Adamawa Guber: Binani, Appeal will be dismissed, Boost Fintiri Aide

By our Correspondent

Ahead of the Court of Appeal verdict over the Adamawa state governorship election dispute, an aide to governor Ahmadu Fintiri, on new media, Alhaji Muhammad B. Tukur, has boosted in the Adamawa state capital yola, that the appellate court will today, deliver judgment in favour of his principal and the appeal will be dismissed.

The Court had slated December 18, 2023 to pronounce its decision on the appeal before it by the Adamawa State Governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Aishatu Ahmed (Binani).

A highly placed political source yesterday night told our Correspondent that one of the senior media handlers to governor Ahmadu Fintiri, had claimed that his principal had reached out to Justice Tunde Oyebamiji Awotoye( Presiding) and Justice Ebiowei Tobi, ahead of the judgment.

On the panel of justices handling the election dispute are Justice Tunde Oyebamiji Awotoye( Presiding), JUSTICE EBIOWEI TOBI and Justice Amina Audi Wambai, respectively.

A highly placed political source, late last night told our Correspondent that one of the governor top political aide, Alhaji Tukur, has claimed that the governor through his legal team has reached out to the panel members that are adjudicating over the matter to secure judgment in favour of governor Fintiri.

According to the source, already close members of the governor’s kitchen cabinet, political associates and family members are already celebrating the judgment that is yet to be delivered later today, particularly, in yola Adamawa state capital.

Senator Binani, is challenging the victory of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the last governorship election, Ahmadu Fintiri, who has since been functioning as the state governor.

The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, which had earlier heard the case and reserved judgment, will today deliver the awaited judgment

Binani had gone to the Court of Appeal shortly after the Adamawa State Governorship Electoral Petitions Tribunal in October 2023 dismissed the petition filed by the All Progressives Congress, APC and herself.

Binani had approached the tribunal asking it to quash the declaration of Governor Fintiri by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as elected governor of Adamawa State.

In her petition challenging the governorship election conducted by INEC on March 18, 2023, Binani, who named INEC, Fintiri, and PDP as the first, second, and third respondents respectively, asked the tribunal to annul the election over non-compliance with the Nigerian Electoral Act.

The tribunal had, however, dismissed Binani’s petition and affirmed Fintiri’s victory, after which Binani filed an appeal at the appellate court.

2027: Groups caution El-Rufai on plots to destabilise Tinubu’s government

…accuses former Governor of using son to control CBN budget

The Middle-Belt Patriotic Congress (MBPC) has alerted Nigerians to an alleged plot by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to manipulate the Central Bank of Nigeria into funding his presidential ambition. 

The group, which made this known at a press conference on Sunday in Abuja, said El-Rufai is already buying northern leaders in his destabilization agenda against President Bola Tinubu’s government.

In his address, the convener of the group, Garuba Jacob, said that Bello Mohammed El-Rufai who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Banking Regulations is part of the grand scheme to finance his father’s ambition by manipulating the CBN. 

The statement said: “We have noted that el-Rufai, being who he is, has perfected the funding plan for his questionable enterprise, which he is hiding under his venture capital/private equity firm, Afri-Venture Capital Company Limited, will begin operations in 2024, with $100 million, that is more than N100 billion that he is deploying for inducing the youth, mostly Muslim youths as part of a plot for further disenfranchise the Christian population. We understand that the youths are being mobilized under the guise of grooming them for enterprise, but they will be later corralled into being willing tools for protests that will ground the country at el-Rufai’s behest.

“Gentlemen of the press, it is at this point that Nigerians should ask how the venture capital firm is getting its $100 million funds. The answer is right before our eyes. His son, Hon. Bello Mohammed El-Rufai is the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Banking Regulations. The position places him in a vantage position to manipulate the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) funds to finance his father’s ambition. It also gives him the leverage to coerce financial institutions to put money in the venture capital firm not minding the glaring conflict of interests.

“In this aspect, we blame the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Right Honorable Tajudeen Abbas for assigning such a powerful and strategic Committee to a member whose family has a long tradition of genocidal anti-Christian and anti-non-Fulani utterances and actions. The Middle Belt Patriotic Congress [MBPC] hereby calls on the Speaker to undo the damage that el-Rufai’s leadership of the House Committee on Banking Regulations is causing the country. It is wrong to put the nation’s well-being in the hands of a family that has shown they hate others in the country.

“The younger el-Rufai’s occupation of that office is nothing but his father having a continuous hold on Nigeria’s commonwealth through a strangling control of the CBN. This control of the CBN is already hurting the economy, which leaves us in fear of what will happen when he unleashes his agenda to forcefully become the president in the 2027 Presidential Election.”

The group, therefore, urged northern elders, including former President Muhammadu Buhari and General Ibrahim Babangida o be wary of further granting el-Rufai audience in the interest of Nigeria’s stability. 

The statement added: “They must carefully weigh the implications of enabling a man who had openly endorsed Fulani reprisals for perceived wrongs done to his ethnic stock and has also vowed Islamic domination of Nigeria because we know that his fanatical views do not reflect the values held by esteemed leaders in the north.

“MBPC advises President Tinubu to take the necessary precautions to ward off el-Rufai’s plot to destabilize his government and the threats constituted to Nigeria by his estranged associate. The President must particularly watch out for contrived security and economic crises, being strategies that el-Rufai had in the past devised to undermine the government at the center whenever he is at loggerheads with the nation’s number one citizen.

“Additionally, we urge our law enforcement agencies, the ones with the jurisdiction, to urgently investigate and review el-Rufai’s activities while he was abroad, particularly as they relate to the networks he maintained while outside the shores of this country and financial transactions around his person, family, and associates since a lot learned about his destabilization plot by following the money.”

Rivers: Centre Uncovers Plot By Dismissed Lawmakers To Use Court To Halt Conduct Of By-elections

  • indicts Justice Okorowo

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socioeconomic Rights (CALSER) has raised an alarm over an alleged plot by some members of the Rivers State Assembly to thwart the conduct of by-elections in the state. 

The Centre, which made this known at a press conference, said the lawmakers plan to approach the courts to challenge the legality of the letter sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct by-elections to fill the vacuum created as a result of their defection to another political party. 

The Executive Director of the Centre, Princess Ajibola, also alleged that the 27 lawmakers have induced Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court Abuja to rule in their favour.

Ajibola, however, called on the lower courts not to allow itself to be used to undermine the stability of the country by rejecting the overtures from the 27 defected lawmakers in the Rivers State House of Assembly. 

She added: “The position of the Supreme Court is clear about defection from one political party to another. Section 109. (1) (g) of the Nigeria constitution clearly states that ‘A member of a House of Assembly shall vacate his seat in the House if being a person whose election to the House of Assembly was sponsored by a political party, he becomes a member of another political party before the expiration of the period for which that House was elected.’

“We must recall that in 2022, a Federal High Court in Abuja sacked 16 Ebonyi House of Assembly members for defection. The court held that the movement breached Section 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, providing that defector legislators are not allowed to retain their legislative seats.

“The same provisions were also applied in Cross River state, including the Federal House of Representatives. Suppose this is the position of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended in Section 109(1)(g). In that case, the lower courts do not have the jurisdiction to entertain any matter of defection from one political party to another. 

“The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socioeconomic Rights wishes to remind the lower courts that any attempt to entertain the planned suit by the 27 defected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly would amount to turning the law on its head. 

“Therefore, we are firmly convinced that the 27 defected lawmakers do not have any locus standi to approach the courts to challenge the legality of the letter sent to the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct by-elections to fill the vacant seats. 

“If the lower courts entertain such a matter, it would amount to judicial rascality and with its attendant implications for the growth and development of democracy in Nigeria. 

“Nigerians must resist the planned judicial rascality in Rivers State. The plan by the 27 defected lawmakers must be resisted by all and sundry. The lower courts must prove to Nigerians that the judiciary is the dispenser of Justice, protector of the rights of the people, and guardian protector of the Constitution of the State. “

Nnamdi Kanu: CSO hails Supreme court over historic Verdict

… Describes judgment as freedom for Nigerians, South East residents

…Advises stakeholders to choose courage over blackmail
From Lateef Taiwo

Following thursdays’ landmark decision of the supreme court between the Federal government and IPOB, a frontline Pro-democracy movement, the Save Nigeria Movement (SNM) has reacted to the Supreme court judgment which affirmed the constitutionality of the ongoing trial of IPOB’s leader before the Nigerian courts. In a statement signed by the groups’ convener, Rev Solomon Semaka, the CSO described the judgement as not only historic but a further affirmation that the rule of law will always prevail over blackmail and sensationalism if our judicial officers are uncompromising and upright in the administration of justice as expected in a democracy “

“As patriots, it is important to note that prior to this judgement, the deployment of smear campaign, blackmail, slander and propaganda by IPOB and her sympathizers as a tool against the Federal government since the trial of their leader began has been a major focus of the terrorist movement (IPOB)

” By this landmark judgement, Nigerians are as excited and committed at the prospects of a full trial of Nnamdi Kanu as confirmed by the nation’s highest court. The stated noted that nigerians, particularly the good people of the South East region are generally excited by the judgment of the Supreme court which signifies the sincerity of the Nigerian state in her efforts to seek justice for Nigerians in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu since the beginning of the trial ” The group also noted that instead of IPOB and critical stakeholders to reign in on Nnamdi Kanu to denounce violence in its acclaimed struggle, both stakeholders are hell bent on blackmailing the Federal government and twisting narratives on the legitimate trial of Nnamdi Kanu with a view to escaping an open and fair judicial process in line with the rule of law as prescribed by the constitution.

“There’s nothing like political solution in the administration of justice. “All the calls by politicians for a political solution is only for political patronage and nothing more “
” Further to the above, the judgement of the supreme court has also vindicated our Organization’s earlier position that IPOB and their leadership was on a wild goose chase all along. The judgment has also punctured certain judicial victories previously bandied about by IPOB and her lawyers who are more interested in advancing their selfish interests rather than go through a fair trial to seek justice for their leader.

“Particularly, for instance, the Enugu High court Judgement delivered by justice A O Onovo in favor IPOB couldn’t serve beyond certain pecuniary interests at the time” the group insisted that the supreme judgment marks the end of the road for the violent extremists to give peace a chance in the South East region”
While encouraging stakeholders participation for a peaceful co-existence , the statement cautioned political players and other socio-cultural groups to show sincerity in their comments on the development. The group also blamed economic underdevelopment of the region on IPOB’s extremism , violence and hostility calling on stakeholders especially politicians to desist from playing politics with the issue for personal gains as that would not help the region to recover from IPOB’s inflicted woes on the people. Rev Semaka advised that the courage needed for the stakeholders to call out Nnamdi Kanu to denounce violence was more important than the path to political mind games employed by certain politicians in the region for political patronage.

ON THE MILESTONES OF ABUBARKAR AUDI AT NSCDC

By Rev Solomon Semaka

It was the foremost English writer, William Shakespeare who said , “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” For Dr Abubarkar Ahmed Audi mni, the Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, his visionary leadership at the paramilitary security agency in just over two years so far , has distinguished him as an achiever whose eyes are fixed on the lofty vision he has painstakingly set for the para-military formation. Dr Audi Abubarkar could be said to have achieved greatness by his sheer will, tact, forthrightness and an undiluted faith in God. His passion for excellence is beyond measure.

Those who have followed his track records and meteoric rise in service before his assumption of office as the CG already know that Dr Audi’s name is synonymous with excellence and service . To get results in the shortest possible time , since he came prepared, Dr Audi immediately introduced positive attitudes that have fostered a sense of teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect among colleagues, which has further promoted a harmonious and productive work culture in NSCDC.

Dr Audi’s unique disposition to service has enabled him to reach enviable milestones at NSCDC in record time. His few years so far in office has seen a monumental increment in the welfare package for the ranks and file of NSCDC. Promotions, regular placement , clearing of backlog of promotion arrears which were big issues in the past , have been restored under his watch.

Apart from their primary role of keeping a non-stop surveillance on government’s critical national assets and infrastructure, like oil pipelines, the NSCDC under Dr Audi is providing intelligence to government, as well as monitoring, training and controlling the activities of private security companies in the country.

As a fall out to Audi’s ingenuity, the NSCDC is able balance the promotion of all junior officers; level 03, 04, 05 and 06, a clear departure from the past. He has gone ahead to pay disengagement allowances to retirees who were left forgotten and had lost hope of survival. The payment of burial benefits to next of kins of deceased personnel is done as at when due, on the issuance of Group Personal Accident cheques to officers and men who suffered varying degrees of accidents in the cause of discharging their duties within the last five years, have also been regularised and done timely.

Dr Audi has also taken the provision of housing units for junior and intermediate officers, capacity building which includes the roll-out of operational vehicles, very serious.

One of the major responsibilities of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps is to manage disaster and casualties. It is the duty of the agency to assist in the maintenance of peace and order and also in the protection and the rescuing of the civil populace during the period of emergency; to warn the civilian population ahead of danger; to evacuate civilian population from danger areas; carry out general rescue operations; assist in the provision of emergency medical services; among other roles. The NSCDC under Dr Audi , it has been observed, has not failed in terms of quick response to accident victims, victims of fire outbreaks and collapsed buildings, casualties in riots and even victims of the several ethno-religious crises in the country.

The renowned scientist Sir Isaac Newton once said ” If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” This comes true even in the case of the NSCDC Boss because the milestones of Dr Audi are not detached from the overall vision that the Minister of Interior , Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has for the paramilitary agencies in the nation .

Just recently, during the launching of new uniforms for the NSCDC, the Minister disclosed that the federal government was working to ensure an upward review of salaries of paramilitary personnel as well as facilitating complementary compensations for their sacrifices as security officers.

Commending the initiative of the NSCDC boss, the Minister noted that the new uniform would give NSCDC officers “a sense of pride among their contemporaries within the security circle.”

He also revealed that ; “As a government, we are putting in all that we can to ensure that we provide and support our agencies with the right materials, and of course the right knowledge that is needed to deliver.”

So he assured that “We will continue to support you. We will continue to work on the welfare and training of our officers because it is paramount. And, of course, we will continue to invest in you because we know that the dividend of our investment is enhanced security.”

That is the proactiveness and vision that Dr Ojo has brought to the ministry. His vision is so infectious that every paramilitary security agency has caught it in a shortest time , all the agencies shall also show brightly like what Dr Audi has done .

On a whole it is the synergy between The minister and NSCDC CG that is creating wonders , both at the Ministry and NSCDC. While we commend them for the milestones that they have reached together, we advise them not to give in to cheap blackmail from wannabe jobbers and roadside critics who would want to distract them . They should remain focus on the ball until set goals are achieved.

Unemployed Youths Applaud Minister Betta Edu For Poverty Alleviation, Empowerment Drive

The Coalition of Unemployed Youths in Nigeria (CUYN) has hailed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, for her tireless commitment to nation-building and efforts to actualise  President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Coalition said the Minister has demonstrated unwavering dedication and commitment to alleviating the plight of the unemployed youth in the country.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday in Abuja, the convener Comrade Adamu Adamu said Edu has implemented various initiatives aimed at empowering the youth and creating opportunities for them to thrive.

Adam noted Edu has displayed exceptional leadership skills built around integrity, accountability, and inclusivity. 

“We, the millions-strong Coalition of Unemployed Youths in Nigeria, have tasted the bitter tang of unfulfilled dreams, the gnawing frustration of untapped potential. But like a diamond hidden in the rough, hope lay dormant, waiting for the right hand to polish it, to reveal its brilliance, and that hand, belongs to Dr. Betta Edu,” he said. 

“A woman whose heart beats in rhythm with the aspirations of the disenfranchised, whose mind teems with solutions for the marginalized, and whose spirit burns with unwavering faith in the power of the human spirit.

“The new wave of Renewed Hope Agenda, spearheaded by Dr Betta Edu has taken us by surprise. This particular wave of Renewed Hope Agenda has provided a glimmer of hope for the unemployed youth in Nigeria. It has been duly observed by us that, Under her leadership, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has implemented various initiatives aimed at empowering the youth and creating opportunities for them to thrive. 

“From skills acquisition programs to entrepreneurship support, these initiatives have played a vital role in equipping us with the necessary tools to secure a better future. This Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a policy document; it is a symphony of opportunity, composed with the ink of empathy and conducted by the maestro of action. Each initiative, each program, is a carefully crafted note, weaving together a melody of empowerment, a harmony of self-reliance.

“Look around you, See the N-Power program blossoming, its tendrils reaching out to embrace thousands of our youth, equipping them with the skills and resources to become architects of their destinies. Witness the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), a financial lifeline extended to countless micro-entrepreneurs, igniting the spark of self-sufficiency in their hearts. 

“Feel the ground tremble beneath the collective steps of our young farmers, empowered by the Agricultural Revolution to till the land and reap the fruits of their labor. One key aspect of the Renewed Hope Agenda that we must reveal to Nigerians today, is its focus on inclusivity. Dr Betta Edu has ensured that no one is left behind, regardless of their geographical location or socioeconomic background. 

“Through targeted interventions in rural areas, she has bridged the gap between urban and rural youth, providing equal opportunities for all. This inclusivity has ignited a sense of unity and national cohesion amongst the youth, fostering harmony and progress in our great nation. We are perplexed by this development and mode of operation, and we can only conclude that this is a well-executed agenda.

“Furthermore, the Honourable Minister has displayed exceptional leadership skills in her role. She has been instrumental in forging partnerships with both local and international organizations, such as the World Bank and the International Labour Organization”. 

The Coalition, therefore, charged Edu to continue on this path until the majority of the nation’s young population becomes actively engaged.

COP28 enhances international collaboration, seeks green development

By Guan Kejiang, Zhang Zhiwen, Ren Haoyu, People’s Daily

The 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, or COP28, concluded in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

During the session, the Chinese delegation set up China’s pavilion, and hosted over 100 side events focusing on China’s policies and actions in response to climate change, international cooperation on climate change, green and low-carbon development, coordinated pollution and carbon reduction, just transition and sustainable development, energy transition, digital development, and green finance.

These events aimed to showcase China’s philosophy and achievements in ecological civilization construction, and to forge consensus on jointly addressing climate change.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). At multiple side events, participants highly valued the fruitful achievements of the BRI in promoting international cooperation and peaceful development, praised China’s significant role in driving global green development, and looked forward to increasing green cooperation within frameworks such as South-South cooperation.

At the 11th High-level Forum on South-South Cooperation on Climate Change held on Dec. 8, Dima Al-Khatib, director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation, emphasized the significance of South-South cooperation in addressing climate change for developing countries to achieve green and low-carbon transition.

She said the BRI proposed by China has provided a favorable platform and opportunity for developing countries to strengthen cooperation on climate change, serving as a good example.

Bounkham Vorachit, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Laos, stated that China has become a global leader in utilizing green and low-carbon energy, and it has actively practiced and supported South-South cooperation.

The minister called the Vientiane Saysettha Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone, jointly built by Laos and China, a model of environmentally friendly and sustainable development. It has achieved significant results in reducing energy consumption, carbon emissions, and fossil fuel usage, she added.

At the Seminar on Belt and Road Green and Low-carbon Transition hosted by the BRI International Green Development Coalition on Dec. 8, Erik Solheim, vice president of the coalition and former United Nations under-secretary-general, noted that green development is a distinctive feature of the joint building of the BRI. He said China has made tremendous contributions to the development of global renewable energy, and it has also brought innovative driving forces to economic development, as well as the green and low-carbon transition of other developing countries.

During a side event on China’s latest progress in carbon capture, utilization and storage, representatives from multiple Chinese companies and research institutions introduced China’s actions and progress in the field.

During a side event on supercomputing for climate and environmental prediction, experts from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences showcased research results of numerical simulation in combining supercomputers and Earth system models, providing new perspectives and methods for predicting climate change and related disasters.

During a side event on wind, solar, and hydrogen storage, participants engaged in extensive discussions on topics such as energy transition driven by innovative wind power technologies, contributing their wisdom to the development of the new energy industry.

Tim Gould, chief energy economist of the International Energy Agency, said China possesses unique advantages in the development, manufacturing and application of clean energy technologies.

Such advantages, coupled with the support from and cooperation with international financial institutions, are of great significance in accelerating the development of clean energy in other regions, he added.

Abid Sulehri, executive director of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute in Pakistan, said that China actively collaborates with other developing countries within the framework of South-South cooperation, making significant contributions to the global response to climate change.

China has hosted over 100 side events, which served as an important platform for frank exchanges and sharing of experiences among all parties, he said, adding that in the face of the complex issue of climate change, all parties need more consensus and action.

The China Energy Transformation Outlook 2023 report was released at a side event hosted at China’s pavilion on Dec. 9. The report said that China will embark on a new path of green and low-carbon growth that distinguishes it from developed countries.

According to the report, the development of key clean energy technologies will experience rapid and leapfrog development in China, and the country will advance high-quality social and economic development and improve people’s living standards with lower per capita energy consumption and carbon emissions compared to those in developed countries, thus injecting confidence into global green growth.

Dan Jorgensen, Denmark’s minister for development cooperation and minister for global climate policy, said the report is an important outcome of inter-governmental cooperation between Denmark and China. The report outlines the path for China to achieve its energy transition and provides a clear direction towards carbon neutrality.

Jorgensen emphasized that a green energy transition must be a global effort, saying China plays a crucial role in this regard and is taking active actions to realize this vision.

China-Vietnam friendship grows ever stronger with passage of time

By Liu Gang, People’s Daily

Ho Chi Minh was one of the most familiar foreign leaders to the Chinese people. His close connection with China encapsulated an unforgettable chapter in China-Vietnam exchanges. Located in Vietnam’s capital Hanoi, the former residence of Ho Chi Minh was the site where the late Vietnamese leader spent the longest time working and living.

On Nov. 13, 2017, Chinese President Xi Jinping, also the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, reviewed the friendly exchanges between the older-generation leaders of the two countries and the friendship between the Chinese and Vietnamese peoples at the former residence of Ho Chi Minh.

In front of a stilt house where Ho Chi Minh once lived, Xi presented Trong a state gift – 19 issues of People’s Daily about Vietnamese leaders’ visits to China. The stilt house stands as a testament to the concerted efforts made by the top leaders of the CPC and CPV to forge stronger bonds of friendship between the two nations in the new era.

A senior tourist visiting the former residence of Ho Chi Minh shared with People’s Daily his knowledge of the friendship between Ho Chi Minh and older-generation Chinese leaders. He was quite familiar with the Jiefang trucks, Forever bikes and other goods and materials China once donated to Vietnam.

A friendship featuring ” camaraderie plus brotherhood” has withstood the test of time. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Vietnam. Under the guidance of Xi and Trong, bilateral relationship between the two countries has been developing at a high level, and strategic cooperation comprehensively deepened.

Exchange and cooperation in various fields have continuously enhanced mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, especially among the younger generation.

Outside the stilt house, several young Vietnamese told People’s Daily that the more they know about China, the more they can feel the major achievements made by China. They said Chinese TV dramas and electronic products have sparked their interest in China, and many young Vietnamese are joining Chinese language courses and actively engaging with Chinese friends through platforms such as Confucius Institutes and China Cultural Centers.

The deepening understanding has propelled closer cooperation and communication. Recently, a brand-new news program in Vietnamese called “China and Vietnam Connection” was officially launched. The program, co-produced by Chinese and Vietnamese media outlets, is the first international cooperation program broadcast on Vietnam’s national television.

The CPC and the CPV have hosted 17 theory seminars. Relevant institutions from both sides have also organized various exchange activities, such as a symposium on party building and national governance in the new era and an international seminar on socialist development experience of China and Vietnam and its global influence. These activities shared experiences in party building and governance, and deepened the two sides’ understanding of the laws of socialist construction.

The traditional friendship between China and Vietnam has been flourishing, and the public support for China-Vietnam friendship has also been cemented. This has created a favorable social basis and public sentiment for the development of bilateral relations.

It is believed that as both countries firmly support each other in pursuing a socialist path that suits their respective national conditions, they will further strengthen solidarity and friendship and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation.

The stilt house will continue to witness the wonderful stories of China-Vietnam friendship and the passing on of the friendship.

China, Vietnam deepen practical cooperation, benefit two peoples

People’s Daily

China and Vietnam are connected by mountains and rivers. They enjoy cultural proximity, cherish the same ideals, and have a shared future ahead of them.

In recent years, the two countries have brought out the full potential in their geographical proximity and complementarity of industries, and accelerated synergizing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy, in a bid to better serve their respective national development and benefit the two peoples.

To the west of Kong Chro District, Gia Lai Province in south-central Vietnam, there stand dozens of huge wind turbines with their blades slowly rotating, providing steady electricity for local production and life.

These belong to a wind power project designed and constructed by China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC), which includes two wind farms. So far, all 64 wind turbines of the project have been erected with grid-connected power generation capacity, some of which have been put into use.

According to Lin Lingli, deputy general manager of the new energy division of Guangdong Electric Power Design Institute of CEEC, the project uses internationally advanced onshore wind turbines with large capacity and high towers, which have a large power generation capacity and occupy less land. Compared with coal-fired power plants of similar size, the wind power project can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 897,000 tons annually.

Driven by a series of policies and measures, a number of Chinese enterprises helped develop Vietnam’s renewable energy power generation, contributing to the country’s energy transition and development. Wind farms invested in or constructed by Chinese enterprises have provided Chinese solutions to alleviating power shortages in Vietnam, offering many families with green electricity.

Long Jiang Industrial Park in south Vietnam’s Tien Giang Province enjoys prominent geographical advantages. It’s only 50 kilometers away from Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City and also 50 kilometers away from the container terminal of the Saigon Port. A hectic scene could be seen within the industrial park as all kinds of vehicles were running to and fro.

The comprehensive industrial park was invested and built by a Chinese company, and is among the first batch of the overseas economic and trade cooperation zones at the national level accredited by China’s Ministry of Commerce. Enterprises in the industrial park are mainly engaged in textile and light industry, machinery and electronics, as well as construction materials and chemicals.

The industrial park has received strong support from both Chinese and Vietnamese governments since it was established in 2007, offering constant impetus to China-Vietnam economic and trade cooperation and development.

Up to now, the industrial park has developed over 85 percent of its total area, introducing 53 companies, including 41 Chinese-funded enterprises to invest in the park. Among them, 48 have started production.

According to statistics, the industrial output value of the park accounts for over 35 percent of the annual industrial output value of Tien Giang Province, and over 45 percent of the province’s foreign trade volume.

The industrial park has created more than 30,000 jobs for Tien Giang Province and neighboring provinces, significantly improving the life quality of local people.

Deputy general director of the industrial park Tang Zhenyu said that expanding employment is one of the most direct and sustainable ways to improve the life quality of local people.

“We will step up efforts to attract outstanding companies in various fields to the park, providing more job opportunities for young people in Vietnam and making them the main force driving local economic development,” Tang said.

Early in the morning of Dec. 7, many students were seen in the carriages of a train on the Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line in Hanoi. These students, on their way to school, told People’s Daily that taking the light rail is safer than taking a motorcycle and faster than taking a bus, so they don’t have to worry about being late for class.

The Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line, which was built by China Railway Sixth Group Co., Ltd., is Vietnam’s first urban light rail. It is a signature project synergizing the BRI and the Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy. With a total investment of $868 million, the project started construction in October 2011.

The Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line is one of the main lines in Hanoi’s urban rail transit network. It plays a crucial role in alleviating traffic pressure in downtown Hanoi and promoting local economic development.

Besides, the line has become a new landmark of Hanoi attracting many young people and tourists to take photos and enjoy the convenient way of traveling.

According to statistics from Hanoi Metro Company, the Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line has carried a total of nearly 20 million passengers since it started operation in November 2021.

The Chinese company, while advancing the line project, has cultivated Vietnam’s first batch of professionals in light rail driving, operation, and maintenance. This has laid a solid talent foundation for the development of urban rail transit in Vietnam.

“China maintains a positive and open attitude toward participating in Vietnam’s infrastructure construction. Accelerating the development of transportation infrastructure, especially railway and highway connectivity, is a focus of synergizing the BRI and the Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy,” said Xiong Bo, the Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam.

To deepen, pursue tangible progress of China-Vietnam comprehensive strategic cooperation

By Xiong Bo

Both China and Vietnam are socialist countries led by communist parties. Connected by mountains and rivers, they have shared ideals, the same social system and similar paths of development. They enjoy broad common interests.

The two sides have fought side by side and offered mutual support to each other in the struggle for national independence and liberation, learned from each other and made joint efforts in exploring socialist development paths suited to their own national conditions and modernization paths with their own characteristics.

The traditional friendship between the two countries forged and cultivated by the older-generation leaders of the two parties and the two countries, represented by Comrade Mao Zedong and Comrade Ho Chi Minh, has grown ever stronger with the passage of time.

Sharing the same ideals and a shared future are the most salient features of China-Vietnam relations, and the traditional friendship featuring “camaraderie plus brotherhood” between China and Vietnam is the most vivid illustration of China-Vietnam relations.

Under the strategic guidance of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries have been constantly deepened and expanded. The two sides have reached important consensus on elevating their bilateral relations, and the China-Vietnam ties are facing important opportunities for development.

China and Vietnam have maintained frequent high-level exchanges and continuously deepened political mutual trust.

Following the successful conclusion of the 20th CPC National Congress, Xi immediately extended an invitation to Trong for a visit to China. The two leaders reached new and important consensus on consolidating the traditional friendship between China and Vietnam, strengthening strategic coordination and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, charting the course for the development of China-Vietnam ties in the new era.

This year, over 10 members of the Political Bureau and Secretaries of the Secretariat of the CPV Central Committee have visited China, including President of Vietnam Vo Van Thuong, Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh, and permanent member of the CPV Central Committee Secretariat Truong Thi Mai, maintaining close strategic communication with China’s Party and state leaders.

The communication and cooperation between departments and regions of both sides have become increasingly close, and the exchange of experiences in party and state governance continues to deepen. As emerging economies and developing countries, China and Vietnam should join hands to uphold international fairness and justice, practice true multilateralism, and make significant contributions to the peace, development, and progress of mankind.

China and Vietnam have reaped fruitful results in practical cooperation, and their mutually beneficial cooperation is also generating good outcomes.

Leveraging their geographical proximity and complementarity of industries, the two countries have accelerated synergizing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy. They have worked together to build production capacity cooperation platforms, advance cooperation in key areas such as connectivity, green energy and digital transformation, and maintain smooth and stable production and supply chains.

China and Vietnam have continuously deepened their economic and trade cooperation. China has maintained the largest trading partner and a major source of investment for Vietnam for years.

In the first 10 months of this year, the number of China-invested projects in Vietnam ranked first among all foreign investment projects in the country, with investment amount increasing by 98 percent year on year.

Projects built by Chinese companies, such as the Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line in Hanoi and the Soc Son waste-to-energy plant, have been put into operation. Chinese photovoltaic companies are also developing fast in Vietnam. These projects have contributed significantly to Vietnam’s economic and social development.

China and Vietnam have continuously deepened people-to-people and cultural exchanges, resulting in a vibrant people-to-people friendship.

The two sides have remained true to their original aspiration, vigorously promoted their traditional friendship, and engaged in flexible and diverse people-to-people exchange activities.

Trong noted that the Friendship Pass is the only cross-border port in the world named after the word “friendship,” which embodies the special traditional friendship featuring “camaraderie plus brotherhood” between the Vietnamese and Chinese people.

Confucius Institutes and the China Cultural Center are running smoothly in Vietnam; the border residents gala and the friendly exchange between the national and local committees of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and the Vietnam Fatherland Front have resumed; the China-Vietnam People’s Forum and the China-Vietnam Youth Friendship Meeting have garnered wide support.

The two countries are sending more students to each other. In the 2021-2022 academic year, over 27,000 Vietnamese students studied in China. The personnel exchange between the two countries also recovered rapidly, with more than 1.3 million Chinese tourists visiting Vietnam in the January-October period this year. As the two countries pick up speed to resume direct flights, there will be vast potential in their tourism cooperation.

It is a natural result that China and Vietnam have agreed to further deepen their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership as they mark the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the relationship.

This is in line with the common aspirations and interests of both countries, and is good for regional and global peace and development, and will pave the way for a brighter future in the two countries’ bilateral relationship.

We are ready to work together with Vietnam, follow the strategic guidance of the top leaders of both parties, continuously consolidate political mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, foster people-to-people friendship, and work to deepen and substantiate the comprehensive strategic cooperation between China and Vietnam.

Let the ship of China-Vietnam friendship brave the wind and waves, and set sail for distant horizons!

(Xiong Bo is the Chinese ambassador to Vietnam.)