33rd Diplomatic Conference: Foreign Affairs to Shape New Era of National Development

The 33rd Diplomatic Conference, a key forum for shaping Vietnam's foreign policy, officially opened in Hanoi on August 1. Presentations from ministries, central agencies, and local authorities offered in-depth analyses of current practical developments and proposed breakthrough solutions across a wide range of sectors, contributing to the country's diplomatic agenda for a new era of national development. Participants stressed the need to safeguard national interests to the fullest and acknowledged that the top leader's broad directions provide fresh impetus for a new stage of development. Notably, it was suggested that Vietnamese diplomacy is shifting from its traditional role of "paving the way" to a more proactive approach of "creating development resources." This shift reflects Vietnam's rapid economic growth and increasing influence in the international arena in recent years. Under its one-party system, which prioritizes economic development, Vietnam seeks to attract technology and investment and maintain a stable international environment through its external relations. While strengthening ties with the US and European nations, it carefully balances its relationship with China, a traditional ally, between economic interdependence and security concerns. The proactive, resource-creation-focused diplomatic approach signaled at this conference can be seen as a declaration of Vietnam's intention to play a greater role in the international community. It served as an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of diplomacy in accelerating domestic economic development and improving the lives of its citizens.