Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong speaks at the 32nd Foreign Affairs Conference, Hanoi, December 19, 2023.

The Party leader praised the outstanding achievements of the foreign affairs and diplomatic sector at the 32nd Foreign Affairs Conference which opened in Hanoi on Tuesday.

Since the 13th National Party Congress, key Party and State leaders have held numerous phone talks with foreign leaders and paid more than 40 visits to neighboring countries, major countries, strategic partner countries, most ASEAN states, many important partners, and traditional friends, he said. Heads of state and senior leaders of many countries and major international organizations have visited Vietnam.

"These activities have created a beautiful and vibrant picture on the foreign affairs front over the past three years, raising Vietnam’s position on the international stage, which has been acknowledged and supported by the Vietnamese people and their foreign friends,” said Mr. Trong.

The Party General Secretary put forth suggestions for the foreign affairs and diplomatic sector to fulfill their tasks.

“It is crucial to be firm in our principles and flexible in our strategies. Our principle is national independence and socialism. Our strategy is flexible according to each issue, each period, and dependent on partners or objects of struggle."
It adheres to President Ho Chi Minh’s thoughts of ‘steadfast in objectives and flexible in implementation,’ ‘more friends, less enemies,’ and ‘willing to be a friend with all democratic countries and not harbor enmity towards anyone,’ Party leader Trong noted.
"This correct and righteous foreign policy has contributed to a high consensus in the entire political system and unity in the entire nation,” he said.

The Conference reviewed foreign affairs and diplomatic activities over the past 3 years and discussed ways to develop a comprehensive, modern, and strong diplomacy.