Thirty first Diplomatic Conference opens in Hanoi

The 31st Diplomatic Conference opened in Hanoi on December 15. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA)  -  The 31st Diplomatic Conference opened in Hanoi on December 15 in both online and in-person formats.

In his opening remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son said the conference takes place at a crucial time when the diplomatic sector and the nation are entering a new development period and striving to successfully implement the Resolution adopted at the 13th National Party Congress, the 2021-2030 socio-economic development strategy, and the 2021-2025 socio-economic development plan.

Pointing to the rapid, complex developments in the world and domestic situations, notably the COVID-19 pandemic, Son said the diplomatic sector has made concerted efforts to overcome difficulties and challenges to synchronously carry out major tasks on foreign relations.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son speaks at the conference. (Photo: VNA)

The sector has gained important results, particularly maintaining a peaceful and stable environment, significantly contributing to protecting national independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, expanding and deepening relations between Vietnam and many partners, and maximising external resources to serve socio-economic development.

It has continued to promote the image of Vietnam as a nation of independence and self-reliance with a rich culture, which is resolved to pursue reforms and make active and responsible contributions to major international issues and forums, Son said, highlighting Vietnam’s fulfilment of its duties as Chair of the ASEAN in 2020 and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in the 2020-2021 term, helping to raise the country’s position in the international arena.

Delegates at the conference (Photo: VNA)

According to the minister, the sector has very heavy but glorious tasks in the time ahead. He stressed that the sector should carry forward its pioneering role in creating and maintaining the peaceful and stable environment, safeguarding the nation early and from afar, and mobilising external resources to serve socio-economic development and improve the country’s position and prestige.

He called on the delegates to seek new ways to synchronously and effectively implement major tasks of the sector in order to turn external relations and diplomacy into a strong driving force for the country’s rapid and sustainable development./.

VNA