Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh opens the 30th Diplomatic Conference (Photo: VNA)
Opening the conference, the head of the diplomatic sector noted that the diplomatic sector has contributed to mobilising external resources for national growth, protecting national independence, sovereignty, and the territory and maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for development, as assigned by the leader of the Communist Party of Vietnam at the previous Diplomatic Conference.
Addressing the conference, Party General Secretary, Nguyen Phu Trong, also shared the praise for the diplomatic sector, noting that in the past three years, especially in 2017, the sector recorded various important achievements and became a bright spot in the country’s success.
Particularly, the sector has made important contributions to boosting the country’s economic growth, he said, underlining the fact that, since 2016, the country has seen a higher economic growth than the average in the 2011-2015 period, while all macro-economic indications have been positive, especially foreign investment and import-export revenue.
Total foreign direct investment in 2017 reached US$ 35.88 billion, up 44.4 percent annualy, setting a record ten-year high, of which US$ 17.5 billion was disbursed, a rise of 10.8 percent over 2016.
Meanwhile, donors also committed over US$ 3 billion in official development assistance for Vietnam to 2020.
The number of foreign tourists travelling to Vietnam hits a record 13 million.
So far, 71 countries have recognised Vietnam’s market economy. Vietnam has signed 12 free trade agreements with partners, with 10 already taking effect, said the Party chief.
He stressed that diplomatic activities have played an important role in enhancing the position of Vietnam in the global arena, and deepening and consolidating the relations between Vietnam and other countries, especially prioritised and important partners.
To date, Vietnam has set up strategic partnership with 16 countries, comprehensive partnership with 11 countries and special strategic partnership with Laos and Cambodia, while accelerating international integration in all fields, and promoting its active role at regional and global institutions.
The attainments have proved that the foreign policy set by the 12th Party National Congress and the Party’s relevant policies related to foreign affairs are correct, he said.
"Vietnam always pursues the consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development, multilateralising and diversifying relationships, and actively and proactively integrating into the world for national benefit,” he stated.
The Party chief highlighted that issues of core interest require Vietnam to raise a stronger voice and take a more active stance, first of all in the region.
He asked the sector to continue implementing the Party’s guidelines on foreign policy towards the overall goal of maintaining a peaceful and stable environment favourable for the cause of national construction and defence, while resolutely and persistently safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and legitimate interests in line with international law.
It is crucial to remain persistent and judicious in the settlement of complicated external matters, including those related to sovereignty and territory, he underscored.
The Party General Secretary also requested the sector to enhance the efficiency of its external activities, especially in economic and security-defence cooperation with other countries.
The diplomatic conference, which was initiated in 1957, convenes every two years to provide a venue for the diplomatic sector to reach a consensus on the awareness, resolve and action to effectively implement the Party and State’s foreign policy.
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