(VOVWORLD) - US officials and Taliban representatives are meeting in Doha, Qatar, their first face-to-face meeting at a senior level since Washington pulled its troops from Afghanistan and the hardline group took over the country.

(VOVWORLD) - From 5 p.m. on Thursday to 5 p.m. on Friday, Vietnam recorded 4,806 new infections, of which 11 were imported and 4,795 were locally-transmitted. Ho Chi Minh City had the most cases: 2,215.

(VOVWORLD) -The Ministry of Health and Facebook Group on Friday launched a communication campaign, calling for the support, participation, and cooperation of the whole society in vaccination against COVID-19.

(VOVWORLD) - Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh said on Friday that the resumption of domestic passenger air transport is essential in the current situation to remove difficulties facing businesses and localities. However, he added, flights must be carried out cautiously and step-by-step.

(VOVWORLD) -Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on Thursday granted the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) certificate to Binh Thuan dragon fruit after more than three years of application.

(VOVWORLD) -Antiviral drug Molnupiravir for controlled treatment of COVID-19 patients at home has been piloted in 12 cities and provinces, including Hanoi, Thanh Hoa, Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Dak Nong, Dong Nai, Long An, and Ba Ria Vung Tau.

(VOVWORLD) - Despite serious impacts from the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Vietnamese businesses have worked hard to maintain operations and human resources, according to Navigos Group.

(VOVWORLD) - The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam and New Zealand had a phone discussion on Friday about boosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in preparation for the APEC Summit Week in November.

(VOVWORLD) - A ceremony took place in Hanoi on Friday to present the “Hero of the People’s Armed Forces” title to the Hoang Dieu Citadel National Salvation Youth Brigade.

(VOVWORLD) - The Norwegian Nobel Committee on Friday awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 2021 to Maria Ressa of the Philippines and Dmitry Muratov of Russia for their efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.