Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang, Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Heads of delegations after the 1st session of APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting on Nov 11, 2017 in Da Nang. (Photo: VNA)

President Tran Dai Quang’s first overseas visit after he took office were to Laos and Cambodia in June, 2016. It marked the start of implementing foreign policy set at the 12^th National Party Congress. Since then, President Quang exerted tireless efforts to tighten Vietnam’s relationship with other countries.

Milestones

APEC Year 2017 and the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Da Nang were major diplomatic events in Vietnam. International friends were impressed with President Tran Dai Quang’s wisdom and flexibility to make the event a success.

President Tran Dai Quang and Cuban President Raul Castro

As President of the host country, Mr. Quang successfully represented the nation while receiving and chairing major meetings between world leaders to discuss APEC issues.

During meetings with China’s President Xi Jinping, US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, President Quang wisely affirmed Vietnam’s status and policy of considering countries as friends and comprehensive partners with mutual respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political regime. He informed his guests that Vietnam’s relations with its comprehensive partners have been practical and effective. His messages drew the attention of many countries. President Tran Dai Quang and his spouse Madam Nguyễn Thị Hiền’s warm and frank reception of international guests, in addition to the sincere hospitality of the Vietnamese people, touched the hearts of those who visited Vietnam during the APEC Year 2017.

President Tran Dai Quang and Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan of Brunei watched the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

President Tran Dai Quang hosted 20 official receptions and over 1,000 meetings with foreign guests and paid 20 state visits and working visits across the globe Laos, Cambodia, Cuba, China, Brunei, Japan, Singapore, Russia, Belarus, Italy, Peru, Israel, India, Vatican City State, Madagascar, Ethiopia, and Egypt.  

Deep memories

Throughout his 90 days in office, President Tran Dai Quang left deep impressions on international politicians. Chinese Party leader and President Xi Jinping said President Quang contributed to and promoted China-Vietnam friendly relations.

President Tran Dai Quang held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said President Quang fulfilled his responsibility of strengthening national defense and protecting Vietnam’s interest internationally.

US President Donald Trump said in a statement on the passing of Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang: “We will not soon forget his contributions to peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region or his voice for Vietnam as a proud and independent nation on the world stage.”

President Tran Dai Quang’s legacy and guidelines of the Vietnamese Party and State will continue to contribute to maintaining Vietnam’s external policy of independence and self-reliance during the international integration period.