Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son

Could you elaborate on major 2021 diplomatic achievements?

Vietnam conducted energetic and effective bilateral and multilateral diplomacy in 2021. Effective implementation of the party and state’s policy of conducting multilateral diplomacy contributed to affirming Vietnam’s international position and prestige. In particular, Vietnam fulfilled its duties as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and made responsible contributions to the building of the ASEAN Community. The country also highlighted its strong commitments to tackle climate change at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26).

Vietnam maintained and expanded economic cooperation with partners in order to increase exports and promote foreign direct investment (FDI). In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, by promoting health and vaccine diplomacy, Vietnam received international support in terms of vaccines, medical equipment and treatment drugs, making an important contribution to Covid-19 prevention, control and safe adaptation to the pandemic.

Vietnam continued to promote cultural diplomacy to introduce the country’s image, while strengthening ties with overseas Vietnamese to consolidate national solidarity and mobilize resources for the country’s construction and development.

How will the diplomatic sector continue making important contributions to national development and defense?

Vietnam fulfilled its duties as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 term

First, as a key and pioneer force on the external affairs front, the sector will disseminate the implementation of the 13th Party Congress Resolution as well as the party and state’s foreign policies and orientations.

Second, the sector will work synchronously and effectively to maintain a peaceful and stable environment coupled with resolutely defending sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity; mobilize external resources to meet the needs of socioeconomic development and raise the country’s position; continue to expand and deepen foreign relations with a focus on neighboring countries, important partners and traditional friends; and promote Vietnam’s role in important multilateral mechanisms, such as ASEAN, United Nations, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, and Mekong sub-regional cooperation.

Third, the sector will combine political, economic and cultural diplomacy and external information with overseas Vietnamese work and citizen protection; make full use of favorable international factors and international commitments and agreements to mobilize external resources, effectively combined with domestic resources to meet the country’s rapid and sustainable development.

The sector will also strengthen close coordination between party, people-to-people, defense-security, and socioeconomic diplomacy.

Last but not least, it is necessary to build a strong, modern and professional diplomatic sector in terms of politics, thinking and morality.

Under the leadership of the party and the state, Vietnam has promoted national solidarity, heightening patriotism and self-reliance. The achievements of the past year as well as 35 years of the “Doi Moi” (renovation) process place Vietnam firmly on a path of socioeconomic recovery and development and promote comprehensive and extensive international integration, contributing to realizing the aspirations, vision and development goals set out in the 13th Party Congress.

Thu Phuong