Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam has been consistentlypursuing a spirit of independence and self-reliance to ensure the nation’sbest interests. The policy has been persisting throughout the country’shistory, from the nation founding and the struggle for independence in the past totoday’s sustainable development cause.

In 1919, Nguyen Ai Quoc, the then name of President Ho ChiMinh, joined the French Socialist Party and sent an eight-point petition to theVersailles Conference, demanding the French Government to recognise rights tofreedom, democracy and equality of Vietnamese people. The event marked thebeginning of Vietnam’s Party diplomacy which was founded by the President.

A decade later, the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) wasestablished in 1930, guiding the way for Vietnamese people to win independencefrom feudalism and colonialism and setting the scene for the birth of theDemocratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945. From a semi-feudal colony, Vietnam hasofficially become an independent and united country.

As the first foreign minister of modern Vietnam, PresidentHo Chi Minh initiated three pillars of the country’s foreign policy,namely Party-to-Party diplomacy, State-to-State diplomacy and people-to-peoplediplomacy. His diplomacy philosophy promotes the principles of nationalindependence, peace and friendship, and using diplomacy to deter conflicts.

After the Great Spring Victory in 1975 which unified thecountry, Vietnam entered a new era – the reconstruction phase, according toformer Deputy Prime Minister Vu Khoan, the 6th Party Congress in1986 introduced two new points of view – recognizing internationalism andmarket economy, paving the way for the opening of the country.

The Politburo later issued Resolution No.13 shapingVietnam’s foreign policy which placed the highest priority to protecting thenational interest and maintaining an environment of peace and international cooperation to buildand safeguard the nation. This has contributed to the world’s peace, independence,democracy and social progress.

During the “Doi Moi” (Renewal) period, Vietnam has beenconsistent with its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship,cooperation and development, diversification and multilateralisation; being a friend, a reliable partner and a responsible member of theinternational community.

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son has once said implementingthe Party’s sound foreign policy has helped the country sustain a peaceful,stable and favourbale environment for “Doi Moi” process, firmly safeguard the nationalindependence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and heighten its reputation.

The National Conference on Foreign Affairs was opened by thePolitburo and CPV Central Committee’s Secretariat for the first time onDecember 14, aiming to thoroughly popularise the 13th Party Congress’Resolution and foreign policy among Party members and the public.

According to standing member of the CPV Central Committee’sSecretariat Vo Van Thuong, the event will provide a comprehensive review of Vietnam’sforeign affairs as well as regional and global situation in recent time,and map out tasks and plans for the coming time./.