Foreign Minister: cyber security crucial for peace, prosperity
Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son delivered a speech at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)’s online open discussion on maintaining international peace and security on cyberspace hosted by Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, UNSC President for June 2021.
Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son at the event (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) ♏– Vietnamese Foreign MinisterBui Thanh Son delivered a speech at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)’sonline open discussion on maintaining international peace and security oncyberspace hosted by Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, UNSC President for June2021.
In his speech, Son said theboom in information and communications technology has been creating strong and deep impacts on every aspect of life globally, contributing to promoting the exchange of human knowledge, increasing mutualunderstanding as well as sustainable development in each nation. However, more and moreterrorists and trans-national criminals are taking advantage of technology toinfiltrate banking and financial systems, destroy essential infrastructure,incite social disorder, spread extremist ideology and distorted information in the community, causing huge damage to the global economic development,seriously threatening sovereignty, security and development while eroding trustamong nations.
In such circumstances, the Vietnamese FM affirmed that cyber security is crucial for peace, security, development andprosperity on national and global scales. Sovereignty and interest of eachnation on cyberspace must be fully respected.
ꦕ He suggested the international community establisha global framework with rules and a code of conduct on cyberspacebased on consensus and the wide and full involvement of countries. Every activity oncyberspace should be in accordance with the United Nations Charter andinternational law, especially basic principles such as respecting nations' independence and sovereignty, not interfering into internal affairs, not using force, and settling disputes peacefully.
The minister expressedconcern and objection to the use of harmful ICT technology toattack medical, electricity, water and food facilities. He called on all countriesto actively engage in and contribute to enhancing international cooperation,building trust and ensuring security on cyberspace.
🀅 The explosive development of ICT technology is an irreversible trend which will be a launch pad for humans on thejourney towards prosperity. Aware of that, Vietnam has built a national digitaltransformation strategy and is striving to have its digital economy account for30 percent of the gross domestic product by 2030, he said.
He added that in Southeast Asia, Vietnamactively and proactively joined regional cyber security mechanisms, includingthe ASEAN Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy. The country also formed effectivepartnership with many nations and international partners in the field. Vietnam is ready to work with partners tobuild a cyberspace of peace, stability and safety for the people andsustainable development, he stated. Participants highlighted a need to upholdinternational law and the United Nations Charter in maintaining peace, securityand stability on cyberspace, apart from measures to build trust, improvecapacity and coordinate actions among countries./.
Taking advantage of the upcoming Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, when demand for online transactions, payments, gifts and to send lucky money increases, many hacker groups are stepping up their fraudulent activities aimed at users of banking services and e-wallets.
Viettel Cyber Security Company, a subsidiary of Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group, triumphed at the Pwn2Own 2021 contest - one of the world largest cyber-attack competitions – which was held virtually by Trend Micro’s Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) on April 7 and 8.
Vietnam needs to foster rapid and sustainable digital transformation but at the same time must ensure cyber security and safety, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Huy Dung has emphasised.
Singapore’s Ministry of Defence announced a new cybersecurity and information centre of ASEAN will be set up in Singapore for better exchange of information among defence ministries of member countries to combat cyber security threats and misinformation.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on August 9 inspected the construction site of the new Phong Chau bridge, and surveyed a planned route for the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway section running through the northern province of Phu Tho.
Across print, broadcast, and online platforms, Angolan media portrayed State President Luong Cuong's visit as a warm and historic occasion, strengthening bilateral ties and boosting Vietnam’s presence in Africa through the AU.
The 500kV Lao Cai – Vinh Yen power transmission line has a total investment of over 7.41 trillion VND (282.5 million USD), and a total length of 229.5 km, passing through 31 communes in the two provinces, and comprising 468 transmission tower foundations.
The visits reflected the elevated position of Vietnam’s foreign policy in the new era—aimed at not only advancing ties with key regional partners like Egypt and Angola but also delivering a strategic message about Vietnam’s commitment to deepening relations with African nations as a whole.
At their talks and meetings, President Cuong and Angola’s top leaders affirmed that the close brotherhood and traditional friendship are a valuable shared asset and a solid foundation for the two nations to advance into a new phase of development.
The ruling People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) attaches great importance to the friendship, solidarity, and comradeship with the Communist Party of Vietnam, and voiced her Party’s wish to further deepen and expand relations between the two sides for the benefit of the Vietnamese and Angolan people.
Vietnam pledges to do its utmost to build an ASEAN of solidarity, consensus, and unity in diversity, and to foster a fast and sustainable development path for ASEAN, grounded in science, technology, and innovation, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
Party General Secretary To Lam called on the criminal police force to accelerate the application of science, technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation in criminal investigation tasks such as crime prevention, detection, tracking and verification, ensuring that no area remains out of their reach.
Many Koreans living, studying, and working in Hanoi see the upcoming state visit to the Republic of Korea (RoK) by Party General Secretary To Lam as an opportunity to generate strong synergy in economic cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, and cultural understanding.
The achievements of the five decades of Vietnam–Angola cooperation provide a strong and enduring foundation, as well as momentum for the two sides to consolidate, expand, and bring their partnership into a new phase of development.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed that the emulation and commendation work is a vital driver, fostering patriotism, dedication, and collective momentum in the run-up to the 11th National Patriotic Emulation Congress, Party congresses at all levels, and the 14th National Party Congress.
Emphasising the need for sustainable, long-term collaboration, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man called on Japanese investors not only to bring in capital but also to share expertise and modern technology, especially in areas such as green transformation, the circular economy, and advanced corporate governance.
President Luong Cuong's activities during his state visit to Angola, the celebration of the financial sector's 80th traditional day, and the Foreign Ministry's flag-hoisting ceremony marking the 58th founding anniversary of ASEAN are among news highlights on August 8.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung praised the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ meaningful initiative, noting that the ASEAN Family Run was not only a sporting activity but also an opportunity for diplomats and their families to show unity, connection, and solidarity within the ASEAN family.
Politburo member, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on August 8 attended the first congress of the Party Organisation of Tay Ho ward of Hanoi for the 2025–2030 term, during which he called for fresh momentum to turn the ward into a model that takes the lead in all fields.
The size of the economy increased from over 5 billion USD in 1986 to over 476 billion USD by 2024, making Vietnam the fourth-largest economy in Southeast Asia and the 34th largest in the world.
The ASEAN flag-hoisting ceremony is observed by the 10 ASEAN member countries on August 8 every year, aiming to spread and promote the ASEAN identity and affirm the determination to unite and cooperate for the common aspiration of long-term peace and prosperity of Southeast Asian countries under the common roof of the ASEAN Community.
Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Cuong highlighted ASEAN’s nearly six decades of development, during which the region transformed from division to harmony, from confrontation to cooperation, and from poverty to dynamic growth, becoming a global bright spot for regional cooperation.
Thirty years ago, on July 28, 1995, Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN marked a historic strategic decision, opening a new chapter in the country’s integration process and beginning its strong rise.
Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang has outlined specific priorities and proposals for cooperation with the UNODA in preparation for the upcoming 11th Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son at the event (Photo: VNA) 
