That was stated by Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, in an exclusive interview given to the People’s Army Newspaper’s reporters.
According to the diplomat, the year 2023 was a busy year of the country’s diplomacy with nearly 50 high-level outgoing and incoming delegations.
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Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs |
In the year, Vietnam made a breakthrough in consolidating and expanding relations with major partners, including neighbors and world major powers. Attentively, the country welcomed the state visits of U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Moreover, the partnership between Vietnam and the U.S. was upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Also in 2023, Vietnam and Japan lifted their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership; Vietnam and China expanded and upgraded their relations. These events created a new strategic posture and a new strategic position for Vietnam. So far, Vietnam has established the comprehensive strategic partnership with six countries.
In terms of economy, the country’s import-export revenue reached USD 700 billion, close to the pre-pandemic level, and the FDI increased by 14%. Furthermore, the economic partnership between Vietnam and other countries was enhanced.
Regarding the defense diplomacy, Ambassador Vinh laid emphasis on its great attainments. Firstly, it was the creation of an environment of solidarity, friendship, increased understanding and cooperation for peace. Secondly, through defense policy consultations, Vietnam boosted trust, understanding and cooperation with big countries and neighbors. Vietnam confirmed its consistent defense policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, and enhancement of friendship cooperation with countries. Thirdly, the country consolidated, expanded and deepened ties with neighbors, especially those with the shared borderline. Moreover, Vietnam engaged in ASEAN and U.N. activities, such as ADMM events and U.N. peacekeeping missions in Africa.
Highlighting the successful organization of the first Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia border defense friendship exchange, a bright spot of the border diplomacy in 2023, held last December, the former deputy FM stressed that it reflected the special traditional relationship among the three countries, especially their joint efforts in the past resistance wars to regain independence and freedom and in the current national construction and defense. According to him, the exchange helped further build the Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia border of friendship and long-term stability while demonstrating the solidarity and mutual support among the three neighbors. The diplomat hoped that the exchange will be organized regularly in the future.
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Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang (center) and his Lao counterpart Chansamone Chanyalath (left) and Cambodian counterpart Tea Seiha (right) at the first Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia border defense friendship exchange |
Looking back on the external affairs and defense diplomacy activities over the past time, Ambassador Vinh acknowledged that they have realized President Ho Chi Minh’s principle of “firm objectives, flexible in strategies and tactics.”
He explained that Vietnam showed its cooperation with other countries to maintain an environment of peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world. In addition, the country conducted the “Four No’s” defense policy of no military alliances, no siding with one country against another, no foreign military bases or use of Vietnamese territory to oppose other countries, and no use of force or threatening to use force in international relations to achieve the highest goal of being a partner with all countries for a common goal of friendship, peace and cooperation. Additionally, Vietnam participated in various common activities of the region and the world to respond to both traditional and non-traditional challenges.
The diplomat highlighted the country’s active involvement in search and rescue operations in ASEAN, Turkey, and regional maritime activities.
Given the current complicated political and security environment, the competition among big countries, crises, non-traditional security challenges and unstable economic recovery in the world, Ambassador Vinh said that Vietnam should continue to consolidate and enhance an environment of peace, stability, cooperation and development. In the year, Vietnam should deepen its relationship with key partners in the region and world major powers and implement reached agreements.
He suggested the country continue to be consistent with the external defense policy with a focus on promoting an environment of peace and stability in Asia-Pacific, particularly Southeast Asia; respect ASEAN’s centrality; strengthen partnership with all partner countries, especially neighboring countries and those with shared borderline; promote a peaceful environment in the East Sea (South China Sea); and engage more in ASEAN and U.N. activities for peace and cooperation.
Translated by Mai Huong