Overview of multi-lateral diplomacy in 2017

Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation 

Vietnamese State President Tran Dai Quang attends the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, Beijing, China, May 14-15

State President Tran Dai Quang attended the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in China last May.

Sharing his standpoint of cooperation within the framework of the high-level forum on the Belt and Road Initiative, the Vietnamese leader emphasized that the sustainable development between nations should be based on the principles of consent, equality, voluntariness, transparency, openness, mutual respect, mutual benefit and compliance with the UN charter and international law.

ASEAN-Russia Summit

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc attends the ASEAN-Russia Summit, dedicated to the 20th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership, Sochi, Russia, from May 19- 20

Affirming Viet Nam’s stance on reinforcing the ASEAN-Russia ties in a practical and effective manner at the Commemorative Summit marking the 20th anniversary of the ASEAN-Russia dialogue partnership in Sochi, Russia, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc suggested that both sides should focus on strengthening security cooperation, especially maritime security and terrorism and transnational crime prevention.

Both sides should increase dialogues at all levels, including high ranking ones, coordinate closely at ASEAN led regional forums and security mechanisms, build cooperation mechanisms, and implement appropriate measures, he said. 

PM Phuc went on to say that the two sides need to optimize their potential to foster a partnership in economics, trade and investment, energy, and tourism, along with the negotiation of a free trade agreement between Russia and ASEAN.

Under the slogan “Towards Strategic Partnership for the Sake of the Common Good”, the leaders discussed on regional and international situation, reviewed the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership over the past two decades and figured out major orientations as well as concrete measures to lift up the bilateral ties to a new height.

The leaders approved the Sochi Declaration to lay a firm basis for the advancement of the ASEAN-Russia relationship in the future.

Int’l Conference on Asia’s Future

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc attends the 23rd International Conference on the Future of Asia held in Tokyo, Japan, on June 5-6

In his speech delivered at the opening ceremony of the International Conference on the Future of Asia in Tokyo, Japan, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc stressed that globalization is an inevitable trend. It is not only an economic process but also reflects human race’s desire for peace and for conquering challenges.

However, the globalization process in Asia is now challenged by complicated developments of religious extremism, terrorism threats, missile tests on the Korean Peninsula, tensions in the East China Sea and East Viet Nam Sea, natural disasters and epidemics.

Against that backdrop, PM Phuc called for maintaining a peaceful and stable environment by building healthy and coherent bonds, enhancing trust and sincerity among countries in terms of security, politics, and economic development.

Under the theme “Globalism at a crossroads – Asia’s next move”, this year’s event focuses on discussions on trends and factors affecting the future of Asia, including protectionism and populism, relations among major nations and world order change, and development of ASEAN, China, and South Africa.

G20 Summit

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc attends the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany from July 5-8

For the first time Viet Nam was invited to attend the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany, as the host of APEC.

Speaking at the summit, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc underlined the importance of strengthening cooperation to cope with climate change. 

He also called on the G20 countries and international community to uphold responsibility, strictly implement international commitments and enhance financial and technological support for developing countries to achieve sustainable and inclusive development goals.

He reaffirmed the Viet Nam’s commitment to soon achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, adding that the priorities would be reducing poverty, addressing inequality, improving education, promoting renewable energy and coping with climate change.

Viet Nam has pushed the agenda for sustainable development, climate change response and efficient energy use. It is cooperating with APEC member economies to promote inclusive development, he noted.

Themed “Shaping an interconnected world”, the summit discussed an array of important issues of global economy such as growth, trade, investment, international finance, sustainable development, climate change, energy, support to Africa, migration, health care, employment, digitalization, and women.

31st ASEAN Summit

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc attends the 31st ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Manila, the Philippines, from November 12-14

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc highlighted three key areas of ASEAN co-operation in his speech at the plenary session of the 31st ASEAN Summit in the Philippines last November.

The PM suggested the bloc further uphold its central role and stature in the international arena for the sake of peace, security and prosperity in the region.

Stressing the significance of ASEAN’s 50th founding anniversary, he affirmed Viet Nam is committed to building a strong ASEAN community.

The Vietnamese leader lauded ASEAN and China for approving the framework Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), adding that the effective and legally binding COC should be negotiated in a practical and feasible way.

At the event, the participating leaders agreed to sign a document, adopt 11 stances and take note of 11 others, which cover issues of public concern such as workers’ rights and job opportunities, gender equality and women’s empowerment, youth, health matters like medicine resistance, malnutrition elimination and business facilitation.

They stressed the need to continue boosting connectivity via the facilitation of regional trade and the development of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises amid the industrial revolution 4.0.

The member economies pledged to further promote specific actions to narrow the development gap, increase connectivity and reform administrative procedures.

APEC 2017-a comprehensive success

The 25th APEC Economic Leaders’ Week is organized in Da Nang City, Viet Nam from November 10-11

The 25^th APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Da Nang City was one of the few of its kind to be attended by leaders of all 21 member economies over the last decade.

More than 21,000 delegates took part in the 243 activities held during the APEC Year 2017 in Viet Nam. The APEC Economic Leaders’ Week alone attracted about 11,000 delegates, reflecting the world and the region’s great attention to APEC. 

For the first time, APEC agreed to promote economic, financial and social inclusion and innovative startups. 

APEC leaders also set major plans for APEC cooperation until 2020 and beyond so as to work towards an APEC for people and businesses, help to build an Asia-Pacific community of peace, stability, dynamism, inter-connectivity and prosperity, and uphold APEC’s leadership in coping with new challenges. 

The 25th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting adopted Da Nang Declaration, accordingly, the leaders determined to take bolder and sustained collective actions to inject new dynamism into APEC cooperation to promote sustainable, innovative and inclusive growth, deepen regional economic integration, realize the full potential of the business sector, particularly micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and enhance food security and sustainable agriculture.

As the host, Viet Nam demonstrated activeness and proactiveness in consultations and discussions during the APEC Year, leading to the overall success of the forum this year.

Besides, Viet Nam also made active contributions to the formation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), contributing to promote regional economic connectivity./.

By Thuy Dung