Former US Ambassador praises good beginning of DPRK-USA Hanoi Summit
Former US Ambassador praises good beginning of DPRK-USA Hanoi Summit Vietnam
The DPRK-USA Hanoi Summit Vietnam has been off to a great start, and the good relationship between US President Donald Trump and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) leader Kim Jong-un is good for diplomacy, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson told Fox News’ America Newsroom on February 27.
Former US Ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson (Photo: AP)
Washington (VNA) – The DPRK-USA Hanoi Summit Vietnam has been offto a great start, and the good relationship between US President Donald Trumpand the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) leader Kim Jong-un is goodfor diplomacy, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson toldFox News’ America Newsroom on February 27.
He said Trump and Kim’s personal relationship is significant to both the DPRKand Asia. However, the real test will be whether their relationship willtranslate into whether Chairman Kim would take concrete steps to dismantle someof the nuclear weapons. Also, he has doubts on the possibility that Kim willdismantle all of his nuclear weapons.
In addition, Kim wants a formal peace treaty ending the Korean War, as well asnegotiations on the presence of US troops in the Republic of Korea, he noted.
Richardson’sevaluation came following the private meeting between the two leaders onFebruary 27.
Speaking to the press in Hanoi, President Trump expressed his hope that thesummit will be very successful and stressed that he will not turn his back onthe target of denuclearization, while Kim said he has overcome many challengesto come to the summit and also hopes for the success of the summit.
After the first meeting in Singapore last year, inter-Korea economiccooperation has seen significant progress. However, their ties have been barredby international trade sanctions. Thus, besides the nuclearisation issue, theongoing summit is expected to open up an opportunity to loose sanctions,allowing the DPRK economy to take off.-VNA
Major media agencies on February 27 made constant updates about the second summit between the US and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), reporting on the optimism about its outcomes.
US President Donald Trump and leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong-un held an extensive discussion on the first day of the DPRK-USA Hanoi Summit Vietnam to reach “considerable progress”, reported the DPRK’s State news agency KCNA on February 28.
US President Donald Trump and leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (RoK) Kim Jong-un on February 28 attended an expanded meeting with members of the two delegations in Hanoi following their 45-minute one-on-one meeting earlier the same day.
Total trade between Indonesia and New Zealand in the first half of 2025 reached 963.23 million USD, an increase of 21.56% compared to 792.39 million USD in the same period last year. Of this amount, Indonesia's exports to New Zealand totaled 374.89 million USD, while imports 588.35 million USD
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.