Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (Photo: VNA) Vietnam aims to foster common interests of all nations tomaintain peace and stability, said the Deputy PM, adding that the country willcontinue deepening ties with its strategic and comprehensive partners.
Vietnam will also promote its relations with other countries,especially neighbours and those with important roles in the world, said Minh.
Regarding the East Seaissue, he confirmed that Vietnamwill speed up the settlement of disputes by peaceful measures via negotiations,such as those being undertaken with Chinaon sea area off the Tonkin Gulf as well as with Indonesiaand Malaysiaon the delimitation of continental shelves.
Looking back on achievementsin foreign affairs in 2016, the Deputy PM said that last year saw success andthe launching of external relations policies set by the 12th PartyCongress.
Bilaterally, Vietnam boosted its strategic and comprehensivepartnerships through high-ranking visit exchanges with China, the US,France and India. Vietnam alsofostered ties with neighbouring countries, he added.
Meanwhile, multilateral diplomaticactivities were effective, said Deputy PM Minh, noting that Vietnam joinedimportant mechanisms of the United Nations.
Vietnam worked closely with other ASEAN member countries towork towards building the ASEAN Community.
The Deputy PM said that 2016was also a successful year for cultural and economic diplomacy, while citizenprotection was assured.
On preparations for hostingthe APEC Year 2017, the Deputy PM noted that Vietnam started the work in 2015and set up a National Committee for APEC 2017.
Preparations for APEC 2017,especially those related to content and infrastructure, have been basicallycompleted, he noted, adding that ministries, sectors and localities have workedtogether to prepare for the event.
Hundreds of events andactivities will be held within the APEC 2017 in the central province of DaNang, including the APEC Week 2017 which is expected to gather nearly 10,000 delegates.-VNA
VNA
