
To strengthen anti-smuggling efforts, the Thai Interior Ministry has instructed authorities in border provinces, districts and localities to implement four urgent measures.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on May 7 held bilateral meetings with Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Prime Minister of Timor-Leste Xanana Gusmao, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and President of the Asian Development Bank Masato Kanda, on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, the Philippines.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam welcomed the establishment of the twin relationship between Ho Chi Minh City and Mumbai - the first of its kind, considering it an important foundation and motivation for further fostering cooperation and connectivity between localities of the two countries.

The Vietnamese leader said Vietnam is prioritising both short- and long-term national energy security, including securing stable crude oil and gas supplies while continuing to improve the legal framework for the oil and gas sector. He expressed his hope that ONGC will continue to be an important partner in exploration and production activities, helping maintain output and ensure energy supply.

During meetings with ASEAN leaders, Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern. They agreed to strengthen cooperation and coordination within the bloc and the United Nations, while promoting ASEAN centrality in addressing regional and global issues.

Informing the guest on Vietnam’s priorities in socio-economic development and transport infrastructure, the Deputy FM called on SNCF to continue close coordination in supporting Vietnam’s railway industry development, particularly in high-quality workforce training, technology transfer, experience sharing, and improving policy-making and investment management capacity.

The Vietnamese leader highly valued the growing cooperation between Maharashtra and Ho Chi Minh City, affirming that despite global uncertainties, Vietnam and India have every reason to be proud of the strong and substantive development of the bilateral ties over the past decade under the comprehensive strategic partnership framework.