News Digest (16-07-2011)
Laos-VN legislative bodies boost ties VIETIANE — Lao leaders expressed their hopes to enhance legislative ties as they received Vietnamese National Assembly deputy chairman Nguyen Duc Kien in Vientiane yesterday.
Lao NA Chairman Pani Dathotou and Prime Minister Thongsin Thammavong hosted the reception. The hosts welcomed Kien to their country, whose visit has spanned from yesterday through next Monday. At this time, Laos is just wrapping up its first session of the 7th NA tenure.
The two spoke highly of the co-operation between their law-making bodies and the efficient investments of Vietnamese businesses in Laos. Lao leaders committed to creating more favourable conditions for the Vietnamese investors to work in Laos.
Kien said he was happy to witness Laos' fast growth and congratulated the Lao NA leader and PM on their appointments by the National Assembly deputies recently.
US naval ships visit Da Nang
DA NANG — The USS Chung Hoon, USS Preble and USNS Safeguard of the United State's Navy, with a combined 678 crew on board, dropped anchor at the port of Tien Sa in the central city of Da Nang yesterday, beginning their visit to the locality.
In the framework of the visit, the ships' commanders, officers and sailors will pay courtesy visits to the leaders of the Da Nang's People's Committee and the High Command of Naval Zone 3.
They will also share experiences in rescue activities, and join cultural and sporting events as well as charity medical projects.
Japan honours ex-VN ambassador
HA NOI — Japan granted former Vietnamese ambassador, Vo Van Sung, the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star award.
Japanese ambassador to Viet Nam Yasuaki Tanizaki awarded Sung the order in Ha Noi yesterday, in recognition of Sung's significant contributions to Viet Nam – Japan relations.
In the 1972-73 period, Sung – the then acting Vietnamese Ambassador to France – attended in negotiations with Japanese counterparts to set up diplomatic ties between two countries. In September, 1973, the two sides officially exchanged diplomatic notes to establish diplomatic relationship.
During his term as ambassador to Japan from 1988-92, Sung did his best to reconnect Japanese aid and Viet Nam. His efforts contributed to the fine development of Viet Nam-Japan relationship seen today, according to Japanese Embassy in Ha Noi. — VNS