Political analysts say this year the US has made the most extensive diplomatic efforts in the last 20 years. A highlight was the acceleration of the US Return to Asia strategy. President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and many other US officials have confirmed by word or action the Asia – Pacific region’s importance to the US. Minh Hien, VOV correspondent based in Washington analyses what is behind the US strategy.

Vietnam’s foreign affairs activities have greatly contributed to national development, taking advantage of external resources and protecting national interests and territorial integrity.

Iran’s nuclear program crisis seems unlikely to subside in the near future. Tension has grown from continuous confrontation in diplomacy, economic and even military between Iran and western countries, particularly the US

The Party and State have paid special attention to the implementation of the national target program on building new rural areas across the country. After 3 years of piloting in 11 communes and 1 year of nationwide implementation, the program has gained initial results, contributing to changing the appearance of the countryside. A recent conference to review the program has determined that it’s necessary to have cooperative measures and high consensus from central and grassroots levels to achieve better results.

Through its participation in international forums, like the United Nations, Vietnam has gained useful experience and material support for its national development.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki on Monday issued an arrest warrant for Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi. The Iraq’s highest-ranking Sunni official is accused of being involved in the assassinations of government and security officials. A sudden escalation of tension among factions has raised concerns about a violent power struggle in Iraq following the US troop withdrawal.

A government resolution to achieve fast and sustainable poverty reduction in 62 poor districts (Resolution 30a) has been in effect for 3 years. Today’s Current Affairs looks at how the resolution works.

It has been one year since waves of unrest demanding regime change began in North Africa and the Middle East. First triggered in Tunisia, where it was dubbed the ”Arab Spring”, the tsunami of protest spread to Egypt, Yemen, Libya and Syria. The region has been rocked by violence, regional economies have stagnated and power struggles continue

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung will be in Myanmar Monday through Wednesday to attend the 4th summit of the Greater Mekong Sub-region. The visit confirms Vietnam’s policy of enhancing multilateral cooperation with Myanmar and its active participation in the Greater Mekong Sub-region cooperation mechanism.

The 28th Russia-EU summit has kindled a ray of hope, as both sides reconfirmed their strategic partnership, reached agreements on mutual visa-free travel and Russia’s membership in the World Trade Organization.