Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm speaks at the meeting. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI – The diplomatic sector should swiftly identify all opportunities and challenges, contributing to the successful realisation of the country’s centennial strategic goals, Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm stated during a working session with the Party Civil Affairs Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday.

Reflecting on the significant achievements in national construction and defence over 79 years of the Vietnamese revolution and 40 years of 'đổi mới' (Renewal), the leader noted that the country has never been as deeply integrated or made as many positive contributions to the international community as it does today.

From being a poor and isolated country under embargoes, Việt Nam has transformed into a developing nation with middle-income status, deeply and extensively integrated into global politics, the world economy and human civilisation.

The top leader attributed these achievements to the wise and skilful leadership of the Party, as well as the solidarity and unity of the entire Party, the people and the armed forces. He emphasised that these outcomes are a testament to the sound and appropriate foreign policy in which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plays a central, pioneering and proactive role.

The diplomatic sector has effectively fulfilled its pioneering role in creating and maintaining an environment of peace, stability, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, which are essential for national construction and development.

He highlighted that Việt Nam has expanded its friendly and cooperative relations with neighbouring and regional countries, strengthened ties with traditional friends and established strategic and comprehensive partnerships with 30 countries.

The sector has closely coordinated with defence, security and other sectors to firmly safeguard the nation, making significant contributions to regional and global peace, cooperation and development. At the same time, the diplomatic sector has worked to strengthen national unity, support the Vietnamese community abroad and promote the country's 'soft power' through cultural diplomacy and external communication.

Lâm emphasised that the world is undergoing profound changes and Việt Nam stands at a new historical juncture as it enters a new era. He called on the diplomatic sector to timely identify opportunities and challenges, contributing to the successful realisation of the 100-year strategic goals under the leadership of the Party.

The leader urged the sector to aim for the ultimate goal of: "Ensuring the utmost national interests for a strong Party, a prosperous and powerful nation with a significant position and role in global politics, the world economy and human civilisation, and for the wellbeing and happiness of the people."

He encouraged the sector to expand Việt Nam's contributions to peace, cooperation, development and human progress, focusing on building and strengthening foreign relations in the new era through the close integration of three pillars: Party diplomacy, State diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy. VNS