Hanoi (VNA) – The three pillars of culture,economy, and politics have contributed to creating a comprehensive, modern diplomatic sector, delegates said on the sidelines of the30th Diplomatic Conference, which opened in Hanoi on August 13.

Ambassador Nguyen Nguyet Nga, who is also Vice Chair of theVietnam National Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation and Vice Presidentof the post-2020 APEC vision group, said that cultural diplomacy in particular,and other diplomatic pillars in general, are making movements in their fields.

Along with the diplomats who serve residents, businesses,and society, each person, enterprise, and locality should also work as diplomatsto promote the image of Vietnam, she said.

It is not only Vietnam, but ASEAN also that need to be introducedon the international stage, Nga said, noting that the task is particularlyvital as Vietnam looks to assume the post of ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020.

Stressing the interaction between the aforementioneddiplomatic pillars, she said the journey requires the participation of peoplefrom all walks of life, particularly young people and women.

Regarding political diplomacy in the new situation, formerVietnamese Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh said political diplomacy shouldcover other diplomatic channels in order to create major diplomaticorientations, helping deepen and expand Vietnam’s international relations,especially with big, neighbouring and regional countries.

He emphasised the need for Vietnam to actively and proactivelyintegrate into the world across all spheres, particularly multilateral diplomacy,explaining that the move would contribute to improving its position, deepeningits relations with foreign countries, and utilising international resources.

Vietnam should participate in developing internationalprinciples and rules that match international law as well as nationalinterests, he suggested.

Pham Sanh Chau, Assistant to the Foreign Minister, heldthat cultural diplomacy would help promote tourism and reduce poverty inlocalities, thus spurring socio-economic development.

He cited noteworthy cultural events like Hue Festival, DaLat Flower Festival, and Da Nang International Fireworks Festival,which have contributed to luring investment and tourists to the localities.–VNA