Diplomatic hallmarks highlighted in 2013

Setting framework for bilateral relations

In 2013, Viet Nam succeeded in establishing strategic partnership with five more countries, namely Italy (in January); Thailand (in June); Indonesia (in June); Singapore (in September) and France (in September).

Viet Nam also set up comprehensive partnership with the US and Denmark during State President Truong Tan Sang's official visits to these countries.

The country has, accordingly, formed strategic partnership and comprehensive partnership with all five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.  

So far, Viet Nam has set up diplomatic ties with over 180 countries across the globe at different levels including strategic partnership with 13 countries, including Russia (2001); India (2007); Japan (2006); China (2008); the RoK and Spain (2009); the UK (2010); Germany (2011); Italy, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, France (2013); comprehensive partnership with four countries, namely Australia (2009); New Zealand (2010), Denmark and the US (2013) and strategic cooperation with the Netherlands in response to climate change and water management (SPA).

Strengthening bilateral ties

In 2013, the high-level diplomatic activities were more eventful than the previous years. All Party and State leaders travelled abroad to cement and deepen ties with other countries.

Particularly, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made official visits to the EU, Belgium, Italy, the UK (January 17-24); Thailand (June 25-27) and India (November 19-23).

State President Truong Tan Sang paid state visits to Indonesia (June 27-28); China (June 19-21); the US (July 24-26); Denmark (September 18-20); and Hungary (September 15-17).

Meanwhile, PM Nguyen Tan Dung toured Russia (May 13-15); Belarus (May 15-17); France (September 24-26) and Japan (13-15/12)

National Assembly Nguyen Sinh Hung visited the RoK and Myanmar (July 21-26); Russia and Poland (March 9-17).

This year, Viet Nam also welcomed 19 foreign Heads of State and high-ranking leaders including Japanese PM Shinzo Abe (January 16-17); Singaporean PM Lee Hsien Loong (September 11-13); Korean President Park Geun-hye (September 7-11); Malaysian King Apdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah (September 5-8); Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (October 13-15) and Russian President V. Putin (November 12).

A string of diplomatic activities were held in 2013 to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Viet Nam and other countries in all continents particularly Japan (September 21); France (April 12) and Australia (February 26).

The Southeast Asian country also held diplomatic consultations, security and national defense dialogues with numerous partners such as Singapore (March 22); the EU (April 15); Russia (October 15); the US (October 24 –November 3); and Japan (November 26).    

Bright points in multilateral diplomacy  

Viet Nam also attained achievements politically, resulted from keynote speeches delivered by her leaders.

Noticeably is PM Nguyen Tan Dung's a keynote address at the opening session of Shangri-La Dialogue held from May 31 to Jun 2 in Singapore.

The Vietnamese Government leader emphasized strategic trust for peace, cooperation and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

The address gained approval and strong support domestically and internationally.  

The Vietnamese PM also presented another important address at the general debate of the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 28 in New York.

Once again, the message of “strategic trust” building was mentioned at a global scale.

In addition, Viet Nam was elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) for the first time in the 2014-2016 period with high vote of approval.

Earlier, Viet Nam had its representative elected as the ASEAN Secretary General in the 2013-2017 term.

The fruitful achievements and hallmarks in foreign affairs have helped international friends grasp thoroughly Viet Nam’s foreign policy and affirmed the country’s self-confidence and self-motivation in response to global and regional issues./.  

By Hương Giang