The National Assembly Standing Committee questions diplomacy issues. Photo: quochoi.vn

Asked about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ role in signing visa exemption agreements with some countries to attract tourists and solutions to create favorable conditions for Vietnamese citizens when traveling abroad and vice versa, Minister Son said that amid the current level of extensive international integration, not only do citizens of other countries want to visit Vietnam, but Vietnamese citizens also have a great need to go out for business or tourism.

In that spirit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has adopted measures to support citizens of Vietnam and other countries to enter and exit the country smoothly, he said. 

"First, continue to coordinate with other ministries to simplify all immigration procedures for foreigners and Vietnamese compatriots abroad to return home. Second, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has worked with other ministries to negotiate with other countries to reach reciprocal visa exemption agreements."

"So, we have 28 countries, where their citizens can travel to each other and this is also the main direction that we will pursue, so that Vietnamese citizens can go abroad, as well as foreign citizens can enter Vietnam smoothly. By doing so, Vietnam’s position will increase," according to Son. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son answers questions from National Assembly deputies. Photo: quochoi.vn

The FM underscored connecting and attracting the resources of overseas Vietnamese academics.

“There are about six million Overseas Vietnamese in 130 countries and territories, of whom academics account for about 10%. We have worked to find some solutions to take advantage of this resource. First, diplomatic representative agencies mobilize people to establish knowledge, science and technology associations. Second, we coordinate with other ministries to connect the knowledge community through forums."

"Every year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organizes many events, both online and in person. In the near future, we will also organize a worldwide conference of Overseas Vietnamese and will coordinate with the Ministry of Planning and Investment to convene a conference on knowledge of Overseas Vietnamese."

Minister Son also answered questions on citizen protection, implementation of bilateral and multilateral agreements as well as solutions to boost economic, trade and investment cooperation agreements, cultural diplomacy, support for localities in preserving world cultural heritages in Vietnam