Hanoi (VNA) - During the Doi moi (Renewal) process, the diplomaticsector has gained important achievements, and left many outstanding hallmarks onforeign affairs, thus helping to build the fortune, potential, positionand international prestige that Vietnam has never had before, Minister of Foreign AffairsBui Thanh Son has affirmed.

Granting an interview to the media on the threshold of the first National Conference on Foreign Affairs on December 14, Son said that through theconsistent implementation of the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance,multilateralisation, diversification, and active international integration, thediplomatic sector has expanded and deepened relationships with many partners.

To date, Vietnam has set up diplomatic ties with 189nations, had economic and trade ties with over 230 countries and territories, andestablished strategic partnership and comprehensive partnership with 30 countries.

Vietnam has taken advantage of a favourable internationalenvironment to mobilise resources from outside to serve its socio-economicdevelopment.

The overseas Vietnamese-related affairs have helped mobilised greatresources of the expats for the cause of national building and safeguarding. Amid complicated developments of the COVID-19 epidemic, thediplomatic sector has mobilised international support in terms of vaccine,medical equipment and treatment drugs to contribute to the prevention, control ofand safe adaptation to the pandemic, Son said.

He went on to say that during the peacetime, diplomacy hastaken the lead in creating and consolidating a peaceful and stable environment,while working with other sectors to firmly protect the country's sovereignty, unity and territorialintegrity. It has closely coordinated with relevant sectors and localities tomake efforts to negotiate and build borderlines of peace, friendship anddevelopment with neighbouring countries.

In addition, the diplomatic sector has actively promotedcomprehensive and extensive international integration so as to continuouslyincrease Vietnam’s position and prestige. The country has successfully organised manybig international events and fulfilled important international missions, he said.

According to the minister, as a key and pioneer force on the front of foreign affairs, the diplomatic sector will continue implementing the 13th National Party Congress’s Resolution as well as the Party and State’s foreignpolicy and guidelines, and at the same time effectively carry out tasks to maintain thepeaceful and stable environment together with safeguarding the nationalsovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and mobilising external resourcesto better serve the country's socio-economic development and raise its position.

It is necessary to have a close combination betweenpolitical, economic and cultural diplomacy, and strengthen coordination betweenParty, people-to-people, defence-security, and socio-economic diplomacy, Son said.

The minister also affirmed the determination tobuild a comprehensive, modern and strong diplomatic sector./.