(VOVworld) – 2014 is considered a key year of implementing the Politburo’s resolution on Vietnam’s proactive international integration. VOV looks at the diplomatic sector’s targets this year.

Implementing the foreign policy adopted at the 11^th National Party Congress, Vietnam seeks to integrate into the world comprehensively in 2014. This policy promotes Vietnam’s image, its land, people, tradition, history and culture, while making the world understand more Vietnam’s guidelines and directions. These efforts help win international support for Vietnam’s renewal process and build a peaceful and stable environment for national development. The foreign affairs sector wants to raise an image of Vietnam who is playing a greater role in global issues.

Making relationship framework effective

In 2013 Vietnam established 13 strategic partnerships and 11 comprehensive partnerships. In 2014 these frameworks are set to bring about practical benefits.  Another task is to strengthen ties with traditional friends across the world. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh says: “In 2013 we focused on the relationship with world powers. In 2014 on the one hand we will continue to make the established relations more practical and on the other hand expand ties with other countries. Economic and cultural diplomacy and civilian protection are also high on the agenda of the foreign affairs sector”.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh recieves foreign diplomatic representatives in Hanoi on the Lunar New Year of the Horse

Attracting resources, accelerating free trade agreements

While building institutions, energy and infrastructure, economic diplomacy in 2014 seeks to attract investment capital, meeting socio-economic development needs: “The recent 28^th diplomatic conference urged ambassadors and chief representatives to work harder to attract investment and Official Development Assistance (ODA) in areas that Vietnam is in need”.

Vietnam is now negotiating 6 free trade agreements (FTA) and will conclude the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement and the FTA with the European Union. Vietnam is also promoting benefits that its people and enterprises will enjoy when the ASEAN community is formed by 2015, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Minh: “2014 and 2015 are pivotal years for us to implement our commitments to the ASEAN community by 2015. Vietnam has completed 84% of its job. But our people and enterprises are unclear of what we have been committed to.  Enterprises have not yet seen the benefits of joining an ASEAN market of 500 million people. The government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should be responsible of informing the public of these issues”.

Protecting sovereignty, maintaining stable, peaceful environment for development

Upholding 2013 achievements, Vietnam’s diplomatic sector continues to wisely deal with issues related to sea, islands sovereignty, protecting sovereignty and maintaining a stable and peaceful environment for development. In 2014 ASEAN member countries, including Vietnam, want to sign the Code of Conduct of parties in the East Sea (COC) with China. 2014 is the first year that Vietnam assumes the important posts in multilateral cooperation mechanisms, including the membership of the UN Human Rights Council, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors, and the UNSECO World Heritage Committee. Vietnam is preparing to host the 132^nd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in 2015.

Entering the New Year, Vietnam continues to advocate its policy of comprehensive international integration. Enlarging relations with the rest of the world, Vietnam is committed to being a responsible member of the international community and engaging more in global issues.