Vietnam Elevates Foreign Policy Strategy for New Era, Cambodian Expert Expresses Optimism

Vietnam convened its 33rd Diplomatic Conference and 22nd National Foreign Affairs Conference from August 1st to 7th in Hanoi, under the theme "Promoting the Pioneering Role and Performing Important, Regular Tasks of Vietnamese Diplomacy in the New Era." The conferences are particularly significant as they are the first to be held after the success of the 14th National Party Congress in January 2026 and following the formation of a new leadership after the elections for the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term in March 2026. This sets the foundation for implementing major national policies in the new phase. Mr. Uch Leang, a researcher and Acting Director of the Department of Asian, African, and Middle Eastern Studies at the Institute of International Relations, Royal Academy of Cambodia, and President of the Cambodian Alumni Association in Vietnam, highly valued the significance of these conferences. He stated that they are crucial forums for discussing the implementation of Vietnam's foreign policy guidelines, orientations, and strategies in the new period. He believes these meetings offer an opportunity for the entire diplomatic sector to review achievements and define strategic directions to elevate Vietnamese foreign policy, contributing positively to national development and enhancing Vietnam's international standing. With key contents revolving around Party diplomacy, State diplomacy, local diplomacy, and external information work, Mr. Uch Leang noted that the conferences demonstrate a comprehensive approach to Vietnam's foreign affairs activities, from central to local levels, and from political to economic, cultural, and people-to-people diplomacy. The Cambodian expert anticipates that the directions and decisions adopted will create new momentum for diplomatic work, contributing to the realization of national development goals in the new era. He also sees it as an important forum for Ambassadors and heads of Vietnamese representative missions abroad to exchange experiences and agree on solutions for effectively implementing the foreign policy of the 14th Party Congress. Mr. Uch Leang expressed confidence that discussions at the conferences will help enhance the strategic bridge-building role of the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia, contributing to the realization of Vietnam's new foreign policy. This will also strengthen and promote comprehensive friendly cooperation for the benefit of the peoples of both nations, as well as for regional peace, stability, and sustainable development. The researcher from the Royal Academy of Cambodia recalled the affirmation by Vietnamese Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Cambodia, Nguyen Minh Vu, that General Secretary To Lam's choice of Cambodia as one of the first countries to visit after the 14th Party Congress sent a clear message of Vietnam's consistent emphasis on its relationship with Cambodia as a long-term strategic priority. Held periodically since 1957, the Diplomatic Conference is an important forum for Vietnam's diplomatic sector. It serves as an occasion for officials engaged in foreign affairs, both domestically and abroad, to grasp the Party's guidelines and policies, assess the international situation and foreign affairs work, and discuss and unify directions and tasks for the next phase.