Outstanding domestic and international events on December 23

DOMESTIC

Continuing his working program in Dien Bien, on December 23, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc visited and worked at the Tay Trang International Border Gate Border Guard Station. Before that, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc and the delegation offered incense at the Martyrs' Temple at Dien Bien Phu Battlefield; visited the national relic site of Ban Phu Citadel, Noong Het Commune, Dien Bien District; visited, encouraged and presented gifts to officers, soldiers and forces on duty at the Tay Trang International Border Gate Border Control Station.In the picture:Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc speaks at a working session with Tay Trang International Border Gate Border Guard Station.Photo: Trung Kien - VNA

On December 23, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court opened the first-instance trial of the case of defendant Pham Thi Tuyet Nhung (former Director of Angel Lina Company and Hoang Gia Trading and Service Company) and 9 accomplices for defrauding the sale of "ghost projects", appropriating more than VND 834 billion from nearly 600 people. The case involves 17 lawyers, 592 victims, and 230 individuals and organizations with related rights and obligations. The trial is expected to end on January 10, 2025.In the picture:Defendant Pham Thi Tuyet Nhung, the mastermind of the case, at the trial.Photo: Hong Giang - VNA

On December 23, in Da Lat City (Lam Dong), the Central Council of the Young Pioneers organized the 2024 National Children's House Conference with the participation of nearly 200 delegates who are leaders and managers of centers and children's houses across the country. The conference is an opportunity for representatives of units to evaluate and summarize the activities of centers and children's houses and exchange information and learn from experiences in organizing activities and movements for children.In the picture:Representatives of the Central Council of Young Pioneers presented resources to take care of Tet for children in localities at the conference.Photo: Nguyen Dung - VNA

Within the framework of the “Golden Week of Organ and Tissue Donation” in Ho Chi Minh City, on December 23, the Vietnam Association for Organ and Tissue Donation launched the Southern Region Inter-Hospital Organ and Tissue Donation Association. The establishment of the Association is expected to contribute to increasing the source of donated organs in the Southern region and across the country. On the occasion of the launch, the Association launched the “Organ and Tissue Donation Registration - Giving is Forever” campaign at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City.In the picture:Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, President of the Vietnam Association for Human Tissue and Organ Donation, presented the decision to establish the Southern Inter-Hospital Association for Human Tissue and Organ Donation.Photo: Dinh Hang - VNA

On December 23, in Rach Gia City (Kien Giang), the Provincial Ethnic Committee held a conference to commend and honor typical examples of ethnic minorities in Kien Giang province in 2024. At the conference, the Chairman of the Kien Giang Provincial People's Committee awarded Certificates of Merit to 2 collectives and 18 individuals; the Provincial Ethnic Committee awarded Certificates of Merit to 4 collectives and 62 individuals with outstanding achievements in the emulation movement on promoting the role of prestigious people in ethnic minorities in Kien Giang province in 2024.In the picture:Commendation of prestigious people among ethnic minorities in Kien Giang province.Photo: Le Huy Hai - VNA

The Co To Border Guard Station (Border Guard of Quang Ninh province) has just successfully rescued 13 fishermen on a sunken fishing boat to safety. Previously, at 6:15 a.m. on December 23, the ship with license plate TH-92686, captained by Mr. Tran Van Hong, born in 1985, residing in Hai Binh ward, Nghi Son town, Thanh Hoa province, and 12 crew members, while operating in the waters southeast of Co To island, encountered big waves, strong winds, water flooded into the ship, and was at risk of sinking.In the picture:The fishermen were supported by the Co To Border Guard Station (Border Guard of Quang Ninh province) to be brought safely back to shore.Photo: Thu Phuong - VNA

INTERNATIONAL

On December 22, 2024, Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino reaffirmed his country's sovereignty over the Panama Canal after US President-elect Donald Trump threatened to "reclaim" the canal. Mr. Mulino also affirmed that the canal toll that Panama is applying is not set "at will".In the picture:A ship moves through the Panama Canal in Panama City, Panama.Photo: THX/TTXVN

On December 23, Israel continued its airstrikes, claiming to have hit Hamas targets in Beit Hanoun, Gaza Strip. However, medical sources in Gaza said the airstrikes killed at least 29 Palestinians, including children at a school and a humanitarian area.In the picture:Smoke rises after Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on December 22, 2024.Photo: THX/TTXVN

Malaysia Airlines has temporarily grounded its Airbus A330neo aircraft, Malaysian media reported. The decision came days after the first flight of the aircraft encountered some technical problems. Malaysia Airlines CEO Izham Ismail said safety is always the number one priority and that manufacturing problems with the aircraft could affect the airline's reputation.In the picture:Airbus A330neo aircraft.Photo: THX/TTXVN

The atmosphere of welcoming Christmas 2024 has filled many countries around the world. Streets, entertainment areas, cultural centers and shopping malls are decorated with sparkling colors.In the picture:Streets are brightly decorated for Christmas in Beirut, Lebanon.Photo: THX/TTXVN