PM Phuc: Buiding constructive diplomacy for national development

In his remarks at the conference on August 23, the cabinet leader has hailed the diplomatic sector’s significant contributions to Vietnam’s international integration and development.  

He said after 30 years of renewal, Vietnam has boost deeper integration into the global economy, maintained peace, won outside support for its strategic interests, and enhanced its international profile. 

PM Phuc also pointed out challenges such as Vietnam being located in a geo-strategic region which world powers are competing fiercely in for control. Vietnam faces threat posed by territorial disputes in the East Sea and instabilities in the world. 

The government leader called on the diplomatic sector to be more proactive and flexible to pave the way for national industrialization and modernization. 

“First, it’s necessary to define the strategic priorities of the country and developed a strategic thinking for the diplomatic sector in the new period. We can’t do everything because of our limited resources, time, and opportunities. 

What will be the core national interests in protecting our sovereignty, ensuring security, developing the economy, and promoting Vietnam’s influence globally? We need to identify what are immutable and what are negotiable with other countries. That’s the way we apply President Ho Chi Minh’s thoughts in diplomacy: "Keeping calm is to cope with uncertainties." he stressed.

Phuc also urged the diplomatic sector to establish a constructive diplomacy method to enhance Vietnam’s position in the world and maintain peace and stability for national development.

He asked the sector to define strategic priorities for Vietnam, especially the core interests in sovereignty and security protection, socio-economic development, and bringing into play the country’s influence in the global arena. 

It should play a more active role in international institutions such as the United Nations, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and ASEAN so as to promote Vietnam’s image in the international arena.

He wished that each diplomat will be the best representative of Vietnam and its interests in other countries, adding that a professional diplomat in the new era must also serve as an economist, a scholar and a cultural ambassador.