Top Vietnamese Leader Engages in Diplomacy and Showcases International Presence in US

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam met with American friends in New York on the afternoon of September 21 (local time) as part of his trip to attend the High-Level General Debate of the 81st UN General Assembly and conduct bilateral activities. During the meeting, General Secretary and President To Lam stated that Vietnam's foreign policy priorities will be determined by national interests and development requirements, while being harmonized with peace, stability, and development in the region and the world. This reaffirms Vietnam's commitment to an independent and self-reliant foreign policy and its responsible role in the international community. Earlier that day, he also met with Vietnamese experts and intellectuals in the US, exchanging views and fostering connections. These engagements served as crucial opportunities to strengthen Vietnam's international network and leverage expertise and cooperation from abroad. International scholars suggest that General Secretary and President To Lam’s trip to the US is strategically significant, not only deepening the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership but also highlighting Vietnam’s constructive role and responsible contributions to addressing global security and development challenges. Nearly half a century after joining the UN on September 20, 1977, Vietnam has actively contributed to global peace, security, and development efforts, and these diplomatic activities are expected to further enhance its international standing. In addition, Vietnam continues its participation in UN peacekeeping operations. The Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 8 and Engineering Unit Rotation 5 departed for missions in South Sudan and Abyei, respectively. This concrete action showcases Vietnam as a peace-loving and responsible nation, ready to contribute to the UN's common endeavors. Kanni Wignaraja, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the UNDP, noted that Vietnam can offer valuable lessons in fostering trust and enhancing multilateralism through its experience in combining economic growth with social progress and environmental protection, indicating Vietnam's growing influence on the global stage. Source: VietnamPlus English