Cultural diplomacy is the "spiritual foundation" that creates the identity of Vietnamese diplomacy.

Cultural diplomacy is the

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son

On the afternoon of August 20, at an intimate meeting to exchange information about the achievements and great, outstanding contributions of the Diplomatic sector during 80 years of serving the nation and people, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son answered the press about the achievements of cultural diplomacy in the overall foreign affairs work in recent times.

Faced with the increasing role of cultural diplomacy in the overall foreign affairs and diplomacy, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son stated that cultural diplomacy is the "spiritual foundation" that creates the identity of Vietnamese diplomacy in the period of innovation and international integration.

“If political diplomacy and economic diplomacy focus on strengthening the peaceful and cooperative environment and creating development momentum, cultural diplomacy plays a role in building the foundation of soft power, spreading the country's image to international friends, and strengthening trust between Vietnam and friends around the world,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son emphasized.

Cultural diplomacy has been promoted in recent times with many activities rich in content, diverse in form, focusing on depth and quality, while demonstrating innovation in ideas as well as implementation methods.

Notable achievements include spreading the values, thoughts, and progressive and noble world views of the Vietnamese people through the images and ideological values of President Ho Chi Minh and other celebrities honored by UNESCO.

Cultural diplomacy contributes to promoting "heritage economy"

According to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, cultural diplomacy has been effective in promoting local images, promoting trade, attracting investment and boosting the “heritage economy” – a new harmonious and sustainable development orientation.

From 2021 to present, many cultural diplomacy programs such as "Vietnam Week/Day Abroad", "Vietnam Learning Day" have been organized on a large scale in many countries, not only as cultural - economic - political events but also contributing to promoting tourism and promoting local/business brands.

“It can be said that cultural diplomacy has contributed to forming a cultural and economic value chain, expanding development space for businesses and localities,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son affirmed.

Another important contribution is cultural diplomacy, which helps raise the level of multilateral diplomacy, thereby enhancing the country's position.

Vietnam's role in important governance mechanisms such as the World Heritage Committee, the Executive Council, the Intergovernmental Committee on the 2003 Convention and the 2005 Convention has been increasingly strengthened and enhanced, creating the "Vietnam phenomenon" at UNESCO.

In the coming time, to continue promoting cultural diplomacy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to coordinate with ministries, branches and localities to effectively implement the Cultural Diplomacy Strategy for the 2021-2030 period.

At the same time, we will focus on making culture a new foundation and driving force for development, closely linked with political diplomacy, economics, national defense and security; encouraging the proactive participation of localities, people and businesses.

"Cultural diplomacy will continue to be implemented in a professional, modern, creative manner and adapted to new trends of the times to practically serve the cause of national construction and development," Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son emphasized.

Promoting the role of the Vietnamese community abroad

Also at the meeting, answering the press regarding the important role and contribution of the overseas Vietnamese community to the country's development over the past 80 years, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son acknowledged that the overseas Vietnamese community (OV) is an inseparable part of the nation, making important contributions to the country's development.

Currently, the NVNONN community has about 6 million Vietnamese people living, studying and working in more than 130 countries and territories.

With a deep awareness of the role and position of overseas Vietnamese, in recent years, overseas Vietnamese work has been comprehensively implemented.

Thereby demonstrating the care and concern of the Party and State, contributing to consolidating the strength of the great national unity bloc, promoting the resources of overseas Vietnamese for national construction and development.

Along with that, the Party and State have also had connection and invitation mechanisms to attract and promote the potential of overseas Vietnamese, especially intellectuals.

Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on the development of science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation has put forward breakthrough policies to attract and employ Vietnamese experts and scientists abroad to return to work and live in the country.

The National Assembly also issued many new laws such as the amended Law on Nationality, which removed obstacles in acquiring/returning Vietnamese nationality while simultaneously retaining foreign nationality.

Meanwhile, the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation grants more autonomy to individuals and scientific research organizations.

Most recently, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, General Secretary To Lam, he also requested to urgently propose and recommend special preferential policies to create the most favorable conditions for Vietnamese experts and intellectuals abroad to participate and contribute to the country's development.

“More than ever, promoting the strength of the overseas Vietnamese community is becoming more important, and is one of the great driving forces bringing the country into a new era of the nation,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son affirmed.

In that spirit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to closely coordinate with relevant ministries and branches to continue creating a favorable legal framework and policies so that overseas Vietnamese experts and intellectuals can feel secure in staying and contributing to the country.

Along with that, build an open and attractive working environment for overseas Vietnamese, with adequate and modern facilities, suitable remuneration, without distinction between public and private sectors to maximize the research and creativity of overseas Vietnamese.

At the same time, administrative procedures will also be simplified to make it easier for overseas Vietnamese to return home to live, invest and do business.

Promote the application of information technology in community connection activities; and foster and support the development of overseas intellectual resources, focusing on the young generation; listen to, support, consider and apply in practice initiatives and proposals from the community.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/ngoai-giao-van-hoa-la-nen-tang-tinh-than-tao-nen-ban-sac-cua-nen-ngoai-giao-viet-nam-162663.html