Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Lê Thị Thu Hằng and representatives of diplomatic missions and foreign press agencies pose for a group photo at the meeting in Hà Nội on Friday. — Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

HÀ NỘI — Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Lê Thị Thu Hằng chaired an annual meeting of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with diplomatic missions and resident foreign press agencies in Việt Nam in Hà Nội on December 12, during which she praised their cooperation and contributions to Việt Nam's accomplishments in 2025.

The event offered an opportunity for the ministry, diplomatic missions, and resident foreign media offices to review their cooperation over the past year, exchange views and expectations for the year ahead, thus deepening their mutual engagement and fostering long-term cooperation and friendship.

In her remarks, Hằng stated that for Việt Nam, 2025 is a year of pride marked by historic milestones and strategic breakthroughs. She noted that the successful celebrations of the 80th National Day and the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975-2025) not only honoured the country’s heroic past but also highlighted a peaceful, dynamic, and vibrant Việt Nam ready to stride into a new era of development.

She stressed that Việt Nam’s strong GDP growth, among the highest in Southeast Asia, record trade turnover, and a sharp rise in foreign direct investment (FDI) all reflect the dynamism of the Vietnamese economy and foreign investors’ confidence in the country’s potential and development prospects.

According to the Deputy FM, Việt Nam’s diplomatic activities in 2025 have been particularly vibrant. Apart from maintaining relations with 194 countries, Việt Nam upgraded ties with 17 nations, raising the number of partners at the Comprehensive Partnership level or higher to 42.

Hằng said Việt Nam’s election to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2026–28 term with strong support, along with successfully hosting multilateral events such as the signing ceremony of the UN Convention against Cybercrime (Hà Nội Convention), the 2nd ASEAN Future Forum, and the P4G Summit, further affirmed the country as a reliable and responsible partner in the international community.

She emphasised that Việt Nam’s achievements over the past year were made possible thanks to the support of international partners, including diplomatic missions, journalists, and staff from resident foreign media offices, who helped introduce a dynamic and friendly Việt Nam to the world.

Expressing gratitude for the cooperation and support of foreign journalists, Hằng affirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will always listen, provide information, assist with procedures, and create favourable conditions for foreign media offices in Việt Nam.

She stated that the new regulations exempting resident foreign journalists from work permits, along with faster licensing and reopening of certain resident media offices, demonstrate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to strong cooperation with the international media community.

Looking ahead to 2026 - a landmark year for Việt Nam with the 14th National Party Congress - marking the start of a new era for the nation; the election of the People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term; key diplomatic events; and preparations for APEC 2027, Hằng called for continued support from diplomatic missions, international organisations, and resident foreign media to help showcase Việt Nam as a dynamic, peaceful, and friendly nation to international friends.

Drawing on the eastern cultural symbol of the horse, representing energy, speed, and endurance, and reflecting Việt Nam’s current spirit and atmosphere, the Deputy FM, along with delegates and guests, exchanged greetings and expressed hopes for a vibrant, peaceful, and prosperous Year of the Horse 2026 for all nations worldwide. — VNA/VNS