Conference highlights role of localities' foreign affairs
The 21st national conference on foreign affairs wrapped up in Hanoi on December 18 with the adoption of action orientations for localities’ external relations and international integration.
Delegates to the 21st conference on foreign affairs in a group photo. (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The 21st national conference on foreign affairs wrapped up in Hanoi on December 18 withthe adoption of action orientations for localities’ external relations andinternational integration.
Under the orientations, the policies on foreignaffairs and international integration adopted at the 13th NationalParty Congress will be implemented concertedly, effectively, and comprehensively.
Other targets include raising public awareness ofthe role of foreign affairs and international integration of localities,promoting economic diplomacy, and reforming local-level external work.
Localities will also set out specific plans forforeign relations, enhance the work across spheres, and increase investment inthe field, especially in terms of material facilities and personnel.
The conference, held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA),saw the attendance of nearly 500 delegates from ministries, agencies,localities, Vietnamese representative offices abroad, foreign embassies, and internationalorganisations in Vietnam.
In his opening remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui ThanhSon lauded the close coordination between localities and the MoFA and otheragencies in external relations over the past time.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son speaks at the conference. (Photo: VNA)
To raise the effectiveness of localities’ foreign relations, hesuggested optimising the country’s new position and potential, with economicdiplomacy being the key task, stressing that the work should be done in aprofessional and modern fashion, with a focus on raising the personnel quality.
Delivering a speech at the conference, Country Director of theADB for Vietnam Shantanu Chakraborty pointed to opportunities for Vietnam toaccess loans in order to spur its economic growth, and suggested the country improveits competitiveness in supply chains.
Gabor Fluit, Chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce(EuroCham) in Vietnam, expressed his support for the Vietnam-Europe relationsthrough green economy cooperation mechanisms, thus ensuring the country’s sustainableand comprehensive growth./.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan on August 17 signed an action plan for implementing economic diplomacy to help promote agricultural development in the 2023 - 2026 period.
Deputy Foreign Minister and head of the Steering Committee for Economic Diplomacy Nguyen Minh Vu has written an article highlighting how economic diplomacy has positively contributed to the national development and effectively played a role following the directions set forth at the 13th National Party Congress.
Economy is a diplomatic aspect helping tighten the special friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Cuba, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha said while visiting establishments of some Vietnamese businesses and meeting with the Vietnamese community in the Caribbean country.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
Delegates to the 21st conference on foreign affairs in a group photo. (Source: VNA) 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son speaks at the conference. (Photo: VNA) 
