The 31st Diplomatic Conference opened in Hanoi on December 15. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - The 31st Diplomatic Conference opened in Hanoi on December 15 in bothonline and in-person formats.
In his opening remarks, Minister of Foreign AffairsBui Thanh Son said the conference takes place at a crucial time when thediplomatic sector and the nation are entering a new development period andstriving to successfully implement the Resolution adopted at the 13th National Party Congress, the 2021-2030 socio-economic development strategy, andthe 2021-2025 socio-economic development plan.
Pointing to the rapid, complex developments in theworld and domestic situations, notably the COVID-19 pandemic,Son said the diplomatic sector has made concerted efforts to overcome difficulties andchallenges to synchronously carry out major tasks on foreign relations.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son speaks at the conference. (Photo: VNA)
The sector has gained important results, particularly maintaining apeaceful and stable environment, significantly contributing to protectingnational independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity,expanding and deepening relations between Vietnam and many partners, andmaximising external resources to serve socio-economic development.
It has continued to promote the image ofVietnam as a nation of independence and self-reliance with a rich culture, which is resolved to pursue reforms and make active and responsible contributions to major internationalissues and forums, Son said, highlighting Vietnam’s fulfilment of its duties as Chair of the ASEAN in 2020 and a non-permanent member of the United Nations SecurityCouncil in the 2020-2021 term, helping to raise the country’s position in theinternational arena.
Delegates at the conference (Photo: VNA)
According to the minister, the sector has very heavy but glorious tasksin the time ahead. He stressed that the sector should carryforward its pioneering role in creating and maintaining the peaceful andstable environment, safeguarding the nation early and from afar, and mobilising external resources to serve socio-economic developmentand improve the country’s position and prestige.
He called on the delegates to seek new ways tosynchronously and effectively implement major tasks of the sector in order to turn external relations and diplomacy into a strong driving force for the country’s rapidand sustainable development./.
At the National Conference on Foreign Affairs on December 14, leaders of Ha Noi and Da Nang city affirmed that local diplomacy has made positive contributions to the country’s foreign affairs and international integration, thus helping raise Vietnam's position and prestige in the international arena.
The first National Conference on Foreign Affairs that opened in Hanoi on December 14 highlighted the combination of Party diplomacy, State diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy in the implementation of the guidelines on external affairs adopted at the 13th National Party Congress.
The National Conference on Foreign Affairs opened in both in-person and virtual forms on December 14, under the chair of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
The 31st Diplomatic Conference opened in Hanoi on December 15. (Photo: VNA) 
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son speaks at the conference. (Photo: VNA) 
Delegates at the conference (Photo: VNA) 
