On behalf of the Party and State leadership, Party General Secretary To Lam warmly commended and congratulated the diplomatic service for its outstanding achievements and contributions, while expressing the expectation that the entire diplomatic sector will continue to unite, innovate, and demonstrate creativity, achieving new accomplishments worthy of the trust and confidence of the Party, State, and people.

He emphasized that the proud 80-year tradition, achievements, and history of Vietnam’s diplomacy have left valuable lessons that remain relevant today and for the future. These represent the crystallization of revolutionary theory and practice, forging the resilience of a mature diplomatic service as it stands today.

Vietnamese diplomacy faces a historic mission. The Party chief called on the diplomatic sector to focus on several directions: building a comprehensive, modern, and professional diplomatic service imbued with Vietnamese identity; ensuring comprehensiveness across the three pillars of Party diplomacy, State diplomacy, and people-to-people diplomacy; coordinating closely with national defense, security, economy, science and technology, culture, and external information; modernizing mindset, methods, and tools, including implementing digital transformation in diplomacy, conducting big data analysis, and applying digital diplomacy – digital citizen – digital communication; and standardizing diplomatic procedures and standards. The sector must demonstrate professionalism in personnel, organizational structure, execution discipline, conduct, negotiation skills, and multilateral capacity on regional and global levels.

Promoting the distinctiveness of Vietnamese diplomacy by being steadfast in principles, flexible in strategy, and ensuring the highest national and patriotic interests, while continuously enhancing the country’s stature, upholding the values of peace, emphasizing humanism, and actively contributing responsibly to the common values of humanity and the international community.

In his speech, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son emphasized that amid the spirit of the August Revolution and the National Day celebrations, the diplomatic service marked a special milestone-80 years of formation and development. The anniversary provided an opportunity to review the journey so far, honor past generations, and inspire confidence, aspiration, and responsibility for the path ahead.

He recalled that 80 years ago, President Ho Chi Minh established the Provisional Revolutionary Government and personally assumed the role of the first Foreign Minister, initiating a distinguished mission for Vietnam’s diplomacy as a “combined force of the revolution” on the non-military front, defending independence and sovereignty, and connecting the nation with friends across the world.

Over the past 80 years, Vietnam’s diplomacy has conducted negotiations amid wartime fire and broken blockades. It has also expanded international integration and affirmed the nation’s standing. From the 1946 Preliminary Agreement, the 1954 Geneva Agreement, and the 1973 Paris Agreement to the Renovation period, each milestone reflects the intelligence, courage, and dedication of generations of diplomats.

Vietnam’s diplomatic service has helped lift the country from isolation, broadened international relations, and established Vietnam as a trusted partner and active member of the global community. In recognition of its contributions, the ministry has been awarded prestigious honors, including the Gold Star Order, the Ho Chi Minh Order, and numerous other decorations.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed, “Eighty years is not merely a number; it represents the legacy of thousands of diplomats, from veterans to today’s younger generation, who have sacrificed and dedicated themselves to safeguarding national interests and enhancing Vietnam’s standing and reputation.”

He expressed gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh, past Party and State leaders, senior diplomats, the current diplomatic staff, relevant agencies, local authorities, and international partners who have accompanied Vietnam’s diplomatic service. He highlighted that in a rapidly changing and complex world, the diplomatic service must continue to innovate, act decisively, and harness intellect and aspiration to write new chapters of distinction, serving as a solid foundation for the country’s development.

On behalf of today’s diplomatic generation, Deputy PM and FM Bui Thanh Son pledged to overcome challenges, uphold the glorious traditions, and contribute to achieving the nation’s goals of strength, prosperity, and well-being in the new era.

Diplomacy helps enhance Vietnam’s international position: Official

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son has highlighted the prominent diplomatic achievements of Vietnam, the diplomatic service's contributions to the process of national development over the last eight decades, and its future development orientations.