President Truong Tan Sang emphasised the importance of diplomacy in present times at a ceremony to hand out decisions on ambassadorial appointments to the Foreign Ministry staff in Hanoi on August 17.

Diplomacy has been faced with external challenges to the country’s security such as the issues relating to the protection of sovereignty and territorial integrity, borders, seas and islands, democracy, human rights and religion, Sang said.

It is an important service and takes a lead in promoting international integration and contributes to attracting resources to the country’s industrialisation and modernisation process and raises Vietnam ’s international position, he affirmed.

The President congratulated the 38 ambassadors and said this is the recognition of the Party and State on their contributions to external affairs as well as the country’s development.-VNA