Vietnam calls on regional countries to embrace opportunities from digital diplomacy

As travel restrictions and social distancing measures are still in place in countries across the globe, digital technology has helped to keep the world connected and maintain the global supply and production chains, and the diplomatic service is no exception, Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son told the International Conference on Digital Diplomacy (ICDD) 2021 virtually hosted by Indonesia on November 16.
Vietnam calls on regional countries to embrace opportunities from digital diplomacy ảnh 1Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son delivers a speech at the International Conference on Digital Diplomacy (ICDD) 2021 virtually hosted by Indonesia on November 16. (Photo: VNA)
Jakarta (VNA) – As travel restrictions and socialdistancing measures are still in place in countries across the globe, digital technology has helped to keepthe world connected and maintain the global supply and production chains, and the diplomatic service is no exception, Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son told the International Conference on DigitalDiplomacy (ICDD) 2021 virtually hosted by Indonesia on November 16.

Vietnam, like many countries, has stepped up the applicationof digital technology in promoting diplomacy with considerable success, hesaid.

Son called on foreign ministries to embrace this newopportunity, saying it is firstly owing to the fact that “digital diplomacyoffers unprecedented degree of interaction, fosters understanding and trust,enabling countries to respond faster to rapidly changing events and coordinatebetter to address global challenges.”

“Second, digital diplomacy allows more transparency andempower the people by giving them a voice,” the Vietnamese diplomat noted,adding that better transparency also helps to address misinformation anddisinformation issues.

He went on to say that digital diplomacy can facilitate linkagesof the digital economies, promoting innovation, thereby creating a freshimpetus for the post-pandemic inclusive and sustainable recovery.

Finally, in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), digital diplomacy can help optimise theuse of time and resources in organising the bloc’s activities and allowsgreater participation of ASEAN’s partners in the regional process which wasvery successful in 2020 and 2021, he stated.

“Digital diplomacy does not go without risks,” he concluded, “therefore,we need to constantly enhance cybersecurity measures to ensure the safe conductof digital diplomacy.”

In her opening remarks at the event, Indonesian FM RetnoMarsudi said though digital diplomacy cannot yet replace face-to-facediplomacy, it is here to stay and the need for it will continue to increase.

“A hybrid use of in-person and digital diplomacy will be thenew norm after the pandemic. And we have to be fully prepared for it,” shesaid.

The minister suggested three important step to move digitaldiplomacy forward, saying it can be done by strengthening trust in digitaldiplomacy by addressing concerns about cybersecurity, data privacy and internetgovernance; bridging gaps in digital diplomacy between countries; and usingdigital diplomacy to address global issues.

ICDD is the follow up event of the regional conference ondigital diplomacy, or RCDD, which has been successfully hosted by Indonesia in September2019. This year’s event brought together diplomats from 21 countries, includingthe US, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and China.

It featured an opening session and four panels discussion heldsimultaneously discussing the topics of the followings: Inclusive digitaleconomy: Benefits and challenges; Digital innovation for the SMEs; Making senseof data and digital diplomacy; Big data and crisis management./.
VNA

See more

At the February 14 meeting between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and a delegation of senior editors from leading Australian news agencies. (Photo: baoquocte.vn)

Australian senior news editors welcomed in Hanoi

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang affirmed that Vietnam views Australia as a key strategic partner in the region and noted that the recent upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2024 has opened numerous cooperation opportunities, not only in traditional sectors but also in emerging fields.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks in a group discussion as part of the National Assembly’s 9th extraordinary session on February 15 morning. (Photo: VNA)

Special mechanisms needed for sci-tech development, digital transformation: PM

In order to immediately implement Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, the Government has submitted a draft resolution on piloting several policies to remove obstacles in science, technology, and innovation activities, the PM noted.

At the reception (Photo: VNA)

PM lauds SK Group’s vision for mutual growth in Vietnam

As Vietnam is focusing on three strategic breakthroughs regarding institutions, infrastructure, and human resources, he fully endorsed the SK Group’s proposals and encouraged the group to continue its consultation, support, and investment in such critical sectors as artificial intelligence (AI) research and development, data centres, transportation, logistics and energy infrastructure, green and clean agriculture, and workforce training.

The National Assembly holds group discussions during the extraordinary session on February 14. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam resolute in achieving 8% growth target

The ambitious growth target of at least 8% underscores the government’s strong commitment to socio-economic development during the 2021-2025 period and lays the foundation for long-term prosperity.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son holds talks with Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane in Hanoi on February 14. (Photo: VNA)

Deputy PM, FM holds talks with Lao Foreign Minister

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane promised to effectively carry out the 2021–2025 cooperation agreement and collaborate on building a cooperation framework for the next phase.

Two collectives and six individuals from the VIFA are presented certificates of merit from the Chairperson of the HCM City People's Committee for their outstanding achievements in people-to-people diplomacy. (Photo: VNA)

India’s Republic Day celebrated in HCM City

Vietnam - India relations have continuously obtained significant achievements across various fields since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972, the strategic partnership in 2007, and the comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016.