(VOVWORLD) - Vietnam has promoted a focused and effective diplomatic policy during its international integration to ensure the nation’s optimum interests. Diplomatic activities have contributed to raising Vietnam’s role in the international arena.
Vietnam’s diplomacy has never been busier than this year. In addition to bilateral and multilateral activities, the hosting of APEC Year 2017 has brought Vietnam opportunities to introduce its renovation, dynamism, development potential, and active international integration.
Busy, successful diplomatic activities
So far this year, Vietnam has received 20 foreign state leaders. The Vietnamese Party, State, government, and National Assembly leaders have made 16 overseas trips, including Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong’s visit to China, President Tran Dai Quang’s visits to China and Russia, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s visits to the US, Japan, and the EU, and National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan’s visit to a number of European countries.
 Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh
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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said: “We persistently pursue an external policy of being friends with all countries, diversification and multi-lateralization on the basis of independence and self-reliance in line with international law. We aim to create benefits for all countries, maintain peace and stability, and deepen our relations with other countries within a framework of comprehensive partnership and strategic partnership”.
Vietnam’s relations with neighboring countries have improved, especially following the celebration of the 55th anniversary of Vietnam-Laos diplomatic ties, the 40th anniversary of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty on Amity and Cooperation, the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Cambodia diplomatic ties, and the 50th anniversary of ASEAN. Vietnam has contributed to solidarity within ASEAN, promoted ASEAN’s role and protected its national interests. Vo Van Phuong is Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Communications and Education: “Through regional and international bilateral and multilateral diplomatic channels, we have demonstrated our persistent and resolute stance of defending our national sovereignty and territorial integrity and promoting friendship, cooperation, and dialogue to seek long-term solutions to East Sea issues and maintain solidarity within ASEAN.”
Effective contributions to multilateral forums
Vietnam has proactively and practically participated in regional and global forums including the World Economic Forum, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and the Regional Security Forum. Vietnam has fulfilled its membership role at the UN, the UN Human Rights Council, the World Heritage Committee, the UN Economic and Social Council, the UNESCO Executive Council, and the International Law Committee of the UN. Hosting APEC Year 2017 is the focus of Vietnam’s diplomatic activities this year. Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son said: This is an opportunity for Vietnam to demonstrate its renovation, dynamism and potential and its love of peace and friendship. APEC Year 2017 creates opportunities for Vietnam to strengthen its friendship and partnership with APEC members and establish business partnerships with the world’s leading companies as well as opportunities to promote exchanges between localities, enterprises, and peoples."