Honorary Consuls Bolster Vietnam's Diplomatic Network, Aid Citizens and Businesses

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang has stated that honorary consuls play an indispensable role in extending Vietnam's overseas presence, protecting Vietnamese citizens and businesses abroad, and fostering cooperation between Vietnam and host countries. Primarily stationed in locations without official Vietnamese diplomatic missions, honorary consuls effectively act as an extension of Vietnam's diplomatic reach. This allows Vietnam to overcome geographical limitations and safeguard the rights and promote the economic interests of its citizens across a wider range of regions. Deputy Minister Hang noted that reforms in this form of people-to-people diplomacy contribute to strengthening Vietnam's overall diplomatic capabilities. This is seen as part of Vietnam's diplomatic strategy to diversify and strengthen its international relations, particularly amidst complex relations with China, while prioritizing economic growth under its one-party system. The reform of people-to-people diplomacy is a crucial pillar in translating Vietnam's strategic vision of 'development-oriented diplomacy' into disciplined implementation, aiming to balance economic development with increased international influence. Source: VietnamPlus English