In his keynote speech, Cuong highlighted the profound historical significance of the April 30, 1975 victory, which marked the end of the war against American imperialism, national reunification, and the beginning of a new era of peace, independence, and development for Vietnam.

He acknowledged the significant contribution of Vietnamese diplomacy to that historic victory, and stated that although half a century has passed, the historical significance and profound lessons from the April 30, 1975 victory continue to hold enduring value, both nationally and in the broader context of the times, especially in diplomacy’s role in peacebuilding, national protection, and development.

The President reaffirmed that Vietnam’s diplomacy has consistently played a vital role across historical periods, from wartime negotiations at the Geneva and Paris conferences, to peacebuilding and global integration during the Doi Moi (Renovation) era.

Today, he said, Vietnam stands as a respected member of the international community, with diplomatic ties in 194 countries, and strategic or comprehensive partnerships with all permanent UN Security Council members and G7 nations.

The President underlined that the lessons of Vietnam’s diplomatic struggle, including independence, self-reliance, combining national strength with global solidarity, and the flexible yet consistent application of Ho Chi Minh’s diplomatic philosophy, remain deeply relevant in today’s complex world.

Amidst a world undergoing historic and transformative changes, the President stated that Vietnam consistently pursues a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development, while actively diversifying and multilateralizing its international relations. The country also remains steadfast in its “Four No’s” defence policy and is ready to actively and positively contribute to global politics, the world economy, and human civilization.

The President expressed hope that the conference would shed light on diplomacy’s pivotal role throughout Vietnam’s history and offer practical insights to jointly shape and safeguard sustainable peace in the region and beyond.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, in his opening remarks, noted that the victory of April 30, 1975 was the result of patriotism, great national unity, and the burning desire for peace of the Vietnamese people. Throughout that journey, diplomacy played a crucial role by bridging national strength with global support and spreading the just cause of Vietnam’s struggle.

Vietnam will actively participate in building and safeguarding an international order that is fair and equitable, based on international law, while elevating its contributions to global security and peacebuilding efforts, he said.

Participants at the conference, including veteran diplomats, international scholars, and historical witnesses, explored Vietnam’s contributions to peace efforts and shared insights on how the country can continue with peace promotion, conflict resolution, and sustainable development globally.

They offered proposals and initiatives for Vietnam to further contribute to regional and international peace efforts, drawing on its own extraordinary path to national reunification and construction.

The conference was held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to mark 50 years of the liberation of the South and national reunification. (April 30, 1975 – 2025).

Defence diplomacy to be reinforced to support strategic tasks

VOV.VN - In an increasingly volatile and complex global landscape, Vietnam’s defence diplomacy has proven to be a key pillar in building strategic trust, resolving conflicts, and minimising disagreements to prevent war and maintain peace, as well as ensuring stability for development, said a senior military officer.