HÀ NỘI — Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of Foreign Affairs Phạm Bình Minh confirmed that the diplomatic sector had completed the major tasks set by the 12th National Party Congress at the 30th Diplomatic Conference which opened in Hà Nội yesterday.

Opening the conference, the head of the diplomatic sector noted that it had contributed to mobilising external resources for national growth, protecting national independence, sovereignty, territory and maintaining peaceful and stable environment for development, as assigned by the Communist Party of Việt Nam at the previous conference. 
Addressing the conference, Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng also praised the diplomatic sector, noting that over the past three years, especially in 2017, the sector had made various important achievements and become a bright spot in the country’s success story. 
Particularly, the sector has made an important contribution to boosting the country’s economic growth, he said, underlining the fact that since 2016, the country has seen a higher economic growth than the average in the 2011-15 period, while all macro-economic indications have been positive, especially foreign investment and import-export revenue. 
Total foreign direct investment in 2017 reached US$35.88 billion, up 44.4 percent year on year, setting a record high in 10 years, of which $17.5 billion was disbursed, a rise of 10.8 percent over 2016. 
At the same time, donors also committed over $3 billion in official development assistance for Việt Nam to 2020. 
The number of foreign tourists to Việt Nam hit a record 13 million. 
So far, 71 countries have recognised Việt Nam’s market economy. Việt Nam has signed 12 free trade agreements with partners, with 10 already taking effect, said the Party chief. 
He stressed that diplomatic activities have played an important role in enhancing the position of Việt Nam in the world arena, and deepening and consolidating the relations between Việt Nam and other countries, especially prioritised and important partners. 
To date, Việt Nam has set up strategic partnership with 16 countries, comprehensive partnership with 11 countries and special strategic partnership with Laos and Cambodia, while accelerating international integration in all fields, and promoting its active role at regional and global institutions. 
The achievements have proved that the foreign policy set by the 12th Party National Congress and the Party’s relevant policies related to foreign affairs are correct, he said. 
“Việt Nam always pursues the consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development, multilateralising and diversifying relationship, and actively and proactively integrating into the world for national benefits,” he stated. 
The Party chief highlighted that issues of core interest require Việt Nam to raise a stronger voice and take a more active stance, first of all in the region. 
He asked the sector to continue implementing the Party’s guidelines on foreign policy for the overall goal of maintaining a peaceful and stable environment favourable for the cause of national construction and defence, while resolutely and persistently safeguarding national independence, sovereignty and legitimate interests in line with international law. 
It is crucial to stay persistent and judicious in the settlement of complicated external matters, including those related to sovereignty and territory, he underscored. 
The Party General Secretary also requested the sector to enhance the efficiency of external activities, especially in economic and security-defence cooperation with other countries. 
The diplomatic conference, which was initiated in 1957, convenes every two years to provide a venue for the diplomatic sector to reach consensus on awareness, resolve and action to effectively implement the Party and State’s foreign policy. 
The 30th edition is expected to discuss measures to maintain the effective implementation of the 12th National Party Congress’s resolution, which emphasised the tasks of protecting national independence, sovereignty, unification and territorial integrity, maintaining peace and stability to serve national development, expanding diplomatic relations, effectively implementing international integration and continuing to raise the country’s position and prestige in the international arena. — VNS