The remarks were made by Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem while talking to local media at a meeting in Hanoi on Dec. 30.

Mr Khiem, who is also Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasised that Vietnam successfully performed its role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in 2009, including two months holding the Council’s presidency, saying this is the diplomatic sector’s most important achievement in the year.

During the past two years, Vietnam has actively contributed to the Council, showing its strong will and independence in dealing with regional and international issues. Many bilateral diplomatic activities also took place in 2009, with a focus on economic diplomacy, overseas Vietnamese affairs and issues relating to border and territory. In particular, cultural diplomacy was strongly promoted, thus creating an image of a dynamic, renovated and integrated Vietnam.

Deputy PM Khiem noted that the year 2009 saw the highest number of Vietnamese Cultural Days held overseas, including Europe, Latin America, Japan and the Republic of Korea. Notably, Quan Ho folksongs and Ca Tru (ceremonial singing) were recognised as the World Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

In 2010, Vietnam will organize many events and hold important positions, such as the Presidency of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the grand ceremony to mark the 1,000^th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi, he said.

The Deputy PM also expressed his belief that with significant achievements in 2009, Vietnam’s diplomatic sector will continue to promote comprehensive diplomacy and boost the nation’s international integration process.