The 13th National Party Congress, scheduled to take place in Hanoi from January 25 to February 2, is attracting attention both in Vietnam and around the world, as it will mark an important milestone in setting out orientations for the country’s reforms, integration and development in the time ahead.

The Foreign Ministry held an annual meeting with the press at the Government Guesthouse in Hanoi on January 19, praising press agencies and reporters nationwide for their contributions to achievements made by the diplomatic sector in the past year.

VOV.VN - Brunei Minister of Foreign Affairs II Dato Erywan Pehin Yusof has congratulated Vietnam for fulfilling its term as Chair of ASEAN in 2020, especially its role in leading the regional bloc to overcome unprecedented difficulties and challenges.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Dung has called on correspondents from foreign media agencies and cultural and press attachés as well as representatives from foreign agencies in Vietnam to help promote the country’s image among international friends.

A leading Russian expert on Vietnamese studies expressed his belief in a bright future for Vietnam in an article published in the “Multipolar World” magazine on January 12.

VOV.VN - Rusvesna, an online Russian newspaper, published an article on January 11 highlighting impressive Vietnamese achievements in terms of economic development, poverty reduction, and epidemic prevention, in addition to implementing the Party’s foreign policy.

International economic integration was a bright spot in Vietnam’s external affairs activities in 2020, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son has said.

Vietnam and Cambodia have agreed to intensify defence cooperation in 2021, with the focus on stepping up border checks and patrols to prevent illegal entry and exit so as to contribute to each country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Foreign media view 2020 as a truly special year for Vietnam as the country has not only performed the dual role of ASEAN Chair and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) but also done a good job of concurrently containing COVID-19 and sustaining economic growth.

The Sputnik news agency of Russia recently published an article that reviewed commentaries on Vietnam posted by Russian and other countries’ press outlets, reflecting Vietnam’s COVID-19 combat and achievements in different areas, especially diplomacy and economy.