Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivers a speech at a reception in Hanoi on August 29, 2019 to celebrate the 74th National Day of Vietnam, September 2. (Photo: chinhphu.vn)

He made the statement at a reception in Hanoi on Thursday for foreign diplomats and heads of international organisations to celebrate the 74th National Day of Vietnam, September 2.

Mr. Phuc said Vietnam will have a great responsibility entrusted to it by the international community.

“Over the past seven decades millions of Vietnamese people, standing shoulder-to-shoulder, have overcome countless hurdles in the arduous struggle for national independence and self-determination and in pursuit of happiness," Mr. Phuc said.

"Today, following their predecessors, Vietnamese people are doing their best for peace and prosperity and firmly advancing to be on par with the world powers as President Ho Chi Minh wished 50 years ago."

"Since the beginning of this year, Vietnam has focused on improving the competitiveness of the nation, businesses, products, and services, on building a disciplinary and incorruptible apparatus towards creating a favorable business and investment environment to win the trust of the people and domestic and foreign enterprises.”

Prime Minister Phuc called on countries big and small to contribute to peace, cooperation and development efforts. He said relations between nations should be based on equality and respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and legitimate rights. Conflicts should be addressed through peaceful means on the basis of international law.