(Photo: VOV)

On September 2, 1945, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was proclaimed, opening a new era of independence and freedom for the nation. Eight decades later, Vietnam has reached a new stature, confidently and proactively integrated into the world, promoted its cultural and historical identity, while affirming its responsibility and standing globally.

Vietnam – a reliable partner

In a world of uncertainty, Vietnam has emerged as a trustworthy partner in politics, economics, trade, defense, security, and culture. Its impressive socio-economic achievements, stable politics, and independent, self-reliant, multilateral, and diversified foreign policy have made Vietnam an attractive destination for investment, cooperation, and exchange.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son said: “To date, Vietnam has established economic and trade relations with more than 230 countries and territories, signed and implemented 17 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including several new-generation FTAs, while actively promoting negotiations with other partners. Vietnam has proudly advanced into the group of the world’s top 32 economies by GDP, and is among the top 20 in trade scale and foreign investment attraction.”

Alongside this, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly important link in global supply and value chains, a growing regional and global market, and a fast-developing partner in emerging sectors. These accomplishments demonstrate Vietnam’s great internal strength and sustainable development vision, laying a solid foundation for its next stage of prosperity.

Vietnam – a cornerstone for peace and development

Vietnam is acknowledged internationally as a cornerstone of peace and development. Rooted in its peace-loving tradition and shaped by its historical struggles for independence, Vietnam has consistently advocated for resolving disputes by peaceful means, respecting international law, and fostering cooperation and dialogue.

John McAuliff, Executive Director of the US’s Fund for Reconciliation and Development, said peace diplomacy is a foundation for Vietnam to boost relations and resolve disputes with other countries and act as a mediator and peacemaker in the new geo-politics landscape.

"I think that Vietnam has a unique position. It is trusted by people who hate each other, have very warm relations with Vietnam. It is respected by what we used to call the Third World, by the Global South, in part because of its achievements against the US when the US was all-powerful, but also because of its economic transformation," said John.

The image of blue-beret Vietnamese peacekeepers in Africa manifests Vietnam’s responsible humanitarian role. During a visit to Vietnam in June 2025, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, said: "I think, Vietnam demonstrates a very strong commitment to the UN, very strong support to the United Nation and to peacekeeping in particular. But obviously, the role that Vietnam is playing in peacekeeping, supporting the UN and supporting our efforts makes a difference, for peace, and especially it makes a difference for the communities, the people who are affected by conflict. And peacekeeping is very much about that. It's very much about supporting people, it's very much about supporting peace efforts, and we are very grateful to be able to count on Vietnam support to these efforts."

Vietnam’s increasingly active participation in global initiatives, from climate change response, energy and food security, and pandemic prevention to international disaster relief, has underscored its responsible and humanitarian approach in the new era.

Entering this new era, Vietnam is raising its profile in contributing to peace, cooperation, development, and human progress.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son said: “International integration today is not only about joining or participating, but about positioning Vietnam, a late comer, as a nation that helps build, shape, and even lead cooperative frameworks suitable for its new conditions and capacities.”

After 80 years, Vietnam, an independent and resilient nation, is now a nation committed to responsibility, humanity, and shared global goals. Vietnam continues to affirm its stature as a reliable partner and a cornerstone for peace and development with the aspiration to build a better world.