[VOVWORLD] - Lawmakers on Thursday focused their discussion on the draft Urban Development Law, which is designed to provide a comprehensive, stable, and breakthrough legal framework for Ho Chi Minh City to fully realize its role as Vietnam’s economic powerhouse and a key driver of national growth.

[VOVWORLD] - Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang has highlighted a key feature of Politburo Resolution 23, which recognizes overseas Vietnamese (OVs) as a strategic resource for Vietnam’s overall national strength.

[VOVWORLD] - Party General Secretary and State President To Lam’s upcoming visits to Australia and New Zealand will mark new milestones in Vietnam’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships with the two countries.

[VOVWORLD] - US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he had not decided whether to endorse Vice President JD Vance as the Republican Party's presidential nominee for the 2028 election, saying it was still too early to discuss the race.

[VOVWORLD] - Ho Chi Minh City will host the 20th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2026) from August 27 to 29 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), the city's Department of Tourism said on Friday.

[VOVWORLD] - Party General Secretary and President of Vietnam To Lam will pay a state visit to Australia from Sunday to next Wednesday, at the invitation of Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn. The visit will take place as the Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership enters a new stage of development with considerable opportunities and potential for cooperation.

[VOVWORLD] - People-to-people exchange is a highlight in Vietnam-Australia relations, Professor Tran Tho Dat, President of the Vietnam-Australia Friendship Association, said in an interview with VOV’s reporter in Australia on the occasion of the state visit to Australia by General Secretary and President To Lam, which begins on Sunday.

[VOVWORLD] - The United States places great importance on its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam and is committed to expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in addressing the legacy of war and promoting regional security.

[VOVWORLD] - UN human rights experts on Thursday condemned recent US measures against Cuba, urging Washington to lift the sanctions, which are worsening Cuba's humanitarian crisis.

[VOVWORLD] - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a networking session with the business community on Thursday as part of the 33rd Diplomatic Conference, providing a platform for diplomats and businesses to discuss opportunities and challenges in the new context and enhance coordination supporting Vietnam's development goals.

[VOVWORLD] - Ho Chi Minh City has seen a nearly 40% increase in bus passengers compared with the same period last year, just one month after it introduced free bus fares on 134 routes. A number of other operational indicators have also shown positive results.

[VOVWORLD] - During the past week, VOVWORLD received nearly 400 letters, emails and phone calls from listeners in 33 countries and territories.