Development-Focused Diplomacy Must Be Central: Top Vietnamese Leader

Vietnamese Ambassador to France Trinh Duc Hai stressed the importance of translating high-level political trust and cooperation frameworks into practical programmes, projects and measurable outcomes that directly support national development and benefit people and businesses. Representative offices must align with Vietnam's development priorities while understanding the strengths, interests and operating environments of host countries to identify long-term opportunities, connect the right partners and persistently advance cooperation initiatives. Recent diplomatic activities demonstrate that the foreign policy set out at the 14th National Party Congress is being translated into concrete action, reaffirming diplomacy as a "vital and regular" task alongside national defence and security. Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, stressed that Resolution 06 should not be seen in isolation but is tightly interwoven with Resolution 59 on global integration and other strategic Party resolutions on sci-tech, innovation, and foreign investment attraction. Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung congratulated delegates on the conference's success and highlighted ASEAN's growth from a historic decision to replace division with dialogue and confrontation with cooperation into a community of peace, progress, and shared prosperity, with an economy worth $3.9 trillion and a population of nearly 700 million. Party General Secretary and State President To Lam stated that Vietnam highly values its relationship with the Republic of Korea (RoK) and wishes to further foster the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, especially in politics, economy, trade, investment, science and technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Furthermore, To Lam emphasized the need for a fundamental shift from "simple labour" to "creative labour," alongside improving the quality of the national workforce, calling this the biggest goal and most important measure of the Politburo's Resolution No. 57 in the new development phase. The Party and State also regard border and territorial affairs as a key and regular task, crucial for safeguarding sovereignty, preserving a peaceful environment, and strengthening friendly relations with neighboring countries. Building on the legacy of Vietnam’s revolutionary diplomacy, the country’s growing strength, and the combined efforts of the political system, Vietnam’s multilateral diplomacy is well-positioned for a decisive transition – from active participation to proactive contribution, from following international rules to helping shape them, and from consolidating Vietnam’s position to leveraging it for national development and safeguarding the Fatherland. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue expanding the honorary consul network by identifying qualified candidates and providing them with updated information on Vietnam’s economic potential and investment opportunities, enabling them to make greater contributions to the country’s development in the new era. Source: VietnamPlus English