From the 14th Party Congress: Vietnam’s diplomacy  enhancing self-reliant and people-centric approach

THE HANOI TIMES — Foreign affairs will serve as a key driver of national development, with Vietnam prioritizing stronger economic, cultural, science, technology and innovation diplomacy in the coming period, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong said at the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

“Throughout Vietnam’s revolutionary history, foreign affairs and international integration have consistently played a vital role under the Party’s leadership,” Cuong said.

He said the new direction responds to profound, complex and unpredictable global changes and reflects an evolution in strategic thinking.

From past to present, diplomacy has remained central to Vietnam’s development.

Before August 30, 1945, Vietnamese dynasties regarded foreign affairs as a core task to safeguard independence and national security.

From 1945 to 1975, during the struggle for national liberation and reunification, diplomacy worked in close coordination with political and military efforts under the strategy of “fighting while negotiating.”

That approach led to milestones such as the 1954 Geneva Accords and the 1973 Paris Peace Accords, which marked decisive turning points toward national reunification.

Following the launch of the Doi Moi (Renewal) reforms in 1986, foreign affairs helped Vietnam end international isolation, deepen global integration, mobilize external resources for development and strengthen its international standing.

Cuong said Vietnam’s foreign relations have since become more open, balanced and harmonious.

Vietnam’s global standing continues to improve. The country is now a member of major international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, UNESCO, WHO, FAO and ASEAN.

Active diplomacy has enabled Vietnam to establish bilateral relations with all 193 United Nations member states. Data from the WTO and Integration Center show that by the end of 2025, Vietnam had signed 19 free trade agreements, including CPTPP, EVFTA, AFTA and RCEP.

With credibility and experience built over previous terms, Vietnam has continued to win election to key international bodies. These include the United Nations Human Rights Council for 2023-2025, the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency for 2021-2023 and the Executive Board of the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women for 2025-2027.

Vietnam has also hosted major international events, including the ASEAN Future Forum, the Vietnam International Defense Expo and the 2025 signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, known as the Hanoi Convention.

The UN Secretary-General’s two official visits to Vietnam during the current term underscored international recognition of Vietnam’s role and credibility.

Vietnam’s recent multilateral diplomacy has helped safeguard national interests while promoting international efforts to uphold peace, stability, cooperation, development and international law.

The country has increasingly moved from participation to contribution, taking part in shaping international rules, improving multilateral mechanisms, addressing global challenges and expanding engagement in UN peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

In his opening address on January 20, Party General Secretary To Lam said strengthening national defense and security, alongside advancing foreign affairs and international integration, remains a key and ongoing task.

Self-reliance – a strong point

A new keyword in the 14th Congress documents on foreign affairs highlights the requirement of “self-reliance.”

Experts and diplomats said the concept carries clear practical meaning within Vietnam’s foreign policy framework.

New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford said the emphasis reflects recognition of a more fragmented global order and the need for countries to adapt to emerging challenges.

She said Vietnam is well positioned after years of pursuing a multidimensional foreign policy that has built partnerships with a wide range of countries, strengthening resilience in a changing global environment.

Swiss Deputy Ambassador Aldo De Luca said Vietnam has achieved an effective balance between self-reliance and active international engagement.

He said the approach reflects Vietnam’s commitment to cooperation and partnership-building and supports contributions to global peace and prosperity.

Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Cuong said the ministry will fully implement the foreign policy line set by the 14th Congress and pursue a higher-level, comprehensive diplomatic strategy.

He said close monitoring of developments and stronger coordination with relevant agencies, particularly the Vietnam People’s Army and the People’s Public Security, remain essential to maintaining a peaceful and stable environment.

Ngo Tien Long, former Director-General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said closer linkage among foreign affairs, national defense and security and socio-economic development forms a “golden triangle” serving the dual goals of peace and development.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Congress, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi said that while previous Party Congresses stressed diplomacy in support of development, the 14th Congress places stronger emphasis on science and technology.

“The political report clearly states that the happiness of the people is the highest requirement,” Khoi said.

He said foreign policy must mobilize external resources while relying on domestic strength to support socio-economic development.

“For prosperity and happiness, the economy must grow and science and technology must deliver breakthroughs and lead progress,” he said, adding that this places high demands on the diplomatic sector amid rapid global change.

Khoi also cited Resolution No. 59 on harnessing international integration as critical to turning strategic goals into action.

He said the resolution reflects an accurate assessment of current conditions and sets appropriate policy directions for the period ahead.