ANNOUNCEMENT
1. Secretary  of Guangdong Provincial Party Committee to visit Vietnam (6 – 11/09/2008)

At the invitation of HE. Mr. Pham Gia Khiem, Member of the CPV Central Committee Politburo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE. Mr. Wang Yang, Member of the Communist Party of China Politburo, Secretary of Guangdong CPC Provincial Committee, is expected to visit Vietnam from 6 th – 11th September 2008. This will be the first visit to Vietnam of Guangdong’s leaders. The delegation will be accompanied by representatives of major Guangdong enterprises.

During the visit, the two sides will exchange views on measures to further enhance the cooperation in economics, trade, tourism, culture and education between Guangdong Province and Vietnam,  contributing to the promotion of the friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and China in general, and Guangdong province in particular.

During his visit, Secretary Wang Yang is expected to call on General Secretary Nong Duc Manh, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dzung and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Gia Khiem. On this occasion, the Vietnam - Guangdong Investment and Trade Cooperation Conference will be held in Hanoi.

2. His Royal Highness Prince of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to visit Vietnam from 7th – 10th September 2008

At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Gia Khiem, His Royal Highness Duke of York of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Prince Andrew will visit Vietnam from 7th – 10th September 2008. 

The visit is an opportunity to further enhance the cooperation in economics, trade, and investment between the two countries; contributing to strengthen the good friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the United Kingdom.

During the visit, Prince Andrew will call on President Nguyen Minh Triet, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dzung,  Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Gia Khiem, attend the celebration ceremony for 35th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam – UK diplomatic relations, and pay a working visit to Ho Chi Minh City.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

Question: Please provide Vietnam’s reaction to the Decree, signed by President Medvedev of Russia on 26th August 2008, to recognize the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, 

Answer:

Vietnam follows closely the developments in South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Vietnam’s consistent policy is to promote the settlement of international disputes through peaceful solutions in accordance with  the fundamental principles of international laws and the United Nations Charter.

Question: What is Vietnam’s response to the prosecution of the 4 PCI’s former officials by Japanese Procuracy Agency on August 25, 2008?

Answer:
The consistent policy of Vietnamese Party and State is to resolutely prevent and combat corruption. All corrupt behaviors and bribery provision and reception will be strictly handled in accordance with the laws without any exception.

The Government and people of Vietnam highly appreciate the Official Development Assistance provided to us by the Government and people of many countries, including Japan. ODA has been effectively managed and used by Vietnam for its economic and social development goals. Vietnam also pays special attention to the combat against loss and corruption in the use of ODA.

In regard to the prosecution of 4 PCI’s former officials for accused bribing Vietnamese officials, Vietnam just received on August 21st 2008 the judicial authorization document and request from Japan for its cooperation in investigation of this case. Vietnamese competent agencies are now actively working on this issue.

Vietnam will cooperate closely with Japan to soon clarify and properly handle the case in accordance with Vietnamese laws, and we will work to keep the issue from adversely affecting the ODA commitment and the Vietnam - Japan relations.