Now turning to international news...

Vietnam has elected the Communist Party leader as president, thus
consolidating his control over both party and state.

The move marks a break from Vietnam's tradition of shared leadership, in
which the leaders of the Vietnamese communist party and the nation's highest
office have traditionall been different people.

To Lam told lawmakers that his top priority was to maintain peace and
stability, which he called the foundation for fast and sustainable growth.

The concentration of power means that Lam has a stronger mandate and more
power to push through his own agenda.

Lam began his career as a policeman and advanced from law enforcement into
the political system...

aided by an anti-corruption campaign launched by his predecessor which he
oversaw.

Lam has focused on economic performance...

but challenges remain, particularly due to a looming global energy crisis due
to the war in Iran.