Vietnam’s approach offers valuable reference at Shangri-La Dialogue: experts

Vietnam is increasingly viewed as a noteworthy model for its balanced approach to international relations, said Professor Vu Minh Khuong of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam delivers a keynote address at the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue. (Photo: VNA)
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam delivers a keynote address at the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue. (Photo: VNA)

Singapore (VNA) – Vietnam’s steadfast foreign policy, strategic vision and balanced approach to international relations have earned growing recognition from the international community, with experts describing the country as a notable reference point for addressing today’s complex global challenges.

In an interview with Vietnam News Agency correspondents on the occasion of the state visit to Singapore by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam, who delivered a keynote address at the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue, Professor Vu Minh Khuong of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy said the warm reception given to the speech reflects international interest in Vietnam’s development path and foreign policy vision.

He noted that Vietnam has demonstrated resilience in wartime, courage during the renewal process, and responsibility and a bold vision in the era of the nation's rise.

The country’s commitment to peace, cooperation and prosperity, he said, has left a strong impression on the international community, Khuong said.

Notably, Vietnam has the ability to turn former adversaries into friends and transform past animosities into mutual understanding, he continued.

The meeting between General Secretary and President Lam and US President Donald Trump at the White House last February, as well as his state visit to China in April after being elected President, demonstrates Vietnam's proactive and flexible approach in implementing its foreign policy.

In an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, maintaining harmonious relations with major powers is among the most difficult challenges facing nations today, Khuong said, adding that Vietnam is increasingly viewed as a noteworthy model for its balanced approach to international relations.

He also highlighted Vietnam’s consistent efforts to align national interests with broader regional and global goals, contributing positively to peace, stability and cooperation. Such an approach has helped the country strengthen its role within the global community, he added.

Sharing a similar view, Dr. Mohamed Effendy B Abdul Hamid from National University of Singapore said Vietnam’s consistency in implementing its foreign policy has won widespread respect. Through the messages delivered by General Secretary and President Lam, Vietnam has further clarified its vision for regional and international issues, he noted.

From a Southeast Asian studies perspective, Abdul Hamid said the current period is particularly significant as the international community places growing expectations on Vietnam amid evolving geopolitical uncertainties. He added that Vietnam’s approach is increasingly regarded as a valuable reference for countries seeking effective ways to navigate emerging global challenges./.

VNA

See more

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung departs Hanoi on June 16, 2026 to attend the ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit and conduct bilateral activities in Kazan, Russia from June 16 to 18. (Photo: VNA)

PM departs for ASEAN – Russia Commemorative Summit

PM Hung’s participation in this summit once again reflects Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, resilience, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, as well as the diversification and multilateralisation of external relations in line with the spirit of the 14th National Party Congress.

Deputy Defence Minister Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang and the Vietnamese delegation are briefed by a French partner on a combat helicopter model at Eurosatory 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam promotes defence cooperation at Eurosatory 2026

During the event, the Vietnamese delegation met with major French defence firms, including Airbus and UNAC, to discuss technology transfer, human resource training, technical support and defence industry development. Vietnam also invited international partners to participate in the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2026, scheduled to be held in Hanoi this December.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam receives Danish Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolai Prytz in Hanoi on June 15, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Top Vietnamese leader receives outgoing Danish Ambassador

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam emphasised that the friendship nurtured over decades, coupled with shared development visions, particularly in the green economy, maritime economy and circular economy, as well as growing connections in culture, sports, tourism and people-to-people links, will continue to serve as a solid foundation for deeper and more productive relations between Vietnam and Denmark.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam speaks at the working session with the education sector in Hanoi on June 15. (Photo: VNA)

Top leader urges education sector to make fundamental shift in mindset

Implementation of Resolution 71 must be carried out with strict discipline, regular inspections and continuous monitoring. The Ministry of Education and Training should establish a transparent system for tracking implementation through specific and regularly updated indicators. Each objective must be translated into concrete tasks, resources, timelines and responsible agencies.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung (R) receives Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Bezdetko in May 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam - bridge in advancing ASEAN–Russia relations

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung’s upcoming visit to Russia from June 16–18 for the ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit marking 35 years of dialogue relations highlights Vietnam’s commitment to the ASEAN–Russia Strategic Partnership and its role in strengthening cooperation between the bloc and Russia.

A bird's eye view of Hanoi capital (Photo: VNA)

📝 OP-ED: Democracy and happiness – core values for building public trust

At the heart of the model is the principle that all policies must be designed for the people, rooted in the people’s aspirations and dedicated to serving their interests. Citizens will play an active role in governance through access to information, participation in decision-making, oversight of public affairs and equitable access to development outcomes. In this context, democracy and happiness of the people are not only development goals but also the most accurate benchmarks for evaluating the effectiveness of local governance and the capacity of grassroots authorities to serve their communities.