ANNOUNCEMENT

1. DPM Nguyen Xuan Phuc to visit Laos, attend Inter-governmental Commission Meeting (Aug. 11 – 14)

At the invitation of Laos Deputy Prime Minister Somsavad Lengsavath, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Chairman of the Viet Nam – Laos Cooperation Sub-Committee, will visit Laos and attend the Mid-term Review Meeting of the Viet Nam – Laos Inter-governmental Commission from August 11 to 14, 2012.

The visit is aimed at realizing the agreement between the two Governments to review and assess the implementation of cooperation agreements during the first half of 2012; to work out ways and means to implement cooperation programs for the second half of 2012. It will also improve and strengthen the operation and management and consolidate the efficiency of the Viet Nam – Laos and Laos – Viet Nam Cooperation Sub-committees.

The visit is among the activities to commemorate the Viet Nam – Laos Friendship and Solidarity Year 2012 and will also help to strengthen the bond between Leaders and peoples of the two countries.

While in Laos, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc will pay courtesy calls to Laos’ leaders, attend the Meeting of the Viet Nam – Laos Inter-governmental Commission, and visit a number of Viet Nam’s projects in Laos.

2. DPM Nguyen Xuan Phuc to pay working visit to Cambodia (Aug. 14 – 16)

At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister of the Royal Government of Cambodia General Ke Kim Yan, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Chairman of the AIDS and Drugs, Prostitution Prevention and Control National Committee of Viet Nam will pay a working visit to Cambodia from August 14 to 16, 2012.

The visit is aimed at exchanging experiences and methods to improve cooperation in drugs, prostitution prevention and control between the two countries in the time to come and to discuss other cooperation areas of mutual concern, thereby helping to promote the friendly and cooperative relationship between the two countries.

While in Cambodia, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc will hold talks with Deputy Prime Minister General Ke Kim Yan, who is also Chairman of the National Committee for Drugs Prevention and Control of Cambodia, to pay call at Prime Minister Samdech Hunsen.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Question: Would you confirm that Viet Nam has nominated Vice Foreign Minister Le Luong Minh for the post of ASEAN Secretary General for the 2013 – 2017 term?

Answer:

“At the 45th ASEAN Foreign Minister Meeting, Viet Nam has officially nominated Vice Foreign Minister Le Luong Minh for the post of ASEAN Secretary General for  the 2013-2017 term.

ASEAN’s Foreign Ministers have favored the Vietnamese candidate and agreed to report the nomination to ASEAN High-ranking leaders for approval at the 21st ASEAN Summit held in Phnompenh, Cambodia in November 2012.

If appointed, Mr Le Luong Minh will carry his duty as regulated in ASEAN’s Charter and other related procedures, bringing into full play the role and responsibility of ASEAN Secretary General in promoting the common objectives of ASEAN, particularly the building of ASEAN Community, promoting regional connectivity and linkages and relations between ASEAN and its partners, effectvely responding to emerging challenges…, for peace, stability, security, cooperation and development in the region”.

2. Question: Please advise Viet Nam’s position on reports that China sends a large fleet of vessels for fishing in waters in the East Sea?

Answer:

“All activities of parties in the East Sea must conform to international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the spirit of the Declaration on Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), on the basis of respecting the sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction of all countries, contributing to peace, stability in the region and preserving the maritime environment and resources”.