Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam’s policy is to further facilitate the entry, exit, and residence of foreigners in the country, thereby contributing to socio-economic development, Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang stated at the ministry’s regular press conference in Hanoi on August 14.
She noted that the Government has recently issued Resolution No. 229 on visa exemption for citizens of 12 countries under a tourism stimulus programme, effective from August 15, 2025 until August 14, 2028.
Under this policy, Vietnam will grant visa exemptions of up to 45 days from the date of entry for citizens of Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland for tourism purposes, regardless of passport type, provided they meet Vietnam’s legal entry requirements. According to the diplomat, the Government had earlier issued Resolution No. 44, granting visa exemptions to citizens of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland.
To date, Vietnam has unilaterally offered visa exemptions to citizens of 24 countries for tourism purposes.
In addition, Resolution No. 221 on temporary visa exemptions for specially designated foreign nationals eligible for preferential treatment in support of socio-economic development has also been implemented. This applies to invitees of Party and State leaders, scholars, experts, investors, those working in the cultural and artistic fields, and other special cases.
Also at the press conference, in response to a question regarding Japanese media reports on the arrest of three Vietnamese nationals in connection with the possession of one tonne of cannabis valued at 35 million USD, the spokeswoman said that upon receiving the information, and under the direction of the ministry, Vietnamese representative missions in Japan have contacted local authorities to verify the facts and implement necessary, appropriate citizen protection measures in accordance with the laws of both countries.
ꦛ She affirmed that Vietnam resolutely handles violations involving the production, trafficking, possession, and transport of narcotics, and remains ready to engage in bilateral and multilateral cooperation in preventing and combating crime, particularly drug-related offences./.
Vietnam always stands ready to engage in frank and constructive discussions with the US on remaining differences to enhance mutual understanding, contributing positively to the development of the Vietnam – US comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.
The Vietnamese communities in areas affected by the recent earthquake with tsunami warnings in eastern Russia are currently safe, spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang stated at a regular press briefing on July 31.
Vietnam has invited the defence ministers of Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia, Cuba, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan to attend the celebration of the 80th National Day anniversary on September 2; and five countries – Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia, and Belarus – to send forces to participate in the parade at the National Day celebration.
The Lao Party, Government, and public security force have always recognised that the achievements and victories of the force during the struggle for national liberation and in the current period of protecting and developing the country are closely linked to the solidarity and valuable assistance of its Vietnamese counterpart.
Noting the strategic significance of connecting the Vietnam–China railway connectivity, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha said that routes such as Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong, Hanoi–Lang Son, and Hanoi–Mong Cai will enhance logistics efficiency, promote socio-economic development in localities of both countries, and contribute to improving Vietnam’s operational capacity and access to modern railway technology.
Ambassador Kees van Baar affirmed that the Netherlands will work with several international organisations to support Vietnam in sustainable water resource management, environmental impact assessment, knowledge and experience sharing, and provision of both grant aid and loans.
in the first half of 2025, Vietnam’s customs sector handled 8,561 violations, with a total goods value exceeding 13.6 trillion VND (517.79 million USD). In border areas with China alone, 1,588 smuggling cases involving 59 billion VND were detected.
Vietnam and Thailand discussed the situation and outcomes of their coordination in drug prevention and control; shared experience in implementing drug rehabilitation and demand reduction; and made recommendations for cooperation to enhance capacity in combating and preventing crimes, drug forensics, tracing the origins of drugs, and carrying out rehabilitation work in the coming time.
General Secretary Lam and CPP President Hun Sen informed each other about the situation of each Party and country; exchanged views on regional and international developments, relations between the two Parties and countries, and issues of mutual concern. They also reviewed and assessed the results of bilateral cooperation, and agreed on key directions to further deepen the relationship.
Party chief To Lam's state visit to the RoK helped deepen political trust, strengthen the good personal relations between the two countries' high-ranking leaders, and deepen the Vietnam–RoK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jung-kwan said the Han and Red Rivers - each with its historic miracle - should now converge on a “sea of prosperity,” with both nations setting sail together toward industrial growth, energy advancement, and technological innovation.
Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane said Vietnam's historical achievements serve as tremendous encouragement and motivation for Laos, fueling its national development efforts.
The All People's Security Safeguard Festival in Tuyen Quang province, the consolidation of the national steering committee for the implementation of Vietnam’s commitments at COP26, and the banking sector's completion of a comprehensive review of all customer records are among news highlights on August 14.
The visit will be made at the invitation of Vietnamese State President Luong Cuong and his spouse, according to an announcement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The meeting approved the list of official and alternate delegates for the NA’s first Party Congress for the 2025–2030 term. It also endorsed the criteria, number, structure, and proposed allocation of personnel of the NA delegation to attend the 14th National Party Congress slated for early 2026.
The Party leader expressed his confidence that with a proud revolutionary tradition and new momentum, Tuyen Quang will seize opportunities, fully unlock its potential, and confidently contribute to national development goals and the journey toward socialism.
As a coastal nation with strategic and economic interests closely tied to peace and security in the East Sea, Vietnam affirmed its consistent position of resolving all disputes via peaceful means in accordance with international laws, including the UNCLOS.
Anjuska Marija Weil, President of the Switzerland–Vietnam Friendship Association, has shown her great pride to witness the strong growth of Vietnam - a nation she and her Swiss comrades once campaigned passionately for its peace and justice.
Party General Secretary To Lam praised Tuyen Quang’s launch of the “all-people’s security proection” movement in recent years, particularly in Tan Trao, a locality rich with revolutionary tradition. The movement has been integrated into broader pushes for advanced new rural development, preservation of ethnic cultural heritage, protection of upstream forests, and promotion of “red tourism” tied to revolutionary sites, all while maintaining public safety and order.
The event came ahead of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19), National Day (September 2), and the traditional day of the People's Public Security Force, and the 20th anniversary of "All people's protecting national security" festival.
Over the past 80 years, the consular and citizen protection work has achieved significant results, contributing to the overall success of external affairs and earning recognition from the Party, State, and people.
The visit offered a chance to convey Vietnam’s commitment to building a prosperous nation and attracting international resources to meet development goals in a new era, helping to enhance political trust and elevate the substantive cooperation between Vietnam and the RoK.
The results of Party General Secretary To Lam's state visit to the RoK, the conference reviewing the national target programme on socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas, and Hanoi claiming the title of Vietnam’s fastest city for fixed broadband in July are among news highlights on August 13 evening.
