(VOVWORLD) - The 13th Party Central Committee has officially released the full texts of the draft documents to be submitted to the 14th National Party Congress for public consultation. The draft Political Report elevates foreign affairs and international integration to the same level of importance as national defense and security, defining them as vital, regular tasks. This marks a strategic shift in the Party’s vision amid a volatile geopolitical landscape.
 (Illustrative Photo: VNA) |
After nearly 40 years of national renewal, Vietnam has achieved remarkable and historically significant progress, made possible by its evolving mindset, adaptability to constant change, and the realization of the nation’s aspirations for development and integration.
Foreign policy milestones
Since 1986, the Communist Party of Vietnam’s leadership has reformed its mindset on external affairs through assessing international situation in order to better safeguard and advance national interests.
This evolution was reflected in breaking through isolation and embargo (1986–1995); expanding relations and promoting international economic integration (1995–2010); and deepening partnerships while pursuing comprehensive global integration (2011–present).
A major turning point came with the Resolution of the 8th Plenum of the 9th Party Central Committee in 2003, which introduced new perspectives on partners and adversaries, and cooperation and struggle. Since then, Vietnam has sought to enhance common interests, bridge differences, and foster strong partnerships with other countries, resulting in an extensive network of strategic and comprehensive strategic partnerships around the world.
Multilateral diplomacy has also advanced significantly with the 12th National Party Congress in 2016 calling for proactive participation in shaping multilateral institutions, while the 13th Congress in 2021 emphasizing the comprehensive and effective implementation of foreign affairs across bilateral and multilateral channels.
Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son explained: "Diplomacy has helped build peaceful and friendly border belts, firmly safeguard sovereignty and territory, and establish cooperation mechanisms to peacefully resolve border and territorial issues. Multilateral diplomacy has transformed Vietnam from an isolated nation into an active, responsible member of the international community. Economic diplomacy and international integration have become key drivers of socio-economic development, mobilizing external resources for national progress.”
Vietnam is now a member of more than 70 major international organizations and forums including the UN, ASEAN, APEC, and ASEM. It has been elected three times to the UN Human Rights Council, and has established 14 comprehensive strategic partnerships, 10 strategic partnerships, and 15 comprehensive partnerships worldwide.
A comprehensive strategic framework
Building on past achievements, the draft Political Report for the 14th National Party Congress for the first time formally recognizes foreign affairs and international integration as one of three critical, ongoing pillars, alongside national defense and security. This reflects a forward-looking strategic vision in response to intensifying global geopolitical and economic competition.
Dr. Nguyen Hong Hai of VinUniversity said: “Strengthening foreign relations in a complex and unpredictable external environment means expanding our network of reliable friends to minimize uncertainties. Stable and strategic partnerships from abroad will naturally reinforce Vietnam’s development. Therefore, placing foreign affairs on equal footing with defense and security in the draft document is entirely appropriate.”
Associate Professor, Dr. Major General Le Van Cuong stated that the Party’s continuation and development of foreign policy thinking over 40 years of national renewal and its flexibility in adapting to new global conditions are of crucial importance.
Mr. Cuong said: "The 14th Congress draft documents for the first time equate foreign affairs and international integration with defense and security. Given the current global tumultuous situation this new awareness is essential. Economically, Vietnam is deeply linked with the global economy; every international move affects Vietnam. Politically and strategically as well, this new stance by the Party is entirely sound.”
General Secretary To Lam made clear that Vietnam has chosen the path of peace, independence, self-reliance, and cooperation for shared development.
The draft Political Report also underscores that foreign affairs and international integration are the responsibilities of the entire political system. Every Vietnamese citizen should be aware of their duty to the nation, seeing diplomacy, integration, and promoting Vietnam’s image as their own responsibilities.
Only by doing so can the three strategic pillars of defense, security, and foreign affairs work synergistically to enhance national resilience, effectively respond to emerging challenges, attract global resources, and strengthen Vietnam’s overall power.