President Vo Van Thuong (second from right) visits the central drilling rig of the Cuu Long JOC, January 26, 2024.

Since its establishment in 1998 in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, the Cuu Long JOC has generated a total revenue of more than 30 billion USD.

President Thuong said the successful joint venture is seen as a model of international cooperation, bringing benefits to the nation and instilling confidence in its foreign partners. President Thuong emphasized the special significance of oil exploration and exploitation activities, saying they not only serve economic development but also affirm and safeguard sovereignty over Vietnam’s sea and islands.

PM Pham Minh Chinh visits General Department II ahead of the Lunar New Year 2024.

The same day, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited the Ministry of National Defense’s General Department for Defense Intelligence (General Department II), during which the PM extended Tet wishes and asked them to be prepared to continue completing all assigned tasks for 2024 and the following years.

Underlining the role of defense intelligence as a special force of the armed forces, the PM asked the General Department II to clearly identify Vietnam’s partners and enemies so as to take appropriate action, serving the Party, the Homeland and the people.

He emphasized that in 2024 and the following years are expected to continue seeing complicated and unpredictable turmoil in regional and world developments.

The General Department II must continue enhancing its strategic forecasting capacity, quickly grasping the situation and advising the Party and State in a timely method on appropriate measures to firmly protect the homeland both “early and from afar,” PM Chinh said.