Hanoi (VNA) – The 12th National Party Congress has highlighted Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of relations, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pha♌m Binh Minh.

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency on the sidelines of the ongoing National Party Congress on January 22, the official commented on regional and global uncertainties caused by the competition between the world’s major powers. He emphasised the need for all countries to carry forward their own foreign policy of independence and self-reliance. Deputy PM and FM Minh cited Vietnam’s establishment of a strategic and comprehensive partnership framework with all major nations across the world, which, he said, testifies to the country’s sound foreign policy and heightened position. According to him, foreign policy forms part of the country’s development guidelines, creating a foundation for economic, trade and investment ties in service of national growth. The 12 th National Party Congress will put forth tasks for national development, covering various areas, from economics to cultural, social and external affairs, he said. Apart from the Party leadership, coordination between ministries, agencies and localities will be decisive to the successful realisation of these tasks, the official stressed. The Deputy PM and FM noted that Vietnam’s setting up of strategic partnership with 15 countries and comprehensive partnership with ten others will help the country win the political trust of foreign friends, boost collaboration in military and national defence and security, while expanding its economic and trade ties. Furthermore, such relations will form a political base for the country to deal with challenges regarding its territorial sovereignty, position and relationship with individual nations, he added. These relations will also benefit Vietnam in various spheres, since the nations with which Vietnam has established relations each have their own strengths, Minh said. Asked about the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with China, the official said Vietnam and China have joined hands in politics, economics and trade. China is Vietnam’s largest trade partner. However, the East Sea issue has caused a rift between the two countries, of late. Vietnam affirms its sovereignty over Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagoes and its exclusive economic zone. The two countries will handle the issue through peaceful dialogue, and on the basis of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, he stated.-VNA