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 bothonline and in-person formats.

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

Pointing to the rapid, complex developments in theworld and domestic situations, notably the COVID-19 pandemic,Son said the diplomatic sector has made concerted efforts to overcome difficulties andchallenges 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 apeaceful and stable environment, significantly contributing to protectingnational independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity,expanding and deepening relations between Vietnam and many partners, andmaximising external resources to serve socio-economic development.

It has continued to promote the image ofVietnam 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 internationalissues 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 SecurityCouncil in the 2020-2021 term, helping to raise the country’s position in theinternational arena.

Delegates at the conference (Photo: VNA)

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

He called on the delegates to seek new ways tosynchronously 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 rapidand sustainable development./.

VNA