External information services in 2016 see significant changes

Hanoi (VNA) – The implementation of external information services and the dissemination of news on sea, island and border demarcation in 2016 reaped important outcomes in promoting the image of Vietnam’s nation, culture, people and territory to the world.

Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Communication and Education Vo Van Phuong made the remarks at a national conference in Hanoi on January 18 with the participation of over 600 representatives from ministries, socio-political organisations, localities and press agencies.

Phuong, who is also deputy head of the steering committee for external information services, noted that 2016 was the first year to implement the Resolution adopted at the 12th National Party Congress to disseminate the Party’s policies, guidelines and the State’s law in the field.

The popularisation of information on seas, islands and border demarcation has helped to increase public awareness of and sense of responsibility for the issue, and reinforce trust and support of Vietnamese at home and abroad to the Party leadership and the Government’s policies and settlement of national important issues.

The external stories are also meant to refute false information and wrongful allegations by hostile forces, and make use of support from the international community and overseas Vietnamese to spur the country’s socio-economic growth, sustain political stability and security, and firmly safeguard the national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Phuong said.

Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Communication and Education Pham Van Linh said the regional and international situation and the East Sea issues are forecast to see more complicated and unpredictable developments in 2017.

In that context, the external information services should focus on several key tasks, which are based on the Party and State’s guidelines and policies on external affairs, he added.

Linh suggested refining the coordination and steering mechanisms among communication forces in a synchronous and comprehensive manner, while reforming and diversifying the contents and methods of dissemination, and increasing fights against false and distorted information by hostile forces.

He also called to step up the popularisation of Vietnam’s viewpoints on addressing East Sea disputes via peaceful means and in line with international law, and appeal for support from the international community and Vietnamese expatriates to create a favorable environment both at home and abroad to defend the country’s sovereignty over seas and islands, maintain peace and stability, and actively integrate into the world.

At the event, the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Communication and Education presented certificates of merit to 27 units and nine individuals in recognition of their dedication to external information service as well as the popularization of seas, islands and border demarcation news in 2016.-VNA