Hanoi (VNA) – The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.

- Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Tran Thanh Man held talks with Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives (Parliament) Gerry Brownlee in Hanoi on August 28.

Chairman Man welcomed Speaker Brownlee’s visit, the first high-level trip since the elevation of Vietnam – New Zealand ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He described this as a new stride in bilateral friendship and cooperation, especially in parliamentary diplomacy, and noted that the visit coincides with Vietnam’s 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day – an event of national significance. Read full story

- As Vietnam is entering a new era, the diplomatic sector is committed to continuing to write the glorious history of diplomacy in the Ho Chi Minh era, being dedicated to serving the country and the people, promoting the spirit of pioneering, and proactively creating momentum and position to help the nation firmly progress towards new development milestones, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.

On the occasion of the 80th founding anniversary of the diplomatic sector (August 28, 1945 - 2025), Son wrote an article highlighting the glorious 80-year journey of Vietnam's diplomacy for the struggle for national liberation and the cause of national construction and protection. Read full story

- Brazil is committed to supporting and coordinating with other Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) member countries to promote the internal process towards beginning official negotiations on the bloc’s free trade agreement (FTA) with Vietnam during Brazil's term as its rotating chair in the second half of 2025.

The pledge was made by Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mauro Vieira in his phone talks with Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien on August 27 evening (Hanoi time). Read full story

- Vietnam has recorded major progress in tobacco harm prevention and the promotion of smoke-free environments in recent years, contributing to community health protection and fulfilling its commitments under the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, according to Dr. Phan Thi Hai, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Tobacco Control Fund (VNTCF) under the Ministry of Health.

She delivered the remarks at the ninth Smoke-Free Asia-Pacific Meeting, which opened on August 28 in Hue city. Read full story

- An exhibition of national achievements celebrating the 80th anniversary of the National Day (September 2, 1945 – 2025), themed “80-Year Journey of Independence – Freedom – Happiness,” kicked off at the Vietnam Exposition Centre in Dong Anh commune of Hanoi on August 28.

The exhibition is a significant event, offering the public an opportunity to look back the nation’s arduous yet glorious history, affirming Vietnam’s position in the international arena. It contributes to strengthening confidence in a bright future, and inspiring the entire nation to advance into an era of prosperity, civilisation, strength, and well-being. Read full story

- As part of the national exhibition “80-Year Journey of Independence – Freedom – Happiness,” marking the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2), Hanoi audiences will have a chance to enjoy 50 films free of charge along with artist exchange activities.

The film screening programme runs from August 28 to September 5 at Vietnam Exposition Centre in Hanoi’s Dong Anh commune. Read full story./.