Vietnam's National Day Marked by ASEAN Cup Victory and Global Engagements

Vietnam successfully defended their ASEAN Cup title after a 2-2 draw with Thailand in the second leg of the final at My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi on August 26 evening, completing a 4-2 aggregate victory. This triumph coincided with the nation marking its 81st National Day. In international engagements, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and President To Lam has concluded his State visit to Australia and continued to New Zealand for a State visit from August 12–14. Both countries agreed to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships and expand cooperation in strategic areas including science, technology, trade, education, climate change and sustainable development. Vietnam's growing international standing is further evidenced by the election of its first-ever judge to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS). This selection highlights the international community's confidence in Vietnam's responsible contributions to global affairs and the rising stature of its international legal profession. Moreover, Vietnam's ratification of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, also known as the Hanoi Convention, makes it the first country in Southeast Asia and the third globally to do so. This move underscores Vietnam's strong commitment to cybersecurity and its active role in strengthening international cooperation against cybercrime. On the domestic front, the nationwide 500-Day Campaign to locate, recover, and identify the remains of fallen soldiers continues to offer hope to countless Vietnamese families who have lived with the pain of not knowing where their fallen relatives rest. This enduring effort reflects Vietnam's solemn promise to the fallen and its tradition of honoring those who sacrificed for the nation. Economically, Vietjet's inaugural flight between Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Ho Chi Minh City marks the launch of a new direct route, expected to foster greater connectivity and economic ties between the two nations. In the digital realm, Vietnam is actively addressing the dual nature of cyberspace, acknowledging its tremendous convenience while confronting growing risks such as fake news, harmful content, and online scams. The country is exploring greater awareness and proactive actions from both individual and national security perspectives to cultivate a safer and healthier digital environment. Information source: VietnamPlus English