2012 was an eventful year for the diplomatic sector. Reciprocal visits of high-ranking leaders have deepened Vietnam’s relationship with other countries. Le Hai Binh is Head of the Department of External Policies under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “There were two major developments. First, the number of delegations visiting Vietnam increased 4 to 5 times compared to the previous year. Second, the quality of the relations rose. Many countries wanted to elevate their relations with Vietnam such as Singapore, Thailand, and Italy. This shows that Vietnam’s status has been raised internationally and foreign friends respect their relations with Vietnam.”

Last year’s Vietnam Friendship Year with Laos and Cambodia saw celebrations which reinforced mutual regard, understanding, and trust. Vietnam’s relations with ASEAN members and ASEAN’s strategic partners - Russia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, India, the US, and the EU - have been strengthened.

Diplomatic activities have played a significant role in national achievements. Vietnam’s trade revenues with its major partners have increased. Approximately 6.8 million tourists came to Vietnam, an increase of 14% for the year 2011. Foreign donors have promised 6.5 billion USD in ODA for Vietnam this year. Russia has acknowledged Vietnam as one of its top strategic partners in Asia – Pacific. Japan continues to be Vietnam’s biggest ODA provider and last year’s foreign direct investment (FDI) from Japan to Vietnam surged sharply. Vietnam – US relations have grown in several fields, but especially in humanitarian cooperation for victims of Agent Orange/ Dioxin. Vietnam and the EU signed a Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and began negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement. So far, 34 countries have recognized Vietnam’s market economy status, including Japan and Italy.

Diplomatic activities have promoted Vietnam’s commitments to protecting its sea and island sovereignty. Vietnam upholds the diplomatic path of solving disputes through dialogues and negotiations based on international law. It has created connections and friendship with other countries and made the international community see and support Vietnam’s just viewpoints. Vietnamese Ambassador to the UN Le Hoai Trung says: “At international forums, Vietnam always exhibits its stance and efforts, together with other countries, to strictly comply with international law in resolving disputes and maritime boundaries. Vietnam’s policies show its goodwill and seriousness in implementing international law, the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and agreements with ASEAN on cooperating to resolve marine disputes.”

In 2012, people’s diplomacy saw a series of exchanges and visits to reinforce unity, friendship, and mutual understanding between the Vietnamese and people of other countries. The international community learned more about religious freedom and human rights in Vietnam. Le Hai Binh, Head of the Department of External Policies, elaborates: “We have combined cooperation with frank discussion. We don’t avoid matters but seek to create dialogues to narrow differences and enhance mutual understanding. More importantly, we don’t let difficulties affect bilateral political and economic relations between Vietnam and its major partners.” 

Last year’s diplomatic achievements created solid basis for Vietnam to overcome challenges and successfully fulfill its tasks in the future. Vietnam will boost bilateral diplomatic activities to achieve clear identification of regional priorities, partners, sectors, and measures. Regarding multi-lateral external relations, Vietnam will contribute more initiatives to international issues to fulfill its role as “a responsible member of the international community” and take a firm stance on the international stage.

Anh Huyen