International cooperation contributes to overall success of Vietnam’s external relations

In his statement, MoFA External Relations Department Director Phung The Long highlighted 2014 as a successful year in external affairs of the Party and State, contributing significantly to maintaining a peaceful and stable environment independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In addition, foreign affairs severed as promoter of external resources for national development, thus bolstering the relationship between Vietnam and other partners in a more practical and efficient manner. As a result, 53 new cooperation agreements with foreign partners were signed last year 2014, covering different regions-Asia, Europe, the Middle East-North Africa, Australia and America.
 

Provinces and cities inked 150 memorandum of understanding on increased cooperation with businesses and organizations abroad to pool resources for local socio-economic development. The forefront of cooperation were expanded in a variety of fields-economics, social affairs, health, education, ecology, agricultural development, rural infrastructure, capital mobilization and aid.

In terms of external economy, local economic diplomacy was boosted through effective measures such as improving the investment environment, establishing hotlines or working groups to timely remove obstacles, create a stable environment for business cooperation and actively promote trade and investment.

During the reviewed period, the dissemination of foreign-related information was stepped up by setting up e-portal in different languages, and producing publications on tourism and investment.  Province cooperated closely with the MoFA in managing foreign reporters and preventing violations.

Addressing the conference, Deputy Foreign Minister Ho Xuan Son attributed the achievements in local foreign affairs in recent years to the guidance and greater attention of the local Party Committees, councils and people based on the Party and State’s foreign policy.