The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on September 17 gave consent to most of the revised Press bill, which was presented by Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Bac Son.
Head of the NA's Law Committee Phan Trung Ly (R) at the event. (Photo: VNA)
The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on September 17 gave consent to most of the revised Press bill, which was presented by Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Bac Son.
The bill consisted of six chapters and 60 clauses. Of which, 31 new clauses were introduced and 29 others modified in order to uphold the spirit of the 2013 Constitution that highlighted the country's commitment to freedom of press, freedom of speech and freedom of information.
Minister Son said that the existing Press Law has provided the required legal framework for the country's news organisations and press activities. It has, however, lagged behind and is no longer able to cover the numerous facets and issues of modern media and press activities.
He said there has been worrying signs of press commercialisation, more and more incidents in which inaccurate information was published and the tendency to exploit only the negative sides of society by the press.
Deputies stressed on the importance of online newspapers and news web sites, which have seen significant growth in recent years and proven to be an effective channel for people to access information and exercise their right to freedom of speech.
The Head of the NA's Law Committee Phan Trung Ly noted that the right to freedom of speech and freedom of press were constitutional and therefore, changes must be made to the Press Law to ensure citizens can exercise their rights.
NA's Deputy Chairman Uong Chung Luu said press freedom and freedom of speech were fundamental issues and must uphold the spirit of the 2013 Constitution as well as numerous international protocols that Vietnam is a part of.
Dao Trong Thi, Head of the NA's Committee for Culture, Education, Adolescents and Child Affairs, pointed out that there were still too many licenses and administrative barriers in the revised Press bill which would only serve to limit press freedom and handicap news organisations.
Thi also raised the issue of a number of news organisations publishing content, which were deemed inappropriate and harmful to child development that must be addressed immediately.
The review committee added that there was a need to improve the revised bill transparency in regard to prohibited activities and content to bolster freedom of speech and press freedom.-VNA
The press must become a bridge linking the Party and State with people and an open forum to promote democracy, advanced cultural values and social feedback, the Party General Secretary said.
The Ministry of Information and Communications on August 19 issued a document requesting press agencies to abide by regulations under the Law on Journalism.
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).
The Vietnamese Party leader's visit is therefore expected to mark a new stage in the development of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, with a focus on such areas as digital transformation, supply chains, semiconductors, clean energy, and maritime security, Choe assessed.
At their meeting, which took place in the Angolan capital of Luanda on August 7 as part of State President Luong Cuong’s ongoing state visit to the African nation, the two officials also agreed to make full use of existing cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Vietnam – Angola Intergovernmental Committee, and step up exchanges of delegations at all levels.
President Luong Cuong's talks with his Angolan counterrpart João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, Vietnamese leader's receptions for a delegation from the Japan – Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, and the Government's regular meeting for July are among news highlights on August 7 evening.
Head of the NA's Law Committee Phan Trung Ly (R) at the event. (Photo: VNA)
