(VOVworld)- Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh has highlighted achievements of Vietnam’s diplomacy in 2012. Speaking to reporters on the occasion of the New Year 2013, the Foreign Minister said Vietnam has furthered ties with other countries, especially with its major partners and traditional friends. Vietnam’s relations with foreign countries have been upgraded showing its increasing prestige in the world arena. 2012 marked the success of the Vietnam-Lao Friendship and Solidarity Year and Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Year. Vietnam successfully organized the Vietnam- Latin American Trade Forum last year thus enhancing its international economic integration. Last year, Vietnam actively implemented agreements on land border with China, rehabilitated border markers with Laos and strengthened border delineation with Cambodia. The economic diplomacy has contributed to boosting trade, economic and investment relations between Vietnam and other countries. In regard to key tasks of Vietnam’s diplomatic activities next year, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said: “In 2013, Vietnam’s diplomatic activities aim at maintaining peace and stability to serve national development. Vietnam will strengthen relations with foreign partners, boost the establishment of the ASEAN Community, actively participate in regional and international forums and contribute to coping with global challenges. The country aims at strengthening national defense, defending national sovereignty, building a border of peace and stability with neighboring countries thus contributing to maintaining peace, stability, and maritime freedom, security and safety in region. In addition, Vietnam will also boost economic, cultural diplomacy and pay more attention to overseas Vietnamese affairs and citizen protection”.