(VOVworld) – More than 5 million Vietnamese Catholic followers are celebrating Christmas, the most important celebration of the year. The Catholic community has enlightened the gospel in the society with incentive policies from the administration.

(VOVworld)- Despite the slow recovery of the world economy in 2013 Vietnam made important achievements in socio-economic development contributing to the fulfillment of the 5-year plan till 2015. The government promptly controlled inflation, stabilized the macro economy and ensured social security.

(VOVworld) – At present, the Vietnamese economy is wide open, creating multiple opportunities and challenges. Finding ways to protect national interests while falling in line with international rules is a key task of the diplomatic sector and the highlight of the 28th Diplomatic Conference in Hanoi.

(VOVworld)- In 2013, Europe made every effort to overcome difficulties caused by the global economic downturn. Many European countries began to realize that an austerity policy was not the only way out. Many countries have adapted to budget risks to regain growth momentum and seek new ways to escape the crisis. However, these efforts have not been effective enough and have had side effects in the region and in the European Union’s external policies.

(VOVworld) – 2013 has seen numerous diplomatic activities, which were implemented widely and deeply to obtain practical results. Diplomatic activities have created a favorable international environment for national development, taken advantage of resources for industrialization and modernization, and protected national interests, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

(VOVworld) – Tensions have escalated in the 3 weeks once Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych refused to sign a deal with the EU to prioritize economic links with Russia. Supporters of the deal have increased pressure on the government during President Yanukovych’s visit to Russia to boost economic cooperation.

(VOVworld)- Vietnam’s National Assembly in 2013 have carried out activities influencing Vietnam’s political life and creating prerequisites for the legislative body to improve its function.

(VOVworld) – In his state-of-the-nation address to the Federal Assembly on December 12, Russian President Vladimir Putin presented Russia’s viewpoints and orientations on several regional and world issues relating to Russia’s strategic interests.

VOVworld)- Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung began an official visit to Japan on Thursday at the invitation of his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe.

(VOVworld) – US President Barack Obama shook hands with Cuban President Raul Castro at Nelson Mandela’s memorial service in South Africa. Although it’s a symbolic gesture, can the cordial handshake be a historic milestone that signals a thaw in a relationship that has been frozen for the past 50 years?