen recalled the dark time when the pandemic claimed the lives of more than 23,000 people in the southern metropolis.She said the authorities will make further efforts to prevent and control the epidemic and minimise the number of related deaths.Attention will also be paid to fully implementing policies in support of affected families, ensuring social security with no one left behind, the official affirmed.To remember the victims, participants joined an incence and flower offering ritual.So far, the total fatalities in Vietnam have amounted to 43,169, accounting for 0.4% of the total infections./.

– A high-ranking delegation of the Ministry of Public Security led by Deputy Minister Le Quoc Hung has had a series of meetings with leaders of Thailand’s judicial and security bodies to foster related joint works, while accompanying President Nguyen Xuan Phuc during his November 16-19 trip to the nation.At the working session with Minister of Justice Somsak Thepsuthin, Hung said that Vietnam always considers Thailand an important partner in ASEAN. The two sides reviewed past collaboration and set out orientations for their future engagements, focusing on drug crime, terrorism, human trafficking, and prison management, among other matters. Meeting with secretary-general of the National Security Council Gen Supot Malaniyom , the Vietnamese official said via the meeting of the joint working group for political-security cooperation, the sides have so far discussed a series of issues of common concern, including politics, security, intelligence, terrorism prevention and combat, transnational crime, environmental crime, and legal cooperation.On such basis, they agreed on a number of measures to strengthen ties in information exchange, and capture and handover of fugitives fleeing from one country to another following the principle of reciprocity, each country's laws, and international practices.They said they will promote negotiations towards the signing of an extradition treaty between the two countries, and commit to continuing their coordination to prevent individuals and organisations from taking advantage of the territory of one country to conduct activities against the other.The sides agreed to hold their 12th joint working group meeting in Vietnam next year.At the working session with deputy commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Police Roi Ingkhaphairoj , the sides concurred to strengthen joint works in preventing and combating transnational crimes such as drug crime, illegal migration, human trafficking, terrorism, and money laundering. They agreed that their second high-level dialogue on crime prevention and control will take place in Vietnam./.

General Luong Cuong, Chairman of the General Department of Politics under the Vietnam People's Army, speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)– Forty Vietnamese and Lao young military officers attended an exchange in the northern Lao province of Luang Prabang on November 18, held as part of a visit by General Luong Cuong, Chairman of the General Department of Politics under the Vietnam People's Army (VPA).Addressing the event, Gen. Cuong emphasized that young military officers of both countries have always been the pioneer force in all missions, from protecting the Party’s ideological foundation to responding to unconventional security challenges, especially in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters.He expressed a wish that young officers of both countries continue to face up to challenge and accept difficult tasks with youth spirit, thus contributing to national development as well as the cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the field of defence.Sen. Lt. Gen. Thongloi Silivong, Deputy Defence Minister and Chairman of the Lao People’s Army (LPA)’s General Department of Politics, affirmed that defence-security is one of the most important pillars in the special ties between Laos and Vietnam and their two armies.For this reason, young officers of the two countries play a significant role in preserving and development the special ties , he said.At the exchange, participating officers shared views on their duties and responsibilities, and suggested contents for cooperation between the two sides.The same day, Gen. Cuong received Vongsanvane Thepphachanh, Vice Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People’s Council of Luang Prabang./.

Politics NA Chairman starts Cambodia visit, attendance in AIPA-43 Chairman of the National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue arrived in Pochentong International Airport in Phnom Penh on November 19 morning, beginning his official visit to Cambodia and attendance in the 43rd ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-43). Politics President holds bilateral meetings on sidelines of APEC economic leaders meeting President Nguyen Xuan Phuc engaged in bilateral meetings with many foreign leaders while attending the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok on November 17 and 18. ​Politics President attends dialogue between APEC leaders, ABAC President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has asked committees and working groups of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) to enhance dialogues, actively realise the long-term vision for trade and investment in Asia-Pacific, and strengthen multilateral trade system. Politics Official: Vietnam’s attendance at AIPA-43 to show support for Cambodia Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee for Foreign Affairs Vu Hai Ha has said the attendance of the Vietnamese delegation, led by NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, at the 43rd ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) General Assembly, will be a voice of support for Cambodia in its role as AIPA Chair.

Refined bird's nest products produced in a farming site in Ha Tinh province. China opens its market for Vietnam's bird's nest. (Photo: VNA)- Vietnam bird’s nests will be officially exported to China after the protocol on allowing the exportation of this product was signed by both countries.Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan on November 16 signed this protocol after it was signed by China’s side.Hoan said the ministry will start preparing the promotion strategy to export bird's nests to China soon.China is the world's largest market for bird's nests, accounting for more than 80% of the global market share. According to the specialised data on bird's nest imports, demand for this product has risen steadily in this market with the import volume rising from 180 tonnes in 2019 to 220 tonnes in 2020 and more than 300 tonnes in 2021.Meanwhile, Vietnam has many favourable conditions for swiftlet farming with its long coastline, many islands, bays and lagoons. The quality of Vietnam bird's nest products is also considered superior to other countries in the region and favoured by Chinese consumers.At the same time, Vietnam has a long border with China which is very convenient for trading and transporting goods to the Chinese market, creating a more competitive advantage for Vietnamese products.Given its economic value and export potential, since 2019 the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has negotiated and submitted to the General Department of Customs of China for the official export of this product to China.“After three years of tenacity, we signed the protocol, starting the official export of bird’s nest products to China.

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (Photo: VNA)New York (VNA) – Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), has asserted that Vietnam consistently supports the reform of the UN Security Council (UNSC) to ensure its representation, democracy, transparency and efficiency so that it can better respond to global challenges. Addressing a debate at the UN General Assembly on Security Council reform on November 17, the Vietnamese diplomat praised the UNSC’s great efforts over the years to act on challenges, and maintain a large workload even during the COVID-19 pandemic. The official stressed that the UNSC also needs to strengthen discussions and decision-making on emerging security issues that directly threaten international peace and security, including climate change. In 1992, the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution 47/62 on “Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council” and other related issues. Since 2008, according to Decision 62/557 of the General Assembly, every year countries also discuss this topic under the IGN mechanism./.

The 14th international conference on the East Sea has shown that the East Sea is not a closed sea but plays a central role, connecting the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, said acting Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) Pham Lan Dung in her speech concluding the event in the central city of Da Nang on November 17.

(Photo: countryeconomy.com)- The Vietnamese stock market has just closed the first half of a rough November with a forgettable session. This was the lowest in more than 25 months since October 5, 2020.A drop of 3.1% made the country's stock market the biggest loser in Asia on November 15. However, the positive effect did not influence the Vietnamese stock market, according to cafef.vn.Since the beginning of November, the benchmark has lost another 116 points, equivalent to a decrease of 11.3%. In just half a month, the market dropped more than 500 trillion VND in market capitalisation on three exchanges. In addition, well-known foreign funds like Dragon Capital and VinaCapital also showed signs of disbursing recently.The attractive valuation of the Vietnamese stock market is one of the appealing factors to foreign investors.

According to the official, two-way trade between the two nations currently nears 1.3 billion USD, some 30% of which is contributed by Ho Chi Minh City, but growth potential remains. Mai proposed that trade promotion activities between the two countries’ enterprises and between Ho Chi Minh City and New Zealand localities should be conducted via the New Zealand Embassy in Vietnam. Ardern, for her part, believed that with its important role, Ho Chi Minh City will help drive two-way trade to 2 billion USD in the coming years. This is the first time that they have discovered such a huge quantity of drugs sent from the US, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department. Meanwhile, from the beginning of September until now, Ho Chi Minh City-based Children's Hospital has received 1,500-2,000 children with respiratory diseases who came to the infirmary for examination.