Vietnam Expands Diplomatic Space for Development

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam chaired the first meeting of the Central Steering Committee for Foreign Affairs and International Integration in Hanoi on June 30. The session focused on implementing Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW, which outlines a vision for Vietnam's "heartbeat to resonate with that of the world, breathe in step with the spirit of the times, contribute to peace shaping, foster prosperity, and build a stronger and higher international standing for the country and nation." Associate Professor Dr. Duong Van Quang, former Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, emphasized the importance of digital-era communications in building knowledge, trust, and credibility through authentic and culturally distinctive stories. This highlights Vietnam's strategy to leverage its cultural identity in shaping its international image. Vietnam is actively strengthening bilateral ties, celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with the Philippines. The Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand underscored the role of universities in shaping the future of bilateral partnerships through education, research, and people-to-people connections. Proposals were also made to deepen cooperation with Greece and enhance the utilization of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), indicating a drive for greater economic and political integration. Domestically, the contributions of the People's Public Security force in maintaining national security were acknowledged. Dialogue with the business community was also prioritized, recognizing its crucial role as the "vanguard on the economic front" in driving growth and employment. Vietnam also demonstrated its commitment to honoring national traditions and collective memory through efforts like the recovery of historical remains, framing it as an act of gratitude and a reaffirmation of national identity. These diplomatic and domestic initiatives underscore Vietnam's multifaceted strategy to expand its international influence and development space while pursuing economic growth under its one-party system. Balancing economic development with national security will be a key aspect of Vietnam's foreign policy moving forward, particularly in its relations with China.