80 years of Vietnamese diplomacy from the perspective of two generations

On the sidelines of the scientific conference to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Diplomatic Service (August 28, 1945 - August 28, 2025), The World and Vietnam Newspaper had a conversation with Ambassador Le Van Bang, the first Ambassador of Vietnam to the US, and students of the Diplomatic Academy, about the proud footsteps of generations in the journey of 80 years of Vietnamese diplomacy.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son speaks at the conference. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

On July 28, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office, a scientific seminar was held on “Diplomacy in the Ho Chi Minh era: 80 years of dedicated service to the nation and people”, towards the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Sector (August 28, 1945 - August 28, 2025). Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son attended and delivered a speech.

With nearly 20 presentations and many opinions from generations of diplomats and experts, the workshop clarified the core values and identity of Vietnamese diplomacy over the past 80 years; promoted diplomatic traditions in the new development stage; and at the same time connected generations of diplomats and educated the tradition to the younger generation.

Ambassador Le Van Bang answers questions in an interview. (Photo: Ngoc Anh)

In an interview with The World and Vietnam Newspaper , Ambassador Le Van Bang commented that the 80-year journey of Vietnamese diplomacy is a journey with the country.

According to him, in the coming period, Vietnamese diplomacy needs to make even greater efforts to meet the requirements of the increasingly deep global integration and competition. Not only must it "stand shoulder to shoulder" with defense and security, the diplomatic sector must also demonstrate its worthy role in the international arena, participate in solving global issues, contribute to the development of international rules of the game, and assume important responsibilities.

The Ambassador especially emphasized the role of the younger generation in the upcoming journey of the Industry. For him, foreign languages are a mandatory tool, not only for communication but also to be able to speak confidently and convincingly before the international community. However, foreign languages are only a necessary condition, the important thing is a broad knowledge base, critical thinking, analytical ability and understanding of international law.

“A diplomat is not just someone who likes to go out or talk, but first of all, someone who likes to read and is willing to study. When facing a foreign diplomat, you must have a depth of knowledge, be "a head" ahead of them, and to do that, you cannot be lazy to read books,” Ambassador Bang shared.

The diplomat also said that in the context of the world shifting its focus to Asia, with many regional issues increasingly attracting global attention, Vietnam needs to proactively research, monitor and participate in contributing to building solutions. That is both a responsibility and an opportunity for young diplomats to affirm the country's position.

Dang Thi Kim Hong, 4th year student majoring in Asia-Pacific Studies, Diplomatic Academy. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

For Dang Thi Kim Hong, a fourth-year student majoring in Asia-Pacific Studies at the Diplomatic Academy, listening to and seeing the previous generation of fathers and uncles - those who have devoted their youth to the country, the people and the country's diplomacy - is a valuable opportunity to learn. Through this, diplomatic students in particular and the young generation in general can accumulate knowledge, traditions and ignite the flame of enthusiasm for the chosen path.

Kim Hong was particularly impressed with former Foreign Minister Nguyen Dy Nien: “I knew him since I first entered the school, but after hearing him share directly, I admired him even more. During a time when the country was still facing many difficulties, he still persevered, sometimes even had to borrow clothes to go to work, which really moved me and made me admire the tireless dedication of previous generations.”

Closing in an emotional, solemn and inspiring atmosphere, the scientific conference “Diplomacy in the Ho Chi Minh era: 80 years of dedicated service to the nation and people” is a valuable opportunity for diplomats to better understand the proud footsteps of previous generations.

The in-depth sharing and exchanges at the workshop not only contributed to clarifying the historical value, ideology and identity of Vietnam's revolutionary diplomacy, but also added motivation for the sector to firmly step forward in the journey of innovation and comprehensive integration.

From the glorious golden history to the aspirations for development in the new era, the conference strongly affirmed the pioneering role of foreign affairs in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland. Promoting the legacy of Ho Chi Minh's diplomacy, the Vietnamese diplomatic sector continues to maintain its mettle, flexibility, proactive creativity, and intellectual reach, for a strong Vietnam with an increasingly high position in the international arena.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/hanh-trinh-80-nam-ngoai-giao-viet-nam-duoi-goc-nhin-cua-hai-the-he-322616.html