The diplomatic sector has made important contributions to protecting the country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and ensuring nations interests, President Truong Tan Sang has said.

The State leader made the affirmation while attending the 28th Diplomatic Conference in Hanoi on December 19, which focused discussions on the role played by the sector in performing the national defence task.

He stressed under the leadership of the Party, the sector has helped maintain political stability and consolidate a peaceful environment that facilitates national construction while taking advantage of international support to increase the country’s combined strength and position in the international arena.

President Sang analysed complicated developments of international and regional situations as well as advantages and challenges and future tasks for diplomatic work.

He asked ambassadors and heads of Vietnamese representative agencies abroad to actively implement the resolutions of the 11th National Party Congress and flexibly put diplomatic policies into reality.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was requested to continue increasing research and giving strategic advices, deepening ties between Vietnam and its partners, and making effective contributions to regional and international forums countries.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh required the Ministry’s units, ambassadors and heads of Vietnamese representative agencies abroad to strictly follow the President’s instructions in the coming time.

He urged the sector to work closely with other relevant ministries and agencies to successfully perform tasks assigned by the Party and State.-VNA