PM: Each diplomat should be soldier on external front

 

Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc directed external work of the Foreign Ministry in its new headquarters in Hanoi on February 26, wishing that each diplomatic official must be a soldier on external front.

In his speech, the PM noted that external work directly contributed to promoting the export of key Vietnamese produce, tourism and labour export, and foreign investment attraction last year.

The Foreign Ministry played a major role in ensuring national defence-security, reducing poverty and achieving the United Nations millennial development goals by raising sound and scientific initiatives, he said.

On the back of the past achievements, he asked the sector to make further efforts to promote economic and trade activities and better tap commitments to carrying forward domestic economy.

It was also required to improve the efficiency of external work, maintain a peaceful environment for socio-economic development, and raise national strength while pursuing the external policy of peace, independence, self-reliance and cooperation.

The ministry should actively propose ideas to boost exports as well as develop domestic trade, particularly in fields of strength such as tropical agriculture, information technology and tourism, he said.

The Government leader suggested that the ministry consider helping extend export markets, especially the US, China and Europe while giving priority to investors adopting advanced and eco-friendly technologies.  

He expressed his wish that the ministry would pay attention to overseas Vietnamese affairs and citizen protection.

Apart from popularising domestic images to international friends, the sector was also urged to update Vietnamese business community and people on opportunities in the host countries.

Last year, Vietnam successfully assumed the role as host of the APEC Year 2017, especially the APEC Leaders’ Week in the central city of Da Nang.

The country further deepened ties with neighbouring, regional and developed countries, as well as traditional friends. Vietnam’s high-ranking leaders visited 19 countries, attended eight multilateral international conferences, held hundreds of bilateral exchanges with foreign leaders, and welcomed 36 heads of state and Prime Ministers to the country.-VNA