Reflecting on Vietnam’s revolutionary history, Party General Secretary To Lam affirmed that the country’s fortunes have always been intertwined with the currents of the times. Immediately after gaining independence, President Ho Chi Minh stated that “after the issue of defense, foreign affairs are an essential matter for an independent country,” strongly underscoring the role and responsibility of foreign affairs for the nation and its people.

The 14th National Party Congress marks a new era for Vietnam after 96 years under the Party’s leadership, 80 years of independence, and 40 years of Doi Moi (Renewal). Following the eras of independence and socialism-building, and then renewal, the country is now entering an era of prosperous development, civilization and happiness, striving to stand on a par with major powers around the world.

The Party chief emphasized that a consistent lesson from global history shows that no strong and prosperous nation has achieved success without building a robust foreign policy. In today’s world, security and development of each country cannot be isolated from or stand outside the impacts of the world and the times, of circumstances and international landscape.

At pivotal historical junctures, the nation must adopt historic decisions. The new era calls for advancing “comprehensive diplomacy to a new height,” ensuring the highest national interests; upholding peace, independence, self-reliance, and resilience as foundational principles; placing people at the center of all policies; and viewing contributions to the international community as a responsibility. At this new level, Vietnam’s diplomacy will be carried out with greater confidence, autonomy, and effectiveness, contributing more substantively to national strategic goals and demonstrating stronger responsibility for global peace and development.

According to Party General Secretary To Lam, comprehensive diplomacy at this new height represents both continuity and innovation. Vietnam remains steadfast to pursue a foreign policy of independent, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, multilateralization, and diversification of relations, being a friend, a reliable partner, and a responsible member of the international community.

At the same time, Vietnam’s diplomacy continues to evolve by embracing modern diplomatic knowledge and practices while embodying the spirit of “utilizing the invariables in response to variables idiom.” The path of peace, independence, and self-reliance is aimed at building a strong and prosperous nation and contributing responsibly to regional stability and a rules-based international order. That is the guiding principle, the moral foundation and the fundamental principle for building sustainable external relations..

Comprehensive diplomacy must also reach a new height in which foreign affairs and international integration are defined as both “vital and regular” tasks. This marks an important shift in strategic thinking, recognizing diplomacy and integration as core, top-priority missions that must be carried out proactively, sensitively, promptly, and effectively. This approach places foreign affairs at the center of national security and development: safeguarding peace to maintain stability, ensuring stability to foster development, and promoting development to strengthen the country’s overall power.

At the same time, comprehensive foreign affairs work is elevated to a new height, in which foreign relations and international integration must be regarded as a “key and regular” task. This marks an important development in thinking, whereby foreign relations and international integration are identified as among the principal tasks of foremost importance; at the same time, they must be carried out on a regular basis, requiring proactiveness, acuity, timeliness and high effectiveness.

This line of thinking places foreign affairs in a central position, with greater responsibility and role in safeguarding national security and promoting national development: Firmly maintaining peace to ensure stability, ensuring stability to foster development, and advancing development to enhance the country’s overall strength.

Accordingly, comprehensive foreign affairs at the new height will implement key and regular tasks along the following directions:

First, foreign affairs must promote their pioneering role, performing the essential and regular task of creating a favourable international environment for the country.

Second, foreign affairs are a driving force in creating favourable conditions, mobilising external resources and opening new development space for the country.

Third, foreign affairs demonstrate a high sense of responsibility toward the international community, contributing to the building and safeguarding of a fair and equitable international order based on international law.

Fourth, promoting the nation’s “soft power” commensurate with its historical and cultural stature, and the country’s political and economic position.

Fifth, building a comprehensive, modern and professional foreign affairs and diplomacy sector.

Amid global uncertainties, comprehensive diplomacy at a new height must rely on courage and wisdom as its compass; trust and responsibility as bridges of cooperation; and goodwill and respect for law as its anchors of values. Party General Secretary To Lam expressed confidence that Vietnam’s diplomacy will continue to safeguard peace and stability, expand development opportunities, and elevate the country’s standing, thereby fulfilling the sacred wish of President Ho Chi Minh: “My ultimate desire is that our entire Party and people unite to build a peaceful, unified, independent, democratic, and prosperous Vietnam, and to make a worthy contribution to the world revolutionary cause.”