Vietnam’s foreign affairs activities have greatly contributed to national development, taking advantage of external resources and protecting national interests and territorial integrity.
In 2011, Vietnam embarked on a new strategy to gain a rapid and sustainable growth in order to become a modern industrial country by 2020. To this end, Vietnam has boosted its foreign affairs. "In 2011, high ranking Party and State leaders paid visits to other countries to strengthen Vietnam’s external relations. Last year, Vietnam carried out comprehensive diplomacy gaining remarkable results", said Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh.
In the face of economic uncertainties, Vietnam has strengthened external relations to help tackle the country’s difficulties. The country has paid attention to protecting its citizens and overseas Vietnamese and hosted a number of major international events to promote the image of Vietnam.
Strengthened foreign affairs have played a role in national achievements. In 2011, more than 6 million foreign visitors came to Vietnam, 18% more than last year. Foreign donors pledged 7.4 billion USD in ODA for 2012 despite Vietnam being listed as a medium income country. The European Union lifted its anti-dumping tariff on Vietnamese footwear and non government aid to Vietnam climbed to more than 280 billion USD focusing on health care, community development, rural, education, environmental protection and coping with climate change. Vietnam’s foreign affairs have also contributed to defending national sovereignty. Vietnam has been persistent in resolving disputes through dialogue and peaceful negotiation consistent with international law. This has helped strengthen Vietnam’s friendship with other countries and increase their support for Vietnam. "In international forums, Vietnam has always striven to strictly abide by international laws in resolving sea border disputes. It reflects Vietnam’s goodwill and determination to abide by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and implement agreements signed with ASEAN. Vietnam hopes that all disputes will be peacefully resolved based on international law including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea", according to Vietnam’s Ambassador to the UN, Le Hoai Trung.
In 2011, there were a series of exchanges and meetings on fostering friendship and mutual understanding between Vietnamese and foreigners. Through these events, the international community has gotten a better view of Vietnam’s freedom of religion and human rights. "Hostile forces attempt to abuse the religious issue to sabotage Vietnam, so it would be better if foreigners would come to Vietnam to learn more about Vietnam’s tradition, culture and hospitality and the restoration of pagodas, churches and religious activities. Whatever the distortions may be, they do not change the reality of freedom of religion, human rights and democracy in Vietnam", Vu Xuan Hong, President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations said.
Vietnam’s diplomatic sector plans to reinforce diplomatic activities next year and boost its contributions to solving regional and international problems under the motto of being a responsible member of the international community. Vietnam’s achievements in foreign affairs in 2011 will serve as a strong foundation for Vietnam to overcome challenges and successfully fulfill its targets next year.