Vietnam’s Pristine Park: Cuc Phuong’s Prestige as Asia’s Top National Park in 2024

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam engages in online discussions with the President of the Liberal Democratic Party and Prime Minister of Japan, Kishida Fumio, on September 3. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam’s Top Leader Holds Online Talks with Japanese Prime Minister

On September 3, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam participated in online discussions with Kishida Fumio, the President of the Liberal Democratic Party and Prime Minister of Japan.

Fumio expressed his belief that the Vietnamese leader would continue to play a pivotal role in fostering and solidifying the relationship between Vietnam and Japan. He emphasized that Vietnam is a significant partner for Japan in the region and on a global scale.

Conversely, Lam reaffirmed Japan’s status as a key partner in Vietnam’s foreign policy, which emphasizes independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the robust, rapid, and comprehensive development of bilateral relations. This is particularly evident in the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace in Asia and the world, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, as cited by VNA.

They agreed to continue fortifying political trust and mutual understanding. This will be achieved through maintaining high-level exchanges in various flexible formats, enhancing the effectiveness of dialogue mechanisms, and intensifying cooperation across various sectors. Additionally, they intend to strengthen economic cooperation as a cornerstone of their relationship and deepen connections between their economies.

The two sides also reached a consensus on substantially bolstering defense and security cooperation. They plan to effectively implement signed agreements and deepen collaboration in human resources, cultural exchanges, and cooperation between localities.

The Japanese leader emphasized Japan’s commitment to contributing to Vietnam’s development through official development assistance (ODA). He also expressed a desire to expand cooperation with Vietnam in digital transformation, green transition, and the training of high-quality human resources.

Lam assured that Vietnam is dedicated to significantly enhancing its investment environment and improving infrastructure quality. The country welcomes foreign businesses, including Japanese companies, to invest and operate within its borders.

He suggested that the Japanese government continue to support and create favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community living, studying, and working in Japan. This includes encouraging policies and attention to their well-being.

During their discussions, the leaders also touched on international and regional issues of mutual concern, including those related to the East Sea. They agreed to strengthen cooperation to promote a peaceful, secure, and stable environment in the region.

Cuc Phuong National Park Honored as Asia’s Leading National Park for 2024

Cuc Phuong National Park, located in northern Vietnam, has been recognized as Asia’s Leading National Park for 2024 by the World Travel Awards, according to the park’s management board.

This prestigious award was presented at the World Travel Awards ceremony, which took place in Manila, the Philippines, on the evening of September 3.

Cuc Phuong National Park excelled among strong competitors worldwide, including renowned parks such as Japan’s Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Chitwan National Park of Nepal, and Minneriya National Park of Sri Lanka. It also surpassed other Vietnamese nominees, solidifying its position as Asia’s Leading National Park for 2024.

For six consecutive years since 2019, Cuc Phuong National Park, which is also the country’s largest Nature Reserve, has proudly held this distinguished title.

Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong National Park spans 22,408 hectares across three provinces: Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh, and Thanh Hoa. It is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes, making it a valuable ecological treasure in Asia.

The park is a sanctuary for numerous rare and endangered species, boasting over 2,000 plant species and 300 bird species. This diverse ecosystem attracts nature enthusiasts and researchers alike, with more than 10,000 visitors annually, including international tourists, according to VOV.

Cuc Phuong National Park is Vietnam’s largest nature reserve, boasting an impressive size of 22,408 hectares.

Cuc Phuong National Park has implemented successful conservation programs to protect its diverse flora and fauna. It has established rescue and rehabilitation centers for endangered species, such as primates and turtles, and involved local communities in its conservation efforts.

By promoting community-based ecotourism initiatives, the park provides alternative livelihoods for locals while advocating for sustainable tourism practices. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature through hiking trails, wildlife watching, and unique experiences like staying in ecolodges.

Additionally, the park serves as a hub for research and education in biodiversity and conservation. It collaborates with various national and international institutions to conduct scientific studies, training workshops, and educational programs, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in these fields.

The World Travel Awards, established in 1993, is a leading global tourism award that recognizes outstanding achievements in the industry. It is often referred to as the ‘Oscars’ of global travel and tourism, reflecting its prestige and influence.

Chinese Airline Selects Hanoi as Its First International Destination

Chinese carrier Colorful Guizhou Airlines has chosen Hanoi as its inaugural international destination by launching a direct air route between Guiyang city, China, and Vietnam’s capital.

The Guiyang-Hanoi route will operate three round-trip flights per week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) using Airbus A320 aircraft. This direct flight significantly reduces travel time compared to the previous 12-hour road journey between the two cities.

Colorful Guizhou Airlines, established in 2015, is headquartered in Guiyang, Guizhou Province. With a fleet of 20 aircraft, including Embraer E190 and Airbus A320 models, as reported by VNA, the airline is well-equipped to serve its new international route.

By selecting Hanoi as its first international destination, Colorful Guizhou Airlines facilitates tourism between the two regions. This direct flight option makes it more convenient for tourists from Guizhou to explore Hanoi and the surrounding northern provinces. Similarly, it provides Hanoi residents with a new short-haul travel option.

In just a two-hour flight, travelers can immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of the largest Miao ethnic village in China and the world. They can also discover iconic landmarks such as the Jiaxiu Tower, an ancient structure on a small island in the Nanming River, and admire the breathtaking Huangguoshu Waterfall, renowned for its beauty.

Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embaló to Visit Vietnam This Week

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, along with his spouse, will pay an official visit to Vietnam from September 5.

This visit is a result of the invitation extended by Vietnam’s Party General Secretary and President To Lam and his spouse, as communicated in a communique released by the ministry on September 3.

Diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Guinea-Bissau were established on September 30, 1973, and both countries value the importance of maintaining friendly relations and promoting multifaceted cooperation.

Guinea-Bissau places a high priority on its traditional friendship with Vietnam and seeks to strengthen effective cooperation between the two nations. This was evident in the recent visit of Guinea-Bissau’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Nancy Raisa Cardoso, to Vietnam for the funeral of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, as cited by VOV.

President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, is set to strengthen ties with Vietnam during his official visit. (Photo: AFP)

During discussions with Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang, Guinea-Bissau expressed interest in developing agriculture through bilateral or trilateral agricultural cooperation projects. Vietnam affirmed its readiness to support Guinea-Bissau in these endeavors, helping the African state achieve food security.

Both sides agreed to enhance exchanges at all levels and provide mutual support at international forums. They also aim to act as bridges to bolster cooperation with regional organizations such as the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Additionally, they plan to boost information exchange, explore cooperation opportunities, and connect businesses. They aim to promote key traded items like cashews and expand into other potential areas, including agricultural products and textiles.

The signing of bilateral cooperation agreements in agriculture, seaports, and trade is also on the agenda, further solidifying the relationship between the two countries.

Meteorologists Warn of Potential Super Typhoon Yagi in the East Sea

Typhoon Yagi, currently located in the East Sea, may intensify into a super typhoon by September 6, according to meteorologists. This poses a potential threat to Hainan Island and the Gulf of Tonkin.

As of 4 p.m. on September 3, the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) reported that Typhoon Yagi’s center was in the northeastern part of the East Sea. The storm is characterized by maximum sustained winds of 102 km/h and gusts reaching up to 120 km/h, moving northwest at approximately 15 km/h.

Forecasts indicate that Typhoon Yagi will continue to strengthen in the coming days, with wind speeds potentially reaching 150 km/h and gusts up to 180 km/h. It is expected to head towards Hainan Island and the Gulf of Tonkin, increasing the likelihood of direct impact on northern and central Vietnam.

Dr. Huy Nguyen, an expert in climate change and disaster warning, provided insights into Typhoon Yagi’s potential trajectory and intensity. According to Dr. Nguyen, Yagi has already bypassed Luzon Island in the Philippines, which typically weakens storms due to its mountainous terrain. However, Yagi maintained its structure and intensity as it entered the East Sea, avoiding the higher mountain ranges.

Projected path of Typhoon No. 3. Source: VNDMS

“The sea surface temperature in the northern part of the East Sea is currently around 31°C, providing favorable conditions for Yagi to strengthen,” noted Dr. Nguyen. “We anticipate that Yagi will reach typhoon status by the evening of September 4 and may evolve into a super typhoon as it nears Hainan Island and the Leizhou Peninsula on September 6.”

Dr. Nguyen also highlighted the significance of the storm’s path on its intensity. If Yagi passes over the high mountains of Hainan Island, it is likely to lose some of its strength. Conversely, if it moves through the strait between Hainan and Leizhou, it could maintain its power, posing a greater threat to the Gulf of Tonkin.

Models from the United States’ GFS and Canada’s CMC suggest a landfall on the Leizhou Peninsula, while the European ECMWF model predicts a path over Hainan Island. Dr. Nguyen leans toward the European model due to the influence of a high-pressure system forming over the Tibetan Plateau, which may guide Yagi westward toward Hainan Island.

Given the current atmospheric conditions, Dr. Nguyen advises against underestimating the storm’s potential impact. Even if Yagi weakens after interacting with Hainan or Leizhou, it could still maintain wind speeds of up to 150 km/h as it nears Vietnam’s northern coast.

Coastal provinces from Thanh Hoa to Quang Ninh are advised to take precautionary measures, including reinforcing roofs, securing loose objects, and preparing for the potential evacuation of residents from vulnerable areas.