First National Conference on Foreign Affairs opens
The National Conference on Foreign Affairs on the implementation of the Resolution adopted at the 13th National Party Congress opened in Ha Noi on December 14.
Dignitaries to the event include Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Permanent member of the Party Central Committee's Secretariat Vo Van Thuong and Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh.
This is the first national-level conference on foreign affairs, which aims to evaluate diplomatic outcomes as well as international and regional situation over the past five years in order to work out major tasks and measures in the upcoming time.
Addressing the event, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong underlined the need to be sharp-minded and to overcome the old way of thinking in the diplomatic sector.
The sector needs to build new position and stature in relations with countries at both bilateral and multilateral aspects, the Party chief said.
Regarding the issues of core interests and strategic importance for Viet Nam, Nguyen said the country needs to raise stronger voice and demonstrate more positive diplomatic position, firstly in the region.
He demanded profound understanding and righteous implementation of the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development, multi-lateralization and diversification of external relations, protective and active international integration in the interest of the nation.
Nguyen called for expanding and improving the efficiency of diplomatic activities, especially economic, cultural, political, security, and defense cooperation with other countries.
He also asked for improving the quality of strategic studies and forecast, with a focus on meticulously evaluating major policy shifts and trends in relations between major powers.
