I. ANNOUNCEMENT

1. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung to visit Republic of Korea and attend 2nd Nuclear Security Summit (March 26 – 29)

At the invitation of Republic of Korea President Lee Myung-bak, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Spouse will lead a Vietnamese delegation to attend the 2nd Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul on March 26 – 27 and to pay an official visit to Republic of Korea on March 28 – 29. During the visit, the Prime Minister will exchange views with Republic of Korea leaders on measures to enhance the strategic partnership between Viet Nam and Republic of Korea, especially in the field of economics, trade, investment, science and technology, culture, education, etc. as well as international and regional issues of mutual interests.

2. Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan to visit India (March 25 – April 1)

At the invitation of the Government of India, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan will pay an official visit to India from March 25 to April 1 in order to discuss measures to boost and deepen the traditional friendship relations and the strategic partnership, especially in education, science and technology.

3. Argentine Foreign Minister to visit Viet Nam (March 23-24)

At the invitation of Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship, Republic of Argentina Héctor Timerman will pay an official visit to Viet Nam from March 23 - 24.

During the visit, both sides will discuss measures to strengthen friendship relations and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, especially in trade, investment, energy, health, science and technology, agriculture, etc., and strengthen bilateral coordination in international organizations and multilateral forums.

4. Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs to visit Viet Nam (March 27 – 29)

At the invitation of Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Bob Carr will pay an official visit to Viet Nam from March 27-29. The two sides will discuss measures to strengthen the Viet Nam–Australia comprehensive partnership, especially when the two countries are going to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2013; to accelerate the implementation of Viet Nam-Australia Action Plan 2010-2013 and a number of cooperation agreements recently signed between the two countries; and to exchange views on international and regional issues of mutual interests.

II. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

1. Question: You just announced that Vietnamese Prime Minister is leading a delegation to the 2nd Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Could you please elaborate on the purpose of Viet Nam’s attendance and on the agenda that its delegation wants to put forth there?

Answer:

Viet Nam sets security, safety a top priority in nuclear energy development and application while it supports rights of nations to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes as well as disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.

Being an active and responsible member in the international community, Viet Nam comes to the Summit with an affirmation of its consistent policy in the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and in ensuring security, nuclear safety.

Viet Nam attaches great importance to and is willing to expand international cooperation in this field. At the Summit, Viet Nam will highlight the efforts it has made and the measures it has taken in ensuring highest-level nuclear safety and in joining other countries to strengthen the international cooperation in the field of security, nuclear safety and to contribute to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

2. Question: What is your comment on the news report that Vietnamese monks are sent to Spratly Islands to permanently claim Viet Nam’s sovereignty on Spratly islands? When will they depart and how long will they stay there? 

Answer:

The appointment of monks to take on Buddhism duties in pagodas on islands in Truong Sa island District, Khanh Hoa Province is a normal civilian activity. The departure time and length of stay are at their own will.

3. Question: Please comment on the news that said that Korea will launch satellite Kwangmyongsong-3?

Answer:

We follow with high interest the recent announcement made by DPRK’s Committee for Space Technology on the launch of satellite Kwangmyongsong-3
Viet Nam always wishes to see a Korean Peninsula of peace, stability and prosperity. In that spirit, we emphasize the necessity of strict compliance with UNSC Resolution 1874 and call on parties concerned to make practical contribution to peace and stability in the region and the world.