ANNOUNCEMENT

Russian President V. Putin to visit to Viet Nam (Nov.12)

At the invitation of President Truong Tan Sang, President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation  will pay a state visit to Viet Nam November 12, 2013.

President Putin's visit comes at a time Viet Nam and Russia are enjoying a growing traditional friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

President Sang and President Putin will hold talks to exchange views on major directions to deepen, expand and substantiate the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in all areas. The two leaders will also exchange views on a number of international and regional issues of mutual concern. While President Putin is in Viet Nam, the two sides hope to sign a number of cooperation agreements.

President Putin will meet with other senior leaders of Viet Nam and attend the Opening Ceremony of Russia Days in Viet Nam.

Namibian President to visit Viet Nam (Nov. 18-20)

At the invitation of President Truong Tan Sang, President Hifikepunye Pohamba of the Republic of Namibia will make an official visit to Viet Nam from November 18 to 20, 2013.

The visit is aimed at promoting the traditional friendship between Viet Nam and Namibia in the areas of economics, investment, trade, agriculture, forestry, education, transportation.

President Sang and President Hifikepunye Pohamba will hold talks and attend the signing ceremony of a number of cooperation documents.

President Hifikepunye Pohamba will also pay courtesy calls on other Vietnamese senior leaders, attend Viet Nam - Namibia Business Forum.

UN Deputy Secretary General to visit Viet Nam (Nov. 14 - 15)

At the invitation of  Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, Ms. Noeleen Heyzer, UN Deputy Secretary General and Executive Secretary of United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) will make an official visit to Viet Nam from November 14 to 15, 2013.

Ms. Noeleen Heyzer and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh will hold talks to review the socio-economic development that Viet Nam has achieved in recent years as well as evaluate the difficulties and challenges that Viet Nam is facing in furthering the efficiency of the ESCAP cooperation with Viet Nam as well as its support to Viet Nam.

On this occasion, Ms. Noeleen Heyzer will attend and make the keynote speech at the “APEC in Asia-Pacific of the 21st Century” conference hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

UNDP Administrator and UNDG Chairperson to visit Viet Nam (Nov. 6-10)

At the invitation of Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, Ms. Helen Clark, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme and Chairperson of the United Nations Development Group, will make an official visit to Viet Nam from November 6 to 10, 2013.

Ms. Helen Clark and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh will hold talks to review the implementation of the UN Delivering as One Initiative, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Viet Nam and to exchange view on measures to boost the cooperation between UNDP and Viet Nam in the future.

Ms. Helen Clark will pay a courtesy call to Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and attend the meeting of UNDG Asia Pacific Meeting and UNDP Regional Management Meeting.

Conference on “APEC in the 21st Century Asia” (Nov.15)

Viet Nam Foreign Ministry will host “APEC in the 21st Century Asia” conference in Hanoi on 15 November 2013 to mark the 15th anniversary of Vietnam's accession to APEC (1998-2013).

The conference will focus on discussing and evaluating the role and future of APEC and the regional economic integration process, reviewing the contribution of Viet Nam in APEC in the last 15 years, making recommendations to further enhance Viet Nam's role and contribution in APEC.

ESCAP Executive Secretary Ms. Noeleen Heyzer and former Foreign Minister of Australia Alexander Downer will be attending the conference as the keynote speakers. The conference will also convene international guests, domestic speakers and more than 100 delegates.

The 5th International Workshop on the East Sea (Nov.11-12)

The Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam in conjunction with Viet Nam Lawyers’ Association will organize the 5th International Workshop on the East Sea under the theme “East Sea: Cooperation for security and development in the region” from November 11 - 12, 2013 in Hanoi. The workshop will attract more than 200 participants, including government officials, scholars and experts from ASEAN countries, China, Japan, Republic of Korea, United States, Australia, etc.

This is an opportunity for the participants to exchange views and enhance the understanding on the common interests in maintaining peace, stability, maritime security and safety in the East Sea, as well as to propose measures to enhance security and cooperation in the East Sea.

Reporters who wish to cover the workshop should contact the Department of Press and Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs for accreditation.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Question: Why does Viet Nam decide to run for a UN Human Rights Council seat?

Answer:

In recent years Viet Nam has made many achievements in ensuring human rights in all fields of civil affairs, politics, economics, culture and society which are recognised by the international community. The promotion of human rights and the active participation of our people in all aspects of the country’s socio-economic life have been playing as important factors to the success of Doi Moi (reform). With this foundation, Viet Nam wishes to run for the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2014-16 tenure so that we will have opportunity to join the international community's efforts to promote and protect human rights around the world.

We have a strong confident that we are able to take on and successfully fulfill the membership of the UN Human Rights Council. We are committed to actively contribute to the work of the Council to improve its effectiveness, transparency, objectiveness and equality on the basis of dialogue, co-operation, equality and mutual respect.

2. Question: When would Viet Nam join the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment?

Answer:

Viet Nam always actively participates in and made practical contributions to the three sectors of UN concern which includes peace-security, development and human rights promotion.

On 5 November 2013, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung signed Resolution 118/NQ-CP authorising the Head of Viet Nam's Permanent Mission to the UN to sign the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Viet Nam's participation in the convention shows that it respects and strictly implements its commitments in human rights area within the framework of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). It also expresses commitments Viet Nam has made when it voluntarily runs for the UN Human Rights Council.

3. Question: Please provide Viet Nam’s reaction to reports that America intelligence and Australian embassies tap phones across Asia - Pacific?

Answer:

Viet Nam is deeply concerned about this information. We has requested for explanation from parties concerned. We also request the issues be addressed so as fine development of relations between Viet Nam and other countries will be maintained.