The southern Ho Chi Minh City is a bright spot in promoting external relations, which greatly contributes to the country’s foreign affairs successes, a senior politician has said.

Deputy Foreign Minister Ho Xuan Son was speaking at a conference to review the city’s external affairs performance in 2013 and deploy 2014 plans in Ho Chi Minh City on January 15.

According to the Deputy FM, Ho Chi Minh City has, together with other localities, effectively implemented the Party’s external relation policies, creating a united and harmonious coordination mechanism between the state and localities in the field.

He said the Politburo’s resolution on international integration is a key guideline for Vietnam to uphold its security and integrate with the wider world.

Son asked Ho Chi Minh City to work alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to best implement the resolution, pledging to support the city’s external affairs continued development.

Reviewing the city’s performance in 2013, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Hoang Quan said more than 200 events were held in the year to celebrate diplomatic ties between Vietnam and 25 countries worldwide.

According to him, external activities were conducted by the city’s Party organisation, administration and mass organisations, covering all areas including politics, economics, culture and overseas Vietnamese affairs.

Ho Chi Minh City always sees external affairs as one of its most important political duties in the course of international integration, Quan added.

This year, the city will focus on effectively implementing signed agreements, while further deepening the existing relations on the principle of diversifying partners.

It will also broaden cooperation relations with other international localities and organise cultural events overseas to spread the city’s image.-VNA