Diplomacy holds key significance for Vietnam's autonomy and progression
Vietnam's diplomacy has made significant strides over the past eight decades, marked by consistent pursuit of an independent, self-reliant, multilateral, and diversified foreign policy. This approach has fostered traditional friendship, solidarity, and cooperation with numerous countries and international organisations.
One of the key achievements is the establishment and maintenance of long-standing diplomatic ties with countries like Cuba since 1960. High-level exchanges and joint cooperation in political, defence, and economic sectors have been a testament to the sustained international partnerships and solidarity.
Expanding international defence and diplomatic relations is another significant milestone. Invitations to military contingents from countries such as Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia, Cuba, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan to attend the 80th National Day celebrations reflect Vietnam’s efforts to strengthen multilateral defence diplomacy and close cooperation with strategic partners across continents.
Vietnam's diplomacy has also leveraged humanitarian and legal policies, as demonstrated by nearly 40 rounds of national amnesty over eight decades, including for foreign prisoners. This approach has positively impacted Vietnam's image and diplomatic relations worldwide, showcasing the rule of law, humanitarian values, and commitment to rehabilitation.
The strategic partnership with key countries, such as the UK, has been another focus. Mutual development and cooperation in new areas like digital infrastructure and the industrial internet signify Vietnam's diplomacy adapting to modern challenges and opportunities for collaboration in economic and technological fields.
Maintaining regular bilateral mechanisms, coordinating closely on global and regional issues in multilateral forums, and upholding a foreign policy anchored on independence and self-reliance are the strategies employed to ensure effective implementation of cooperation agreements and enhance Vietnam’s role and voice internationally.
Vietnam's diplomacy has consistently asserted its pioneering role in maintaining a peaceful and stable environment and mobilising external resources and favourable conditions to serve the two strategic pillars of national building and defence. With diplomatic relations established with 194 countries and membership in 17 bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements, linking the country to over 60 major economies worldwide, Vietnam's diplomacy has been an effective instrument for the country since its independence.
The Communist Party of Vietnam has formed relations with 259 official political parties across 119 countries. The conference on the 80-year development of Vietnam's diplomatic affairs, held in Hanoi, aimed to review the sector's key results over the past eight decades and define specific directions for the current global context. Delegates at the conference discussed adaptability, global cooperation, digital transformation, and the pioneering role of younger diplomats in connecting Vietnam to the world.
The conference also addressed improving diplomatic affairs, enhancing the sector’s advisory role for the Party and the State, and beneficiary policies for diplomatic personnel. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Buì Thanh Sơn said that Vietnam's diplomacy has been an effective instrument for the country since its independence under the leadership of late President Hồ Chí Minh. Vietnam's diplomacy played a crucial role in ending over a century of subjugation under colonialism and imperialism, according to Sơn.
Vietnam's diplomacy, born out of the nation's existential need during the struggle for freedom, has continued to evolve throughout the country's history. The conference was hosted by the foreign ministry and attended by former and current diplomats, students from the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Buì Thanh Sơn. Economic diplomacy has helped Vietnam attract billions of dollars in foreign direct investment (FDI).
In conclusion, Vietnam’s diplomacy over 80 years reflects consistent advancement in international cooperation through strategic partnerships, regional and global engagement, defence diplomacy, humanitarian policies, and adapting to evolving geopolitical and technological contexts.
- In the realm of politics and international relations, Vietnam's diplomacy has been instrumental in forming strategic partnerships with countries like the UK, fostering mutual development and cooperation in areas such as digital infrastructure and the industrial internet.
- Vietnam's diplomatic ties with 194 countries have been significant in ending over a century of subjugation under colonialism and imperialism, a testament to the country's pioneering role in maintaining a peaceful and stable environment.
- To adapt to modern challenges and opportunities, Vietnam's diplomacy has embraced digital transformation, with delegates at the conference on the 80-year development of Vietnam's diplomatic affairs discussing the role of younger diplomats in connecting Vietnam to the world via digital means.
- Diplomacy has played a crucial role in Vietnam's environmental policies, as shown by nearly 40 rounds of national amnesty over eight decades, including for foreign prisoners, positively impacting the country's image and diplomatic relations worldwide.
