Mr Triet said that Vietnam has experienced many upheavals and learned that being loyal to Marxism is not enough, and that it is necessary to have the correct view, creatively apply Marxism to the actual situation and, at the same time, contribute to its development.

Many countries are currently building or following socialism and they have adopted different approaches to Marxism. We do not criticise these views, but need to consider, research and exchange ideas, said Mr Triet.

Citing the fall of socialism in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe in the early 1990s, the president spoke of lessons drawn from building the communist party to maintain the regime and continue along the socialist path.

To build socialism, the ruling party must be loyal to Marxist-Leninist ideology, serve the interest of the entire nation and take appropriate steps in specific national circumstances, stressed Mr Triet.

He expressed his hope that international scholars will clarify the road to socialism through an in-depth analysis of the fall of socialism in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, and the experience of building socialism in Vietnam and other countries.

He asked them to actively fight against hostile forces and capitalism that use democratic and human rights issues and stage the ‘colour’ revolution in an attempt to overthrow socialism, intervene in the internal affairs of other nations and divide international solidarity.

He affirmed that only socialism brings equality to all. Vietnam will pursue the road to socialism as it brings a bright future to the Vietnamese nation, and this is the road the Vietnamese people have chosen, said Mr Triet.

The scholars said Vietnam has set an example in creatively applying Marxist-Leninism to reality and its experiences should be summarised and studied. They expressed their belief that despite the fall of socialism in the former Soviet Union and East Europe, more and more people in the world are returning to socialism.