Russian astronaut Viktor Gorbatko (R) and Vietnamese cosmonaut Pham Tuan returned to the Earth in the “Union-37” spaceship on July 23, 1980 (Photo: VNA)
Moscow (VNA) – President TranDai Quang has conveyed his deep sympathy to Russian President Vladimir Putinover the death of Russian Hero, astronaut Viktor Gorbatko who joined Vietnameseheroic spaceman Pham Tuan on a flight to the space in 1980.
In his message to the Russian President,which was read by Major General Tran Minh Son, head of the Vietnam MilitaryAttaché Agency in Russia, at the funeral service for Gorbatko in Moscow on May19, President Tran Dai Quang said that thepassing away of Gorbatko is a great loss of both Russia and Vietnam.
The Party, State and people ofVietnam highly value contributions that Gorbatko made to the development of theVietnam-former Soviet Union ties in the past and the Vietnam-Russia strategic partnershiprecently.
Astronaut Viktor Gorbatko passed awayon May 17 at the age of 83 after an illness.
He was born on December 3, 1934 and grewup in Northern Caucasus of Russia. He flew to the space three times in 1969,1977 and 1980. In his last flight on July 23, 1980, he was accompanied by firstVietnamese cosmonaut Pham Tuan in the “Union-37”spaceship that was launched from Baikonur and returned tothe Earth on July 31, 1980.
The flight became ahistorical event of both countries, marking a new milestone in the growth ofthe traditional solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam andthe former Soviet Union and Russia now.
Gorbatko joinedvarious friendship activities and visited Vietnam many times as a close friendof Vietnam. He was honoured with Vietnam’s Heroic Labour title and Ho ChiMinh Order.-VNA
Vietnam has over 4.8 million people exposed to AO/dioxin, including hundreds of thousands in the second, third, and even fourth generations. Many live with severe disabilities, facing high medical costs and loss of earning capacity.
Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang reaffirmed that amnesty is a humanitarian policy of the Party and State, reflecting the Vietnamese tradition of compassion and winning attention and high praise both domestically and internationally.
Vietnam officially grants limited-term visa-free entry to high-profile foreigners whose presence is deemed beneficial to the country’s socio-economic development.
With support from the Vietnamese Association in Ufa, Vietnamese language classes for children have been offered for many years. Currently, 60 children of various ages are attending two classes taught by Duc Anh, free of charge.
Vietnam ranked among the top four countries and territories at the 2025 International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence (IOAI), reaffirming its strong position in international academic competitions.
All 20 crew members aboard the Vietnamese oil tanker GT Unity were successfully rescued from a fire in the vessel’s engine room, thanks to the swift response of the Liberian-flagged ship Androusa and Vietnamese maritime rescue teams.
Describing Agent Orange as one of the most severe and enduring legacies of the war in Vietnam, Vietnam's former Honorary Consul to Belgium Joseph-Michel de Grand Ry warned that its impact – still affecting generations more than five decades later – could last another two to three decades.
Running from August 4 to September 2, under the hashtag #TuHaoVietNam, the campaign invites participants in two categories: “I Love My Country” video clips and “I Love My Country” check-in photos.
Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP, which took effect on the issuance date, introduces amendments that integrate the procedure for reporting and explaining the demand for foreign workers into the process of submitting applications for work permits.
With a tight 13-month deadline, the move is under a strategic and urgent policy to bridge educational gaps, train the local workforce, and shore up territorial sovereignty in some of the country’s most remote areas.
The parade and personnel send-off ceremony will officially take place on August 10 at the area surrounding the Statue of King Ly Thai To and Dinh Tien Hoang street of Hoan Kiem ward, with the participation of nearly 3,000 officers, soldiers, and local residents.
According to national technical regulations, AIS installation is mandatory for boats carrying more than 50 passengers. However, operators of smaller vessels (under 50 seats) in Ha Long Bay have voluntarily committed to completing installation by the deadline to enhance operational safety.
The activities include a Vietnamese language teaching training course for overseas Vietnamese teachers from August 13 to 28 in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Thai Nguyen.
Specifically, the ships will carry out patrols from 7am to 6pm daily along the main tourist routes in Ha Long Bay, with one ship permanently stationed at Ti Top island. From 6pm to 7am the following day, the mobile vessels return to Tuan Chau island to maintain a 24/7 on-call duty shift, ensuring constant readiness.
The Ministry of Construction (MoC) plans to open to traffic 208km of expressways of six key projects by August 19, bringing the country’s total expressway network to 2,476km.
As of July 1, a two-tier local government model started in 34 provinces and cities, streamlining administration but creating a surplus of public properties. If not promptly addressed, these assets could become a financial burden.
Whether they grow up to become journalists, diplomats, or professionals in other fields, these children can one day become bridges of friendship and cooperation, telling new and inspiring stories of Vietnam – China relations, said Ambassador Pham Thanh Binh.
A 21-year-old Indian tourist was successfully resuscitated and treated by doctors at Hoan My Da Nang Hospital after a near-drowning incident left him in critical condition. After three days of intensive care, the man was discharged from the hospital and has since returned to India.
In an document issued on August 5, the PM emphasised the need to stablise living conditions for people hit by floods, landslides, and flash floods in late July and early August in northern and north-central provinces, especially Dien Bien, Son La, and Nghe An which suffered some of the worst damage.
Although millions of Vietnamese were affected by AO, only over 626,000 individuals, including war veterans and their children suffering from dioxin-related conditions, are currently receiving state benefits.
Russian astronaut Viktor Gorbatko (R) and Vietnamese cosmonaut Pham Tuan returned to the Earth in the “Union-37” spaceship on July 23, 1980 (Photo: VNA) 
