This was the ministry’s annual event to thank foreign press and representative agencies in Vietnam for their contributions to and support for the external information services and popularization of the country’s image.

It was attended by more than 70 reporters and assistants of 30 foreign news agencies’ offices, and over 40 cultural and press attachés of other countries’ representative agencies.

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Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Cuong (R) and foreign correspondents, press assistants and cultural and press attachés toast the 2019 new year at the meeting in Hanoi.

Reviewing Vietnam’s diplomatic landmarks last year, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Cuong highlighted the important contributions by the press, including foreign media outlets and their correspondents and press assistants.

He said they have stood side by side with the ministry, the nation and people of Vietnam over the past years to help the world understand more about the country’s situation, socio-economic development attainments, efforts, and commitments to common affairs of the region and the world.

He also thanked cultural and press attachés of foreign embassies and diplomatic agencies for promoting cultural exchange and enhancing their countries’ understanding of and friendship with Vietnam.

In 2019, Vietnam prepares to hold the 2020 ASEAN Chair and runs for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council for 2020-2021, Cuong said, expressing his hope that the reporters, press assistants, and cultural and press attachés will continue their roles as companions to Vietnam so that the country can become closer to its friends around the world.

Source: VNA