New foreign policy stature, creating favorable momentum for the country to enter a new era

According to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs , foreign affairs activities have been proactively and positively implemented, achieving many substantive results, creating favorable momentum for the country to enter an era of growth.

On the occasion of the end of 2024 and the preparation for the new year 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son gave an interview to the press about the diplomatic milestones of the past year, as well as the directions and tasks of Vietnam's diplomacy in the new era. - Could you please share your overall assessment of the picture of Vietnam's diplomacy in 2024 and the outstanding achievements of the foreign affairs and diplomacy sector? Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son : In 2024, the world situation continues to fluctuate in a complex manner with many instabilities and conflicts. Urgent global issues such as climate change, natural disasters, epidemics, food security, water security, etc. have multi-dimensional impacts, seriously threatening the stable and sustainable development of countries. However, we can be proud that in such a world context, Vietnam has maintained a peaceful, stable and developing national situation and is considered by international public opinion as one of the "bright spots" in the region. Foreign affairs activities have been proactively and positively implemented, achieving many substantial results, creating a new level of foreign affairs, creating favorable momentum for the country to enter the era of national development.

General Secretary To Lam met with President of the Malaysian Senate Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah on November 21, 2024. (Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA)

We can mention the following outstanding marks: First, on the basis of an independent, self-reliant, multilateral, and diversified foreign policy, Vietnam's foreign affairs and diplomacy are increasingly dynamic, creative, and proactive. In 2024, foreign affairs activities, especially high-level foreign affairs, took place vigorously, widely across continents and at many important multilateral forums and mechanisms. Our key leaders conducted a total of 60 foreign affairs activities, including 21 visits to countries and attendance at multilateral conferences; welcomed 25 delegations of foreign leaders to visit Vietnam. We also promoted the implementation of international agreements and commitments, concretized upgraded relationship frameworks, and signed more than 170 new cooperation agreements in many fields, especially in fields where we have needs and interests. Second, it can be seen that international friends increasingly value, appreciate, and wish to promote relations with Vietnam. This year, we have upgraded relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with major partners such as Australia, France, Malaysia, upgraded relations to Strategic Partnership with Brazil, established Comprehensive Partnership with Mongolia, United Arab Emirates (UAE)...; thereby creating a framework for relations with 32 leading partners, including neighboring countries, major countries, important partners and traditional friends.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh takes a photo with President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on October 28, 2024. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA)

By establishing diplomatic relations with Malawi, we have officially established diplomatic relations with all African countries, bringing the number of countries with diplomatic relations to 194, bringing the cooperation between Vietnam and other countries increasingly in-depth, effective, strategic, stable and long-term. Third, economic diplomacy continues to make positive contributions to the country's overall economic achievements despite the world economy still in a difficult period. Economic content increasingly occupies a large weight in foreign affairs activities at all levels, especially at high levels, thereby connecting and enlisting partners such as China, the US, Japan, South Korea, India, etc. in digital transformation, green transformation, semiconductor industry, artificial intelligence; participating in new supply chains, expanding export markets through 17 signed FTAs; catching the wave of investment shift in the region, attracting high-quality FDI and new-generation ODA; expanding markets for tourism, labor, etc.; timely advise on policy adjustments, emerging issues in technology, standards to have countermeasures, thereby ensuring economic, financial, monetary security... In 2024, import-export turnover is expected to reach a new record of more than 800 billion USD; Vietnam continues to be one of the largest FDI recipients in the world; welcoming more than 15.8 million international tourists in 11 months of the year, an increase of 44% over the same period in 2023. This is a signal that Vietnam continues to be an increasingly attractive destination for foreign partners, investors and tourists. Fourth, in the face of major fluctuations in the world, national defense-security-foreign affairs have truly formed a tripod contributing to firmly protecting sovereignty , territorial integrity, and protecting the Fatherland early and from afar. Diplomacy has worked with other forces to maintain peaceful and stable borders, seas and islands, national security, achieved many important advances in negotiations with countries, harmoniously handled remaining issues, promoted the development of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea based on international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)... Fifth, on the multilateral level, Vietnam has increasingly affirmed its role, position, prestige and made many positive contributions to the international community. In international forums such as ASEAN, AIPA, the United Nations, APEC, the Mekong Sub-region, G20, G7, BRICS, the Non-Aligned Movement, La Francophonie, OECD, Vietnam continues to promote its role as an active and responsible contributor to ideas and initiatives that are welcomed and responded to by many countries. In organizations where we are undertaking important responsibilities such as the United Nations Human Rights Council and 6/7 important executive mechanisms of UNESCO, Vietnam has promoted its image and responsible voice with a comprehensive, holistic and harmonious approach. Along with that is Vietnam's responsible contribution to global issues such as climate change response, peacekeeping, food security, water security, cyber security, etc. Sixth, the country's position and strength are constantly enhanced from the effective resonance of foreign affairs areas such as foreign information, cultural diplomacy, work with overseas Vietnamese, and citizen protection. Diplomacy has contributed to successfully lobbying UNESCO to register 6 more titles/heritages, bringing the total number of UNESCO titles to 71, creating a new resource for economic, cultural and social development in localities. Overseas Vietnamese affairs have effectively implemented the Party and State's care policy for nearly 6 million compatriots, mobilizing resources for development with thousands of investment projects and tens of billions of USD in remittances. Citizen protection has actively protected the security, safety, legitimate rights and interests of Vietnamese citizens and businesses, especially in war zones, natural disasters, and instability. Foreign information has strongly promoted the image of the country, its people, culture, and socio-economic development achievements, contributing to creating consensus and support from the people at home as well as the international community.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son. (Photo: VNA)

- With specific and practical contributions to multilateral mechanisms in the region and the world in recent years, we can confidently say that Vietnam's role and position in the international arena have been increasingly enhanced; prestige and political trust have been increasingly consolidated. In your opinion, in what aspects should multilateral diplomacy at all levels be further promoted to contribute to enhancing Vietnam's position in the international arena as well as creating a favorable environment for national development? Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son: Promoting and raising the level of multilateral diplomacy is a consistent policy and an important strategic orientation of ours. Multilateral institutions and forums have an important voice and role in many security and development issues of the region and the world related to Vietnam. In the rapidly and profoundly changing security and development environment today, all countries, large and small, are facing the need to strengthen cooperation and association to jointly solve urgent common problems. In that spirit, we have shifted from the policy of "participation and participation" to promoting the role of "active and responsible member", initiating and leading many initiatives and cooperation ideas and proactively participating in building and shaping global governance, frameworks and laws in many fields. With many new approaches, multilateral diplomacy in 2024 has left outstanding marks in many important regional and global forums such as ASEAN, the United Nations, the Mekong Sub-region, APEC, G20, G7, BRICS, AIPA, the Non-Aligned Movement, Francophonie, OECD, etc.

With many new approaches, multilateral diplomacy in 2024 has left outstanding marks in many important regional and global forums such as ASEAN, the United Nations, the Mekong Sub-region, APEC, G20, G7, BRICS, AIPA, the Non-Aligned Movement, Francophonie, OECD, etc.

In the region, we have successfully organized the first Future Forum (ASEAN), which is an important factor in strengthening solidarity, ASEAN's central role and strategic orientation in building the ASEAN Community Vision 2045; creating a common voice, improving the operational efficiency of Mekong cooperation mechanisms, contributing with partners to promote sustainable development and prosperity in the sub-region. At the global level, Vietnam continues to successfully assume the position of a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, 6/7 key operating mechanisms of UNESCO. In addition, we have actively built and shaped important global processes such as the Future Summit, the Global Agreement on Plastic Waste, the United Nations Secretary-General's Advisory Board on essential minerals for energy transition, etc.; Vietnam's responsible contributions to common issues such as combating climate change, maintaining peace in Africa, fighting cybercrime... The international community highly appreciates Vietnam's capacity, role, and practical and responsible contributions to common issues, as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres mentioned in a discussion with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil as "a model of peace and sustainable development."

Brazilian President, G20 Chair Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his wife welcomed Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his wife on November 18, 2024. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA)

With the country's new position and strength, Vietnam has the conditions and is expected to contribute more as a member of the international community. The country's new position and strength allow us in the new period to not only participate in building and shaping multilateral institutions and participating in initiatives of other countries, but also to promote our core and leading role in important issues and mechanisms of strategic significance, in line with our interests. 2025 is an important year, with many major milestones in multilateral diplomacy such as the 30th anniversary of Vietnam's accession to ASEAN and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Continuing Vietnam's contribution to common world issues, multilateral diplomacy will focus on preparing and organizing well the events that Vietnam hosts such as the ASEAN Future Forum, the 4th Summit of the Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals (P4G), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD); continue to successfully undertake important responsibilities and tasks in multilateral organizations and forums such as ASEAN, the Mekong Sub-region, APEC, and United Nations mechanisms, including those of UNESCO and the UN Women Executive Council (2025-2027). At the same time, Vietnam continues to assume the role of an active and responsible member in multilateral organizations and agencies and continues to run for positions that are consistent with our priorities and interests, such as running for the Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term, having the first candidate for the position of Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026-2035 term... Vietnam will also contribute more actively and responsibly to common issues, especially in responding to global challenges such as climate change, net emission reduction, and promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); participate more deeply in United Nations peacekeeping activities, search and rescue, humanitarian aid... - Could you please assess the role and specific contributions of economic diplomacy to contribute to the implementation of the goal set by the 13th National Party Congress that by 2025 our country will be a developing country with a modern industrial base, surpassing the low middle income level? According to you, what must economic diplomacy do to achieve the goals by 2030 when celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Party's founding "to be a developing country with modern industry, high middle income and by 2045, the 100th anniversary of the country's founding, Vietnam will become a developed country with high income"? Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son: Economic diplomacy has become a fundamental and central task of diplomacy, and economic content has become a focus in foreign affairs activities at all levels and in all sectors with the motto of taking people, businesses and localities as the center of service. Economic diplomacy and foreign economic activities have truly created momentum for economic recovery and growth in the post-COVID-19 period up to now. If we look back at the lessons of the previous countries, of the Asian "dragons and tigers", in the era of rising up, the focus of economic diplomacy is how to put the country in an optimal position in the main development trends and movements of the world, thereby expanding development space and creating new opportunities for the country's strategic breakthroughs. The world is facing many complex, unpredictable and hard-to-predict developments, but it also opens up many opportunities for countries to take advantage of new growth drivers such as green economy, digital economy, science and technology, etc. to make breakthroughs. In the country, with new positions and strengths after nearly 40 years of innovation and facing urgent requirements of the times, it can be said that this is a time of "convergence" to bring the country into a new era as General Secretary To Lam recently stated. To make good use of these opportunities, we need to deeply realize that to enter the new era, economic diplomacy needs to continue to promote its role in serving businesses, people and localities in a more effective, deeper, more substantial spirit, with sharper and more creative thinking. To do that, on the one hand, economic diplomacy will have to continue to make the most of traditional growth drivers such as exports, investment, tourism, etc. Accordingly, it is necessary to exploit the maximum benefits of existing trade and investment agreements, especially in untapped markets and sectors; open up new sources of investment and finance, especially resources from enterprises and large investment funds; resolve large backlog projects, thereby creating leverage to attract new projects; continue to review and urge the implementation of international agreement commitments; concretize the newly upgraded relationship frameworks into practical and effective economic cooperation programs and projects. On the other hand, to create breakthroughs, it is necessary to promote new growth drivers, breakthroughs in new sectors as Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has repeatedly emphasized and directed. Therefore, the focus of economic diplomacy in the past and in the future will be to identify and seize opportunities from new trends shaping the world economy such as digital transformation, green transformation, energy transformation; to establish extensive cooperation with the world's innovation centers, including countries and businesses, in breakthrough fields such as high technology, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Mr. Jensen Huang, Founder and CEO of NVIDIA Corporation (USA) witnessed the signing ceremony of a cooperation agreement between the Vietnamese Government and Nvidia Corporation on research and development of artificial intelligence. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA)

Recent cooperation agreements with Nvidia and other digital technology corporations are an example; establishing a position in the emerging supply and production chains, turning Vietnam into a sustainable link with an increasingly high position; promoting in-depth and specialized diplomatic activities such as technology diplomacy, climate diplomacy, agricultural diplomacy, infrastructure diplomacy, digital economic diplomacy, etc. - As an inseparable part of the nation, the overseas Vietnamese community is growing stronger and more connected, the position of overseas Vietnamese is also enhanced and constantly contributing to the country in many aspects. According to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister, how can we mobilize the resources of overseas Vietnamese to build the country together?

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son: The community of nearly 6 million Vietnamese people currently living and working in more than 130 countries and territories is always an inseparable part of the nation. The consistent and continuous policy of our Party and State is to care for and support our compatriots to stabilize their lives, integrate with the local community, have a stable economic and legal status, connect overseas Vietnamese, strengthen national unity, and at the same time create conditions for overseas Vietnamese to contribute to the development of their homeland. We always appreciate the spirit of turning to the homeland and the contributions of overseas Vietnamese to the cause of socio-economic development of the country. Investment, remittances, and knowledge of overseas Vietnamese are truly important resources for the country's development (with 421 FDI projects and a total registered capital of 1.72 billion USD in 42/63 provinces and cities; remittances are forecast to reach 16 billion USD in 2024). Besides, the Vietnamese community abroad also contributes to the development of science and technology,education , healthcare and volunteer activities in Vietnam.

We are entering an era of national growth. Therefore, more than ever, promoting the strength of the overseas Vietnamese community is becoming more important.

The Party and State of Vietnam always deeply recognize and highly appreciate the role of overseas Vietnamese in the country's development. We are entering an era of national development. Therefore, more than ever, promoting the strength of the overseas Vietnamese community is becoming more important. Promoting the mobilization of overseas Vietnamese to contribute to the construction and protection of the Fatherland; continuing to improve domestic policies and laws; implementing comprehensive, long-term measures to care for and develop the overseas Vietnamese community are key tasks in the coming time. In order to mobilize the economic potential and intellectual resources of overseas Vietnamese, the Government has been implementing many policies and strategies to simplify administrative procedures to make it easier for overseas Vietnamese to return to the country to live, invest and do business; promoting the application of information technology in community connection activities; training and supporting the development of overseas Vietnamese resources, teaching Vietnamese and promoting national cultural identity, focusing on the young generation; encouraging and applying into practice initiatives and proposals from the overseas Vietnamese community. Along with that, important legal documents such as the Land Law, Housing Law, Real Estate Business Law and Citizen Identification Law are also increasingly being improved, creating a favorable environment for overseas Vietnamese to live, work and invest in Vietnam. With breakthrough policies and a favorable environment, I firmly believe that the overseas Vietnamese community will continue to maximize their potential, contributing to the development of the country. - Could you share some thoughts on Vietnam's foreign affairs and diplomacy in the era of national development? Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son: As General Secretary To Lam said, our country is standing at a new historical starting point. Bringing the country into a new era, an era of rising up, is in line with the trend of the times and the reality and experience of previous countries. The history of human development has proven that for a country to rise up in world politics , economy and civilization, it requires a strong breakthrough, creating a fundamental change in quality. The new era requires the participation of all sectors, fields, forces, the entire political system and the entire nation. Lessons from previous countries show that in that process, foreign affairs play an important role, positioning Vietnam favorably in the flow of the times and combining national strength with the strength of the times to serve the country's rise up. Firstly, in today's interdependent world, the stability and development of countries cannot be separated from the external regional and international environment. The factor that ensures the rise of the nation is a strategic environment of peace, friendship and cooperation favorable for development. Therefore, the task of foreign affairs is to consolidate and maintain this situation firmly in the face of fluctuations, creating conditions for the country to enter a new stage of development. Second, foreign affairs can play a role in creating and motivating, opening up new opportunities for the country to rise up. In which, foreign affairs plays the role of connecting internal strength with external strength, in which internal strength is fundamental and long-term, external strength is important and breakthrough. These are resources of trade, investment, ODA, development trends and economic connections, a multipolar, multi-center world order based on international law, the strength of the era of scientific and technological revolution, knowledge economy, globalization...

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and his wife, along with Singaporean Parliament Speaker Seah Kian Peng and his wife, visited Singapore's Gardens By The Bay nature park on December 2, 2024. (Photo: Doan Tan/VNA)

Third, the country's new position and strength in terms of economy, security, defense and foreign affairs in the new period pose requirements for Vietnam's new mindset and position in the international arena. Vietnam has the ability and conditions to participate more, but is also expected to contribute more to peace, development and solving common problems of humanity, contributing to building and protecting a fair and equal international order based on international law. Fourth, the country's historical and cultural stature, political and economic position create conditions for promoting the nation's "soft power", strongly spreading the image of an independent, self-reliant, peaceful, cooperative, friendly and developing Vietnam. That is the combined strength of a culture imbued with national identity, the great achievements of historical significance of the renovation process, the peaceful foreign policy, handling international issues in a harmonious, reasonable, emotional manner, respecting international law, and the consensus and support of the people of the world. Finally, to bring the country into a new era requires building an increasingly comprehensive, modern, and professional foreign affairs and diplomacy to meet the requirements of the new stage. Accordingly, we need to organize a streamlined foreign affairs apparatus that operates effectively and efficiently, in parallel with mechanisms and policies that are favorable for foreign affairs; build a team of foreign affairs and diplomacy cadres who not only have qualifications, capacity, and political courage, but also dare to think, dare to do, dare to innovate, dare to pioneer, make breakthroughs, and have skills and qualifications on par with international standards. - In 2025, we will celebrate a series of important events of the country. How will the Foreign Affairs sector celebrate its 80th anniversary? Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son: 2025 is an important year of special significance to our nation, the year of the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam , the 80th anniversary of the founding of the country and the 50th anniversary of national reunification, the year of the acceleration of the implementation of the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress, and also the pivotal year entering the era of national development. In that exciting atmosphere, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnamese Foreign Affairs sector (August 28, 1945 - August 28, 2025). The Vietnamese Foreign Affairs sector is very honored and proud to have President Ho Chi Minh, a genius leader and outstanding diplomat, directly assume the position of the first Minister of Foreign Affairs. Under the leadership of the Party and the direct guidance of President Ho Chi Minh, Vietnamese diplomacy has always promoted its glorious tradition, serving the Fatherland and the people, contributing to great victories in the revolutionary cause of the nation. For the entire diplomatic sector, this will be a very special occasion for generations of diplomatic staff to look back on the glorious 80-year journey with important contributions to the cause of fighting, defending and building the country. The commemorative activities will be an opportunity to honor and show gratitude for the contributions of previous generations of diplomatic staff, strengthen education on traditions and revolutionary ideals and arouse pride in the next generations of diplomatic staff. At the same time, this is also an opportunity to promote the glorious 80-year tradition of diplomacy in the Ho Chi Minh era, towards building a strong, comprehensive, modern and professional foreign affairs - diplomacy, contributing to the successful implementation of the goals of national development and national defense. On this occasion, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will organize activities to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the sector throughout 2025, including a Celebration Ceremony with the participation of leaders of the Party, State, leaders of departments, ministries, branches and localities; meetings with generations of diplomatic officials, Heads of foreign representative agencies in Vietnam, international organizations; exhibitions and scientific seminars, talks, publications on the history, traditions and work of the sector, and rich and diverse commemorative activities of Vietnamese representative agencies around the world. - Looking back on nearly 40 years of working in the diplomatic sector, what are the memories you feel are the most memorable? Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son: As officials working in foreign affairs, perhaps the most profound memories and the proudest things are when we meet and interact with international friends, we hear positive assessments, admiration and respect for our Party, State and people. It can be said that the story of Vietnam has inspired the international community about a country rising from a land without a name on the world map, from a country severely devastated by war, besieged and embargoed, to become a symbol of peace, friendship, dynamic development and playing an active and responsible role in the international community. Over the past decades, Vietnam has been considered a symbol of the national liberation movement, the embodiment of a heroic and resilient country. During the visits of our key leaders and senior leaders to other countries, international leaders and friends still repeatedly mentioned the struggle for independence of the Vietnamese people, considering it the "conscience" of the times and still valuable for today's world. Continuing that pride, Vietnam is also highly appreciated from the perspective of a country that is rising strongly, developing dynamically and contributing positively and responsibly to common issues of the world. Vietnam has become a successful model in socio-economic development with high and continuous growth rates for many years while ensuring social justice and progress. For that reason, in many meetings, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres mentioned Vietnam as a "model of peace and sustainable development." Officials working in foreign affairs feel very proud and confident that our foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, multilateralization and diversification has contributed to ensuring the highest national interests, and at the same time has been highly appreciated by international friends. It is no coincidence that international public opinion wants to understand why Vietnam can maintain balanced, harmonious and positive relations with all neighboring countries, major countries, important partners and traditional friends in a volatile international context. - Sincerely thank Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son!

Female officers of Level 2 Field Hospital No. 6 set off for duty. (Photo: Trong Duc/VNA)

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/tam-voc-doi-ngoai-moi-tao-da-thuan-loi-cho-dat-nuoc-buoc-vao-ky-nguyen-moi-post1004816.vnp