Prime Minister reaffirms peace, cooperation at diplomatic corps reception

THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on February 9 evening hosted a New Year and Lunar New Year 2026 reception for the Diplomatic Corps in Vietnam, reaffirming the country’s commitment to peace, cooperation and sustainable development amid global uncertainty.

Speaking at the event, held at the Government Office, Prime Minister Chinh said Vietnam would continue pursuing an independent, self-reliant and diversified foreign policy, positioning itself as a reliable partner and responsible member of the international community.

The reception, co-hosted by Prime Minister Chinh and his spouse Le Thi Bich Tran, was attended by deputy prime ministers, senior government officials, ambassadors, chargés d’affaires and heads of international organizations in Hanoi, led by Palestinian Ambassador Saadi Salama, Head of the Diplomatic Corps.

Speaking at the event, Chinh conveyed New Year greetings on behalf of Party General Secretary To Lam, senior leaders of the Party and the State and the Vietnamese people, expressing appreciation for the continued support and cooperation of foreign partners.

The government leader said 2025 is a year marked by volatility and uncertainty, with challenges and opportunities intertwined but difficulties outweighing favorable conditions.

“Even amid strong headwinds, peace, cooperation and development continue to be the common values all countries and peoples strive for,” he said.

For Vietnam, 2025 was a comprehensive test of governance capacity, adaptability and resilience across the political system, businesses and society. In a rapidly changing world, Vietnam chose a path of decisive, consistent and responsible action, actively contributing to the resolution of shared global challenges.”

He stressed that under the guiding principle of unity between the Party, the Government, the National Assembly and the people, Vietnam overcame difficulties to achieve major development milestones. In 2025, the country recorded economic growth of 8.02%, among the highest rates in the region and globally, while meeting or exceeding all 15 key socio-economic targets.

“These achievements have created a solid foundation, momentum and confidence for Vietnam to step into a new era of development,” the prime minister said.

Chinh said that Vietnam’s progress would not have been possible without the close support and cooperation of international partners. On behalf of the Party and State leadership, he expressed gratitude to ambassadors, international organizations and foreign governments for standing alongside Vietnam in recent years.

Looking ahead, the prime minister said Vietnam will continue to pursue an independent, self-reliant foreign policy of diversification and multilateralization, remaining a reliable partner to all countries and a responsible member of the international community.

This approach aligns with the goals set out at the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, which charts the country’s long-term development trajectory, he added.

He said Vietnam aims to maintain political stability, ensure security and safety for people and businesses and promote rapid yet sustainable growth through institutional reform, infrastructure development and human resource enhancement.

Chinh noted that diplomats living and working in Vietnam could experience the country’s open, safe and friendly environment, as well as its dynamic and innovative development momentum.

He expressed hope that international partners would continue accompanying Vietnam in realizing a shared vision of “a sustainably developed Vietnam, a more closely connected ASEAN, a prosperously linked Asia, a peaceful world and an advancing and equitable humanity.”

“Spring marks the beginning of a year. The Year of the Fire Horse 2026 is not only the start of a new year but also the beginning of a new development era for Vietnam, with a long-term vision toward a strong, civilized and prosperous nation.”

On behalf of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador Saadi Salama congratulated Vietnam on its achievements in 2025, calling the year an important milestone marked by positive and encouraging results across multiple sectors.

He highlighted Vietnam’s successful organization of the 14th National Party Congress as a turning point, opening a new chapter of development.

He also praised Vietnam’s sustained economic growth, macroeconomic stability and efforts to improve living standards, noting that the country continues to be viewed as an attractive destination for investment, trade and development cooperation.

Salama said Vietnam has made steady progress in digital transformation, sustainable development and green growth, while strengthening its role as a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community.

As Vietnam enters 2026, he said the country is pursuing new development goals, including preparations for the election of the 16th National Assembly, reflecting the stable functioning of state institutions and ongoing efforts to enhance national governance.

In a world still facing multiple challenges, Salama stressed the importance of dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding among nations.

He expressed confidence that shared values such as peace, respect for international law and mutually beneficial cooperation would continue to guide the international community toward a more stable and prosperous future.

He also thanked the Vietnamese Party, State and Government, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the authorities and people of Hanoi, for their support and favorable conditions provided to diplomatic missions and international organizations.

According to the ambassador, Vietnam’s open, safe and hospitable environment has enabled members of the diplomatic community to work effectively while fostering strong personal ties and lasting affection for the country and its people.