Hanoi (VNA) – Over the past 80 years of development alongside the nation, Vietnam’s diplomatic service has continued to affirm its pioneering role in foreign affairs, contributing significantly to national construction and defence.
Amid profound global and regional changes during the 2021–2025 period, the patriotic emulation movement has acted as a strong driving force, helping the diplomatic sector overcome challenges and successfully deliver key political tasks.
The fifth Patriotic Emulation Congress of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs honoured outstanding collectives and individuals while highlighting that Vietnam’s foreign policy achievements over the past five years reflected the professionalism and modern outlook of its staff. A central success has been the comprehensive implementation of the country’s foreign policy as set out at the 13th National Party Congress.
Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu said the ministry had taken the lead in proposing the Politburo and Secretariat of the Party Central Committee issue 17 important resolutions, conclusions and directives. Particularly notable is Politburo Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW dated January 24, 2025, which defines Vietnam’s international integration strategy in the new context and serves as a pillar for rapid and sustainable national development.
These efforts have helped create a favourable diplomatic environment that supports socio-economic growth while safeguarding national independence and sovereignty “early and from afar”. Vietnam’s diplomacy now extends beyond traditional activities to shaping international rules and frameworks, strengthening the country’s position within the global economic order.
Thanks to sustained innovation and determination, Vietnam now maintains diplomatic ties with 194 nations and has comprehensive partnership or higher-level relations with 38 countries, including all five permanent members of the UN Security Council, all ASEAN and G7 members, as well as 18 of the G20 economies. The country is also an active member of more than 70 international organisations.
Between 2021 and 2025, the diplomatic service carried out over 340 high-level bilateral and multilateral activities and signed more than 500 cooperation documents, while fulfilling major responsibilities within the United Nations, ASEAN and UNESCO. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the patriotic emulation movement also provided key momentum for vaccine diplomacy, which helped secure more than 258 million doses and protect millions of lives.
At the same time, digital transformation and administrative reforms have streamlined organisational structures, reducing nearly 40% of administrative units and improving operational efficiency. Economic diplomacy, cultural diplomacy and overseas Vietnamese affairs have also expanded, supporting localities in signing hundreds of international agreements and promoting new trade opportunities.
Addressing the congress, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh praised the diplomatic sector’s achievements, noting that foreign relations and international integration had remained a bright spot in Vietnam’s development over the past five years. He also warned that future challenges may outweigh opportunities, calling on diplomats to demonstrate even greater dedication and commitment to national service.
The Government leader noted that the patriotic emulation in foreign affairs carried special meaning. He cited late President Ho Chi Minh’s words that the sector’s emulation “embodies the international spirit" and "contributes to peace and democracy in the world."
Responding to this guidance, Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung emphasised the need to build a contingent of diplomats who are both morally upright and professionally capable, with firm political mettle and high adaptability, ensuring that Vietnam’s foreign policy continues to reflect the nation’s history, identity and aspirations./.
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The congress underscores the Party and State’s strong political resolve to further uphold the tradition of patriotic emulation, viewing emulation as a key instrument for mobilising the combined strength of the entire political system, the business community and the people in the cause of national construction and development.
