Foreign press is an organic, inseparable part of foreign affairs work.

On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnamese Revolutionary Press, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang gave an interview to the press, emphasizing that foreign press is an organic and inseparable part of foreign affairs work.

- Mr. Deputy Minister, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnamese Revolutionary Press, could you please tell us about the role and outstanding contributions of foreign press in the general flow of our country's revolutionary press?

Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang: Vietnam's revolutionary press originated from the urgent needs of the Vietnamese revolution, from the aspiration to regain national independence and restore the people's mastery. From the Thanh Nien Newspaper founded by Leader Nguyen Ai Quoc in 1925, the revolutionary press has become a main force on the ideological-cultural front, accompanying the revolutionary cause through every stage of the nation's history.

During that process, the foreign press was formed and matured as a special force, playing an irreplaceable role in bringing Vietnam to the world and bringing the world closer to Vietnam. Today, not only simply providing information and propaganda, the foreign press also actively participates in positioning Vietnam as a peaceful, stable, innovative and comprehensively integrated country on the world map. The foreign press has become a sharp tool in the fight against public opinion, promptly refuting false and distorted information about the country's situation, thereby protecting national interests and preserving national prestige.

Throughout history, the foreign press has always played a pioneering role in spreading the voice of justice, affirming Vietnam's steadfast stance on independence, sovereignty , territorial integrity and a consistent and responsible foreign policy towards the international community.

Recent achievements such as the effective communication of activities during the ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020, the US-North Korea Summit in Hanoi, the COP26 Conference, or the term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council have clearly demonstrated the mettle, intelligence and maturity of the Vietnamese foreign press team. These are vivid evidences of the "combat" capacity of the foreign press in creating a favorable public opinion environment, contributing to enhancing the country's position and prestige in the international arena.

Foreign press is an organic and inseparable part of foreign affairs. In an era where information becomes a strategic resource, foreign press needs to be seen as an elite force, a pillar in enhancing the nation's overall strength, contributing to building a strong and prosperous Vietnam in the new era.

- In the context of the rapidly changing global media environment, how does the Deputy Minister view the opportunities and challenges that Vietnamese foreign press is facing today?

Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang: We are living in an era where information is not only a resource but also a powerful tool. The digital age with the development of information and communication technology is creating revolutionary changes in the way information is accessed, produced, disseminated and received.

For the press in general and foreign press in particular, this opens up enormous opportunities but also poses many challenges, both in terms of the nature of the work and the way it works. The opportunity lies first of all in the fact that we can transmit information to every corner of the world at an unprecedented speed and at increasingly optimal costs.

Cross-border digital platforms and social networks are becoming effective information channels to directly reach international audiences, increasing Vietnam's presence and influence in the global media space.

However, the challenge is not small. The current global media space is a fiercely competitive environment in terms of attractiveness, the ability to lead public opinion and especially the authenticity of information. Fake news, false information, and distortions about Vietnam can appear from anywhere and spread at a dizzying speed.

In many cases, if not handled promptly and effectively, this information can lead to serious political, diplomatic and economic consequences, even directly affecting the peaceful, stable and developing environment of the country.

Therefore, the foreign press needs to be properly recognized as a vanguard force on the information front. It is not just a simple foreign propaganda front, but also a soft combat space in the struggle to protect the national image.

Foreign journalists today must truly be comprehensive "soldiers": quick in accessing and processing information, sharp in critical thinking, steadfast in political will and proficient in modern communication technology.

Conclusion No. 57-KL/TW of the Politburo on continuing to innovate foreign information work clearly states key requirements such as: “proactively providing truthful, objective, and timely information,” “closely combining traditional and modern information,” or “effectively coordinating political diplomacy and international media.” This is not only a strategic direction, but also a guideline for all foreign press activities in the new period. Implementing these orientations well is the key for Vietnamese foreign press to affirm its position and enhance its competitiveness in the context of global media that is changing strongly every day.

Journalist Do Minh Thu (fourth from left) represents the group of authors of VietnamPlus Electronic Newspaper to receive the 10th National Award for External Information. (Photo: Hoai Nam/Vietnam+)

- As the leader directly in charge of foreign information work, what expectations and messages do you have for journalists, especially foreign journalists, on this 100th anniversary?

Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang: I have had the opportunity to work in foreign journalism for many years, both domestically and at Vietnamese representative agencies abroad. It was not only a work experience, but also a time for me to share and deeply appreciate the silent contributions of the team of foreign journalists - those who do "diplomacy with pens and images."

More than ever, in the context of our country entering a new era of development - an era of strong growth with the aspiration to build a strong, prosperous Vietnam with a worthy role in the international community - foreign press needs to be recognized as a strategic element in the overall national soft power.

Foreign journalists need to maintain political integrity, constantly innovate in thinking and action, master modern technology, and above all, always keep in mind the heart of an honest, humane and responsible journalist. Always put yourself in a larger mission – not just to provide information, but to tell the story of a country that is changing strongly, reaching out to the world with a proactive, positive and sincere spirit.

In addition, the competent authorities and press management agencies continue to pay more practical attention to foreign press, from training policies, investment in infrastructure and technology to expanding the operating space and international cooperation opportunities. Only when there is a favorable development environment can the foreign press team fully develop its potential and truly become the main force in realizing the goal of enhancing the country's prestige and position in the international arena.

We need a foreign press that is solid in theory, sharp in profession, proactive in technology and innovative in conveying national messages. A press that reflects the stature, aspirations and spirit of the Vietnamese people in the new era - an era in which every step of the country in the international arena requires the strong support of strategic communications.

On this meaningful occasion, I would like to send my warmest congratulations to all journalists on the 100th anniversary of Vietnamese Revolutionary Journalism - a glorious journey.

- Thank you very much, Deputy Minister./.

(Vietnam News Agency/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/bao-chi-doi-ngoai-la-mot-phan-huu-co-khong-the-tach-roi-cua-cong-toc-doi-ngoai-post1045486.vnp