Expanded diplomacy 2023 deepens Vietnamese bilateral and multilateral relations

During the year foreign affairs activities, especially high-level diplomacy, have taken place across continents and at many important multilateral forums and mechanisms such as ASEAN, the UN, the Mekong Subregion, APEC, AIPA, and COP 28.

In his remarks at the 32nd National Diplomatic Conference which was recently held in Hanoi, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong underlined the need to stay consistent in principles, whilst being flexible in policies and strategies while performing diplomatic tasks

He elaborated on the principles of national independence and socialism, emphasizing that policies and strategies should be adjusted flexibly, noting that the nation stands ready to be a friend, and both a reliable and responsible partner of all countries.

The strength of the nation should run in tandem with that of the era, whilst national interests should be in harmony with international missions and responsibilities, the Party chief stressed. 

Going from a country under siege and embargo to the present day, Vietnam has expanded and deepened relations with 193 countries and territories globally, including three countries with special relations, six with a comprehensive strategic partnership, and 12 with comprehensive partnership. The framework of relations with many important partners has been raised to new heights, political trust with many countries has been firmly consolidated, and co-operation has been increasingly expanded, both substantively and effectively.

The framework of relations with many important partners has been elevated to new heights, while political trust with many countries has been firmly consolidated In addition, co-operation has been increasingly expanded, substantively, and effectively.

Speaking during his recent visit to the nation, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping affirmed that mechanisms for people-to-people exchanges and ties between the two sides, including cultural exchanges and exchanges between bordering localities of the two sides, will contribute to strengthening bilateral links. Indeed, both parties will share a future in an ever-changing world and make greater contribution to the cause of human progress.

​​US President Joe Biden, in a joint press conference with General Secretary Trong after their talks during his official visit to Vietnam in September, expressed his joy when the two countries upgraded their relationship to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. This is an extremely important step for both countries as it demonstrates the strength of the relationship itself as they confront challenges that have enormous implications for the future of the wider region and the world as a whole.

On a multilateral level, the country has made many effective contributions and successfully assumed key roles at international organizations and forums, especially the UN and ASEAN.

​Vietnam has proactively proposed many creative ideas in most important international organisations and forums, especially ASEAN, ASEM, APEC, the UN, the group of G7, and G20 nations. The country has become an important link in many regional and global economic links.

​In an interview with VOV granted on the occasion of the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN - Japan Friendship and Cooperation, Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN Kiya Masahiko affirmed that the nation is an active member in ASEAN. The co-operative relationship between the country and Japan plays an important role in promoting Japan-ASEAN relations.

At international and regional forums, the nation has been trustfully elected to many important international positions, especially in ASEAN and the UN.

Indeed, it continues to play an active member of ASEAN, G-77, and leading the Group of Friends of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

This year has seen the country make many meaningful contributions as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2023 to 2025 term, the International Law Commission (2023-2027), the Executive Board of UNESCO (2021-2025), and the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (2022-2026).

Vietnam has actively contributed to common global issues such as climate change response, emission reduction, peace keeping efforts in Africa, and the dispatch of rescue forces to Turkey.

​Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, under-secretary-general of the UN and executive secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), during her visit to Vietnam in July this year, expressed her very good sentiment towards the country, with appreciation for the nation’s increasing role and position in the region and the world.

Veeramalla Anjaiah, a senior research fellow at the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) and senior journalist based in Jakarta, said that Vietnam is a stable and peaceful country. The Vietnamese Government is committed to protecting human rights and freedoms for its people. As a responsible nation, Vietnam strives to contribute to common, positive values and progress of humanity through actively participating in forums related to human rights of the UN and other organizations, he added.

A Vietnam with dynamic development, innovation, and international integration joining hands with the world to solve global problems is viewed as an outstanding message from important foreign affairs activities over the past year. All represent a new position for Vietnam in the fluctuated world geopolitical context.

Looking back at the success of foreign affairs activities, it can be said that never before has the position, prestige, and image of the country been independent, self-reliant, dynamically developing, a faithful and sincere friend, whilst also being a trusted partner and both an active and responsible member in the international arena as it is today.