Vietnam Roundup: World food day, bilateral relations, peace corps training

Peace corps training

In a remarkable stride reflecting the spirit of cooperation, Vietnam has recently extended a heartfelt welcome to its largest cohort of US Peace Corps volunteers. With 20 dedicated members arriving to bolster English education in high schools, the initiative is facilitated by a 2020 agreement between the two nations. According to Vietnam Net, these volunteers are expected to commence training in Hà Nội and HCM City, in December 2024, collaborating with local educators to enrich the English language skills of students. Their transformative work holds the promise of unlocking doors to brighter educational and employment opportunities, a vital foundation for future prosperity. Currently immersed in a 10-week training odyssey, the volunteers are mastering the Vietnamese language and teaching methodologies, marking a significant chapter in Peace Corps' five-year partnership, as both nations march towards the celebration of their 30th diplomatic anniversary in 2025.

Vietnamese ambassadorial appointments

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam unveiled a new cadre of Vietnamese ambassadors on October 18, Vietnam Plus reports. Their majestic appointments to the UN, Cambodia, Singapore, and Ukraine carry with them a mantle of responsibility that is as profound as it is pivotal. As custodians of Vietnam’s international standing, these ambassadors are entrusted with the noble task of safeguarding national interests while nurturing the vibrant Vietnamese community abroad.

 44th World Food Day

Vietnam celebrated the 44th World Food Day in a grand affair organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development alongside the UN and FAO in Hanoi. The event alongside the launch of an ambitious Plan for International Cooperation in Agriculture and Rural Development, a visionary roadmap that stretches until 2030 and extends its gaze towards 2050. According to Vietnam Plus, Partnership Agreement for Sustainable Food Systems Transformation was signed, echoing a commitment to nourish not just bodies but futures. With the theme for 2024 resonating as “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future,” the gathering illuminated global aspirations for food accessibility. MARD Minister Le Minh Hoan passionately highlighted the agriculture sector's critical role in achieving food security. Meanwhile, FAO Representative Rémi Nono Womdim painted a hopeful picture, acknowledging Vietnam’s relative stability in food security compared to its neighbours—a testament to a national roadmap dedicated to ensuring equitable access to nutritious fare for all.

 Australia-Vietnam ties

The Australian Embassy hosted the Taste of Australia’s Big BBQ on October 17 at the majestic Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Vietnam Investment Review. This vibrant celebration of Australian cuisine served as a deliciously symbolic feast marking the elevation of diplomatic relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)—a culinary homage to the growing friendship between Australia and Vietnam. Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski, like a thoughtful conductor, orchestrated a gathering where shared culinary traditions sang in unison, weaving cultural ties ever tighter. Chefs wielded their culinary magic, conjuring authentic Australian dishes paired with the finest wines, the evening alive with laughter and flavours that danced upon the palate, underscoring the essence of mutual aspirations and cooperation that bind the two vibrant nations.

 Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia relations

In a spirit of brotherhood radiating from Vientiane, Vietnam's National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn met with his counterparts from Laos and Cambodia during the illustrious gathering of the 45th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), Vietnam News reports. Amidst the warm embrace of solidarity, they extolled Laos' forthcoming role as ASEAN Chair in 2024 and reinforced the significance of unity among their nations. The dialogue transcended mere words, cultivating a rich dialogue on cooperation spanning defence, economy, and cultural exchanges. Their commitment to parliamentary collaboration was as steadfast as the ancient mountains, with plans blossoming for a regular working breakfast mechanism, a setting for continuous engagement aimed at fortifying socio-economic development and national security. Together, they painted a vibrant canvas of collaboration and camaraderie, echoing the promise of a brighter tomorrow, united in purpose and resolve.