The foreign ministry held a conference entitled '75 Years of Việt Nam’s Diplomatic Sector: Lessons and Orientations' in Hà Nội on Monday. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a conference entitled '75 Years of Việt Nam’s Diplomatic Sector: Lessons and Orientations' in Hà Nội on Monday, during which Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh affirmed the sector’s achievements have long been a bright spot for the country.
Such achievements have affirmed the correctness of Việt Nam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification, and multi-lateralisation of international relations, Minh said.
Over the last 75 years, he went on, the diplomatic sector has stood with the country and contributed significantly to past struggles for national liberation and reunification and the cause of national construction and defence at present, helping increase Việt Nam’s position in the international arena.
From a country besieged by sanctions, Việt Nam has set up stable and long-term relations with 30 strategic partners and comprehensive partners, Minh said, adding that it has become an important part of many regional and global economic links and has signed many important free trade deals.
The diplomat noted that world economic recessions, increasing strategic competition among world powers, challenges to maritime security, in particular complex developments in the East Sea, and arising non-traditional security challenges such as disease, water resources security, and the environment have directly affected Việt Nam’s security environment and development.
He stressed the importance of diplomacy in ensuring a peaceful and favourable environment for development and protecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The conference was divided into two discussion sessions highlighting the diplomatic sector’s contributions to the nation over the last 75 years and seeking measures to promote its pioneering role in consolidating peace and development. — VNS