On the morning of September 23rd local time (evening of September 23rd Vietnam time), General Secretary and President To Lam visited and delivered a policy speech at Columbia University. Founded in 1754 as King's College, Columbia University is the oldest higher education institution in New York State and the fifth oldest in the United States, as well as one of the world's most important research centers. With a history spanning 270 years, Columbia University has educated individuals who have contributed to changing the future, including four US Presidents, two UN Secretaries-General, 103 Nobel laureates, and many outstanding scientists. Many Columbia University alumni currently hold high-level leadership and management positions in Vietnam...

General Secretary and President To Lam : Vietnam will continue to vigorously promote the Doi Moi (Renovation) process, opening up and comprehensively and deeply integrating into the international community. Photo: VNA.

Speaking at the event, General Secretary and President To Lam stated that after nearly 80 years of independence and almost 40 years of Doi Moi (Renovation), Vietnam is standing at a new historical starting point, a new era – the era of the Vietnamese nation's resurgence. The great and historically significant achievements of the Doi Moi process are the foundation for the Vietnamese nation to have confidence in the future. These great achievements stem from the correct path Vietnam has chosen under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, with the efforts and determination of the entire nation. The head of the Party and State pointed out that Vietnam's development path cannot be separated from the general trends of the world and human civilization, and that the Vietnamese tradition is "wealth comes from friendship." Vietnam cannot achieve its goals without genuine international solidarity, valuable support, and effective cooperation from the international community. "Our success is your success"... "The path for Vietnam to overcome the middle-income trap is innovation, mobilizing the strength of national unity, and combining national strength with the strength of the times," the General Secretary stated. Vietnam consistently pursues an independent, self-reliant, multilateral, and diversified foreign policy, being a friend, a reliable partner, and an active and responsible member of the international community. "There can be no development without peace ." Vietnam adheres to its "four no's" defense policy, strongly supporting the peaceful resolution of disputes and disagreements based on the UN Charter and international law, and opposing unilateral actions, power politics, and the use or threat of force in international relations. The General Secretary and President stated that, with the country's new position and strength, Vietnam is determined to effectively implement modern diplomacy, ready to contribute more proactively and responsibly to world politics, the global economy, and human civilization. Regarding Vietnam-US relations, the General Secretary and President said, "few could have imagined the miraculous progress in the relationship between the two countries over the past nearly 30 years," from former enemies to partners, then a Comprehensive Partnership, and now a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Cooperation in all fields, from politics and diplomacy to economics and trade, defense and security, overcoming the consequences of war, education and training, people-to-people exchanges, and addressing regional and global issues such as climate change, counter-terrorism, and participation in UN peacekeeping forces, has achieved significant and substantive progress. In particular, people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in education and training are becoming increasingly vibrant. Currently, there are approximately 30,000 Vietnamese students studying in the United States, including students at Columbia University.

General Secretary and President: If countries experiencing conflicts and disputes promote peaceful solutions through dialogue based on international law, then all issues, no matter how complex, will find a solution. Dialogue should become a common practice, a useful and paramount tool... Photo: VNA

The General Secretary and President affirmed that, for the two countries' relationship to enter a new phase and develop so well as it is today, the most important factor is the compassionate and selfless tradition of the Vietnamese people, and the skillful leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam with its intellectual vision, determination, and courage to integrate Vietnam into the international arena. In addition, many American friends and partners, such as President Bill Clinton and his successors, Senators John McCain, John Kerry, Patrick Leahy, and many others, especially the strong bipartisan support in the US for Vietnam-US relations, must also be mentioned. This is one of the important foundations for deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, making it more stable, sustainable, and substantive. Choosing dialogue over confrontation: To build a better shared future for all of humanity, the General Secretary and President emphasized the need to affirm and uphold the role of reconciliation, mutual respect, and understanding, with respect for each other's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political systems being paramount. With its tradition of humanity, peace, and tolerance, Vietnam has been very proactive in healing the wounds of war. Based on this lesson, the General Secretary and President suggested that for the relationship to develop, both sides should strengthen research into each other's history, culture, people, political systems, and socio-economic systems. "Looking broadly, if countries understand and respect each other's legitimate interests and build trust together, the world will be peaceful and less conflict-ridden. In the age of science and technology, we can leverage new methods such as digital platforms and tools to promote broader connectivity and deeper understanding among nations worldwide," the General Secretary and President remarked. According to the General Secretary and President, it is necessary to value and promote a culture of dialogue, citing the Vietnam-US relationship as an example. Although both sides have made significant progress in their relationship, there are still some differences in viewpoints on human rights issues in the economic, political, social, and religious spheres. But the important thing is that both sides have chosen dialogue over confrontation in an open, frank, and constructive spirit. Beyond the bilateral framework, Vietnam-US cooperation has gradually taken on a regional and global scale... Referring to the issue of solidarity and looking towards the future, the General Secretary and President affirmed that in the context of a world undergoing epochal changes, humanity needs foresight and solidarity more than ever before. No single nation, no matter how powerful, can handle the common problems of the era alone, and that is the approach and direction clearly stated by the United Nations Summit on the Future.

In a discussion with professors, lecturers, and students of the university, General Secretary and President To Lam frankly answered many questions about national security and defense, socio-economic issues, Vietnam's relations with other countries, and global issues. Photo: VNA

Emphasizing Vietnam's motto of putting the past behind and looking towards the future, the General Secretary and President expressed confidence that with an approach that prioritizes international solidarity and looks towards the future, as well as the success story of Vietnam-US relations, the world will turn the impossible into possible, continuing to build a sustainable and progressive civilization for all of humanity. The General Secretary and President affirmed that in the new era, the era of Vietnam's rise under the leadership of the Communist Party, Vietnam will do its utmost to realize this aspiration. In its journey towards the future, Vietnam will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with international friends and partners, sharing a vision and coordinating actions for the best possible goals for all of humanity.

Vietnam.net

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/it-ai-co-the-hinh-dung-duoc-nhung-buoc-tien-ky-dieu-trong-quan-he-viet-my-2325231.html