Delegates at Cao Bang province's venue

During the Conference’s opening speech, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son highlighted that since the 13th Party National Congress and the National Conference on Foreign Affairs, the world and regional situation has undergone significant changes. While there are opportunities and advantages, there are also many new developments that are more complex than anticipated, and many new difficulties and challenges that appear and seem more severe than before. In that context, the 32nd Diplomatic Conference and the 21st National Conference on Foreign Affairs are occasions for the diplomatic sector to review and evaluate the results of the implementation of the resolution adopted at the 13th National Party Congress, and propose key missions, tasks, and measures that need to be rolled out for the time to the end of the 13th term and the following years.

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong elaborated on the principles of national independence and socialism, and stressed that policies and strategies should be adjusted flexibly, noting Vietnam stands ready to be a friend, and a reliable and responsible partner of all countries. Given the complex and unpredictable developments in the region and the world, he urged diplomats to closely monitor the situation and make accurate forecasts, particularly those related to external shocks. The strength of the nation should go in tandem with that of the era, and the national interest should be in harmony with international missions and responsibilities, the Party Chief said. The Party leader noted that more attention should be paid to consolidating the apparatus and building a contingent of diplomats who meet requirements in terms of politics, morality, and professional qualifications. 

General Secretary also noted that a robust foreign policy and efficient implementation of specific policies play a crucial role in fostering agreement within the political system, promoting national unity, and garnering international support. "In order to create synergy, promote dynamism and innovation, and raise the efficiency of external relations, relevant institutions and policies need to be perfected, and mechanisms to combine Party diplomacy, State diplomacy, and people-to-people diplomacy with diplomatic activities across different spheres need to be reformed and perfected" he added. The Party leader emphasized the need to focus on consolidating the apparatus and building a team of diplomats who possess the necessary qualifications in terms of politics, morality, and professional expertise. The Party Chief expressed his belief that the diplomatic sector will further grow in a modern and comprehensive manner, adhering to the concept of “bamboo diplomacy”, and carry forward its pioneering role in national construction and defense.