Foreign affairs gains in 2024 support Vietnam in new era of national advancement

On the occasion of the end of 2024 and the preparation for the New Year 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son gave an interview to the press about the diplomatic milestones of the past year, as well as the directions and tasks for Vietnam’s diplomacy in the era of national advancement. The following are excerpts from the interview.

Question: Could you provide an overview of Vietnam’s diplomacy in 2024 and the key achievements of the diplomatic sector?

Deputy PM and FM Bui Thanh Son: In 2024, the world continued to experience complex developments with many instabilities and conflicts. Urgent global issues such as climate change, natural disasters, pandemics, food security, and water security have had multi-dimensional impacts, posing serious threats to the stable and sustainable development of countries. However, in this context, Vietnam maintained its stability and development track, and is considered by the international community as one of the "bright spots" in the region. Active diplomatic activities yielded substantial results, contributing to a new height in diplomacy, and creating favorable momentum for the country to enter the era of national advancement.

Top Vietnamese leaders carried out 59 foreign activities, including 21 visits to countries and participation in multilateral meetings, while hosting 25 foreign delegations. We also intensified the implementation of international agreements and upgraded over 170 cooperation agreements in various fields, particularly those of national interest.

Vietnam upgraded its relationship to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with major partners like Australia, France, and Malaysia; Strategic Partnership with Brazil; and established Comprehensive Partnerships with Mongolia and the UAE. With the establishment of diplomatic relations with Malawi, Vietnam officially has relations with all African countries, bringing the total number of diplomatic partners to 194.

Economic diplomacy has continuously contributed positively to the country's overall economic achievements, despite global economic difficulties. Economic cooperation occupied a significant part of foreign activities, connecting and leveraging partners such as China, the US, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and India in fields such as digital transformation, green transition, semiconductor manufacturing, and AI. We have engaged in new supply chains and expanded export markets through 17 signed FTAs; welcomed investment flows and attracted high-quality FDI and new-generation ODA; and expanded the tourism and labour markets.

In 2024, Vietnam’s trade turnover is expected to reach a new record of over US$800 billion. It remains one of the top FDI recipients globally, with over 15.8 million international visitors in the first 11 months of the year, a 44% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

In response to global changes, defense-security-foreign affairs has formed a tripod, helping to protect sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security. Vietnam achieved important progress in negotiations with countries, harmonizing unresolved issues, and advancing the formulation of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea in line with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

In addition, Vietnam has continued to assert its role, position, and prestige in multilateral diplomacy. On international platforms such as ASEAN, AIPA, the United Nations, APEC, the Mekong Subregion, G20, G7, BRICS, the Non-Aligned Movement, Francophonie, and OECD, Vietnam has contributed positively and responsibly to various initiatives, receiving international acclaims. Its role has been recognized, especially in the UN Human Rights Council and UNESCO's governance mechanisms.

The country has continuously improved its strength through various diplomatic efforts, such as external information, cultural diplomacy, overseas Vietnamese people, and citizen protection. These efforts have contributed to UNESCO’s recognition of 6 new cultural and heritage titles, bringing the total to 71, which is a valuable resource for sustainable socio-economic and cultural development.

Question: How can multilateral diplomacy be further strengthened to elevate Vietnam’s position on the world stage and create a favorable environment for national development?

Deputy PM and FM Bui Thanh Son: Strengthening and elevating multilateral diplomacy is a strategic direction for us. Multilateral institutions and forums play an essential role in addressing security and development issues that concern Vietnam. In a rapidly changing security and development environment, all countries, large and small, are aware of the need to enhance cooperation and connectivity to address urgent global challenges. On this basis, we have shifted from a policy of "participation" to being an "active, responsible member," by putting forward and leading many cooperation initiatives, and proactively participating in shaping global governance, frameworks, and laws. In 2024, multilateral diplomacy made remarkable contributions in important regional and global forums like ASEAN, the UN, the Mekong Subregion, APEC, G20, G7, BRICS, AIPA, and others. Vietnam also successfully assumed positions in key international organizations, such as the UN Human Rights Council and UNESCO.

The international community highly appreciates Vietnam’s capabilities, role, and substantial, responsible contributions to global issues. This sentiment was echoed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during his meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the G20 Summit in Brazil, where he described Vietnam as a model of peace and sustainable development.

With its newfound strength and position, Vietnam is well-placed and expected to make greater contributions as a member of the international community. This new stature enables Vietnam, in the coming period, not only to participate in the development and shaping of multilateral institutions and initiatives but also to take on a pivotal and leading role in key strategic issues and mechanisms aligned with national interests.

The year 2025 will mark significant milestones in multilateral diplomacy, such as the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s membership in ASEAN and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. Building on its record of global contributions, Vietnam’s multilateral diplomacy will focus on effectively preparing and hosting major international events such as the ASEAN Future Forum, the fourth P4G Summit (Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals), and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Conference.

Vietnam will continue to successfully fulfill its responsibilities within various organizations and multilateral forums, including ASEAN, the Mekong sub-region, APEC, and United Nations mechanisms such as UNESCO and the UN Women Executive Board for 2025–2027.

Vietnam aims to be an active and responsible member of multilateral organizations and will continue pursuing positions that align with its priorities and interests. Notable initiatives include candidacy for the UN Human Rights Council for 2026–2028, and first-ever candidacy for the position of Judge at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for 2026–2035.

It also commits to playing a more active and responsible role in addressing global challenges, particularly responding to climate change, advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and expanding participation in peacekeeping, disaster response, and humanitarian aid activities.

Question: What is the role of economic diplomacy in achieving Vietnam’s goal of becoming a modern industrialized country by 2025 and achieving a high-income status by 2045?

Deputy PM and FM Bui Thanh Son: Economic diplomacy has made significant contributions to realizing the goals set by the 13th National Party Congress. Activities in economic diplomacy and external economic relations have truly served as a driving force for economic recovery and growth from the post-COVID-19 period until now.

Looking at the experiences of the “Asian Tigers” and other pioneering nations, the essence of economic diplomacy during their transformative eras was to strategically position their countries within the main global trends and developments. This created expanded opportunities and enabled breakthroughs critical to their national development strategies.

Today’s world presents complex, unpredictable, and uncertain developments, but it also offers opportunities to nations to harness new growth drivers, such as the green economy, the digital economy, and advancements in science and technology, to make substantial progress.

Domestically, with Vietnam’s newfound strengths and achievements over nearly 40 years of Đổi Mới (Renewal), and given the pressing demands of the current era, this is a moment of convergence to propel the country into a new era. As Party General Secretary To Lam recently stated, to seize these opportunities, we must deeply understand that to step into this new era, economic diplomacy must continue to serve the people, businesses, and localities with greater efficiency, depth, substance, and creativity.

On the one hand, economic diplomacy must fully capitalize on traditional growth drivers like exports, investment, and tourism. This involves leveraging the benefits of existing free trade and investment agreements, especially targeting underutilized markets and sectors. Efforts should include attracting new sources of investment and finance, particularly from regions like the Middle East and Latin America, as well as from major global corporations and investment funds. Resolving outstanding large-scale projects can create momentum to attract new initiatives. Furthermore, there should be consistent reviews and implementations of international commitments and agreements, converting recently elevated partnerships with key partners into actionable and impactful economic cooperation programs and projects.

On the other hand, breakthroughs are needed to unlock new growth drivers in emerging fields, as repeatedly emphasized and directed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Moving forward, the focus of economic diplomacy will be on identifying and leveraging opportunities arising from global economic trends such as digital transformation, green transition, and energy transition. This includes forming deep partnerships with global innovation hubs, including both nations and corporations, in groundbreaking sectors like high technology, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies.

Recent agreements with Nvidia and other tech giants exemplify this direction. Establishing a foothold in emerging supply and production chains is crucial in positioning Vietnam as a sustainable, critical, and increasingly influential link. Specialized and sector-focused diplomatic initiatives, such as technology diplomacy, climate diplomacy, agricultural diplomacy, infrastructure diplomacy, and digital economy diplomacy, will play vital roles in driving the country's economic development moving forward.

Question: As an integral part of the nation, the overseas Vietnamese community has grown stronger, more connected, and has continuously contributed to the country's development across various aspects. How can we leverage their resources for national development?

Deputy PM and FM Bui Thanh Son: Nearly six million Vietnamese living and working in over 130 countries and territories are an inseparable part of the nation. Our consistent and long-standing policy is to support overseas Vietnamese in stabilizing their lives, integrating into local communities, achieving stable economic and legal status, fostering community ties, and strengthening national solidarity. At the same time, we create favourable conditions for overseas Vietnamese to contribute to the development of their homeland."

Their contributions, including investments, remittances, and intellectual capital, are essential resources for national development. For instance, 421 FDI projects led by overseas Vietnamese, with a total registered capital of US$1.72 billion, span across 42 out of 63 provinces and cities. Furthermore, remittance inflows are projected to reach US$16 billion in 2024. The diaspora also contributes significantly to science, technology, education, healthcare, and philanthropic initiatives in Vietnam.

Given the nation’s current transformative era, the importance of harnessing the strength of overseas Vietnamese has never been greater. Key tasks include mobilizing their contributions to national development and defense, enhancing domestic policies and legal frameworks to strengthen their connections with the homeland, and implementing comprehensive, long-term measures to care for and develop the overseas Vietnamese community.

To fully leverage the economic and intellectual resources of the diaspora, the government is pursuing various initiatives, including simplifying administrative procedures to facilitate returnees investing or doing business in Vietnam, advancing digital connectivity with the diaspora, and supporting Vietnamese language education and cultural preservation, particularly for younger generations. Moreover, key legal documents such as the Land Law, Housing Law, Real Estate Business Law, and Citizen Identification Law are being refined to create a favorable environment for the expatriates to live, work, and invest in homeland.

With breakthrough policies and an enabling environment, the overseas Vietnamese community will undoubtedly continue to maximize its potential and contribute to the nation’s development.

Question: Could you please figure out the connotation of Vietnam’s diplomacy line in the era of national advancement?

Deputy PM and FM Bui Thanh Son: As Party General Secretary To Lam stated, Vietnam stands at a historic turning point. Propelling the nation into a new era aligns with both global trends and the practical experiences of pioneering nations. History shows that a country’s ascent in global politics, economics, and civilization requires significant breakthroughs and fundamental qualitative changes.

This new era demands the participation of all sectors, fields, forces, the entire political system, and the whole nation. Past lessons reveal that foreign policy plays a vital role in positioning Vietnam advantageously within the flow of global developments, integrating national strength with international opportunities to support the country’s rise.

First, amidst global interdependence, national stability and development are inseparable from a conducive regional and international environment. Diplomacy must ensure this stability, allowing Vietnam to embark on its new development phase.

Second, diplomacy serves as a bridge between domestic strengths and external opportunities, harnessing resources such as trade, investment, ODA, and trends like green growth and digital transformation.

Third, with its strengthened economy, security, and foreign relations, Vietnam is well-positioned to contribute more to global peace, development, and settlement of common challenges, thus promoting an international order grounded in fairness, equality, and adherence to international law.

Fourth, Vietnam’s cultural heritage, remarkable achievements in Đổi Mới, and a foreign policy rooted in peace, friendship, and cooperation enhance its image as a responsible and proactive global player.

Realizing this vision requires a streamlined, efficient, and capable foreign policy apparatus, coupled with policies and resources that empower diplomacy. Building a team of skilled, innovative, and forward-thinking diplomats is equally crucial.