Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attends the 11th Foreign Information Awards ceremony.

Thủ tướng Phạm Minh Chính dự lễ trao giải thông tin đối ngoại lần thứ XI - Ảnh 1. — Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the 11th Foreign Information Awards ceremony on the evening of December 12 - Photo: DANH KHANG

On the evening of December 12th, the National Award Ceremony for External Information was held in Hanoi, attended by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and many leaders from central ministries and agencies.

This year's awards attracted 2,412 entries, double the average number of previous editions. At the awards ceremony, the Prime Minister and leaders of the Party, State, ministries, and agencies, on behalf of the organizing committee, presented 8 first prizes, 16 second prizes, 24 third prizes, and 40 consolation prizes to outstanding works and authors.

Among these entries, those submitted by foreigners were judged to possess a deep understanding, a positive perspective, and a fresh and rich view of Vietnam.

Thủ tướng Phạm Minh Chính dự lễ trao giải thông tin đối ngoại lần thứ XI - Ảnh 2. — Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Head of the Steering Committee for External Information Work, Director of the General Political Department of the Vietnam People's Army Nguyen Trong Nghia, along with the first-prize winning authors - Photo: DANH KHANG

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that external information work plays an important role and has strategic significance, receiving special attention and guidance from the Party and the State.

External information work has proactively and positively contributed to raising Vietnam's independent, self-reliant, and just voice on the international stage. At the same time, it has enhanced and beautified the image of a stable, dynamic, responsible, sincere, trustworthy, distinctive, and friendly Vietnam.

This will help the world understand more accurately, fully, and profoundly the spirit, character, and image of Vietnam and its people, as well as contribute to strengthening relations with international partners and creating a favorable environment and conditions for national development.

Thủ tướng - Ảnh 3. — Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son and Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department Trinh Van Quyet present the second prize to the authors - Photo: DANH KHANG

According to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, in the new era of development, along with national defense and security, foreign affairs are identified as crucial and ongoing tasks, contributing to protecting the Fatherland early and from afar, and promoting rapid and sustainable national development.

In this context, external information work plays a very important role, being a strategic component in the overall national soft power.

According to the Prime Minister, in the coming period, external information work must closely adhere to the Party and State's foreign policy guidelines and policies, especially the Resolution of the 14th Party Congress and Resolution 59 of the Politburo on international integration in the new situation.

He also called for innovative thinking and approaches, ensuring accessibility, modernity, and multimedia. In addition, it is necessary to promote the application of digital technology and effectively utilize global communication platforms such as social media, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and big data to attract and disseminate information widely.

For those working in external information, the Prime Minister requested the building of a team with strong character, sharp intellect, creativity, and a willingness to overcome difficulties and hardships, with the spirit of "steel in the pen, fire in the heart," "using beauty to overcome ugliness," and using positivity to push back negativity.