National seminar discusses renewal of external affairs work
A national seminar took place in Ho Chi Minh City on July 21, reviewing the reform process of external affairs between 1986 and now and discussing the orientation for 2025 – 2045.
An overview of the national seminar on external affairs reform (Source: VNA)
HCM City (VNA) – A national seminar took place in Ho Chi Minh City on July 21, reviewing the reform process of external affairs between 1986 and now and discussing the orientation for 2025 – 2045.
Jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Central Theoretical Council and the municipal People's Committee, the event was held within the framework of a national research project on the global situation during 2025-2045 and forecast and orientation of Vietnam's foreign policy.
In-depth research outcomes presented by participating experts, ambassadors, and scientists were expected to contribute theoretically and practically to shaping the country's foreign policy in the upcoming period.
In his opening speech, Standing Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu stated that the regional and global situation is forecast to continue undergoing fast, complicated and unpredictable changes. Such circumstances pose new requirements for the external affairs sector in ensuring national interests, hence reforms in the sector.
Evaluating and reviewing the renewal process of the diplomatic sector since 1986 in terms of thinking, orientation, and practice is significant in drawing valuable lessons for the sector to proactively adapt to global changes in the upcoming period, he noted.
Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the HCM City People's Committee, said the southern metropolis pays great attention to diplomatic efforts that serve economic growth, create favourable conditions, mobilise resources, and timely access new development trends in the world for application in building the local socio-economic development orientations./.
Given the complicated and unpredictable developments in the world, economic diplomatic activities need to be deployed quickly and concertedly while closely following the guidelines, orientations and needs of the country as well as in line with the strengths of partners and localities, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son said on July 6.
Last year was a time of monumental growth for Vietnam’s external affairs. The country has taken on important positions at international and regional forums. The year also witnessed numerous visits by Vietnamese leaders to other countries and foreign leaders to Vietnam.
Permanent Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man has asked the NA’s Committee for External Relations to improve the efficiency of external affairs in the new situation.
Stronger efforts and determination are required to achieve and surpass the set targets, especially in the eradication of makeshift and dilapidated houses nationwide, the acceleration of public investment disbursement, and the implementation of nationally important transport projects, PM Pham Minh Chinh noted.
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.
An overview of the national seminar on external affairs reform (Source: VNA) 
