President Tran Dai Quang (C) poses for a photo with other APEC economic  leaders (Photo: Huong Tra/VOV5)

On April 2, 2016, at the 11^th session of the 13^th National Assembly, Tran Dai Quang was elected President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. His most prominent foreign affairs legacy was hosting the APEC Year 2017 in Danang in early November. Representing Vietnam, the host country, President Quang chaired key meetings and held frank, sincere talks on major issues of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum whose members include superpowers of the world. Meeting with Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, President Quangdelivered a subtle message that Vietnam is a friend and comprehensive partner with other countries through mutual respect and respect of each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political regime.

Mr. Quang drew the media’s attention when he addressed delegates from APEC members at a banquet, citing a Vietnamese saying to emphasize the importance of cooperation between members. Mr. Quang said the Asia Pacific region, a former battlefield, has turned into a cradle of miraculous stories about economic growth. The formation of this success was possible because we believed in the strength of cooperation and dialogue.

Sincerity, warmness, and thoughtfulness of President Quang and his wife touched the hearts of the top leaders of APEC member countries, contributing to the event’s success.