Deputy PM Minh made the statement at a conference themed “70 years of Vietnam’s Diplomacy: The way forward” held in Hanoi on August 20 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
He stressed that Vietnam has enjoyed the support of the international community in its cause of national independence and reunification as well as in the mobilisation of resources for national reconstruction and defense.
The Deputy PM expressed his gratitude for the support of all international friends, including to the national liberation movement, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the progressive and peace-loving forces, as well as for the anti-war movements in many countries.
In the current stage of national reconstruction and development, Ho Chi Minh’s thoughts on diplomacy have been further consolidated with Vietnam’s foreign policy of openness, multilateralisation, diversification, and proactive comprehensive international integration, he stated.
During the past 30 years, foreign policy has been guided by the principle of “Vietnam being a trustworthy friend and partner and a responsible member of the international community”, showing Vietnam’s determination in promoting its time-tested values, at the same time representing the country’s aspiration for further contributions to regional and global peace and prosperity, Deputy PM Minh said.
From an underdeveloped country, with international support Vietnam has successfully implemented the Doi Moi policy, achieving positive results in poverty reduction, and reaching many of the Millennium Development Goals, which have been acknowledged by the United Nations, he added.
The conference attracts many ambassadors and representatives from embassies, diplomatic missions and international organisations in Hanoi.
Under the chairmanship of Assistant to the Foreign Minister and Head of the MOFA’s Office Duong Chi Dung, the ambassadors of China, France, India, the European Union, the US, Greece, the World Bank’s Country Director, and the Charge d’Affairs of the Russian Federation to Vietnam delivered speeches highlighting contributions of Vietnam’s diplomacy to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world. They also contributed ideas to future directions for Vietnam’s diplomacy to make the country a reliable partner and a responsible member in the international community.
During the two discussion panels, the ambassadors of the UK, Cambodia, Australia and Venezuela; Deputy Ambassador of Japan; and representatives of Oxfam and the UN in Vietnam raised ideas for the sector’s development.
| Vietnam has established diplomatic ties with 185 countries, including two comprehensive strategic partnerships, 13 strategic partnerships and 11 comprehensive partnerships. Vietnam’s economic relations continue to rapidly develop with more than 220 countries and territories. Vietnam has gained official membership in 70 regional and international organisations. |
