On the morning of August 3, following the Party Central Committee meeting, General Secretary and President To Lam held a press conference to announce the outcomes.

During the conference, Mr. To Lam addressed four key questions from the media regarding his thoughts after being elected as General Secretary by the 13th Central Committee, the upcoming strategies for combating corruption and misconduct, his action priorities in the new position, and Vietnam's diplomatic direction.

When asked about his feelings regarding this important event, General Secretary and President To Lam expressed deep emotion and gratitude for the support from colleagues, fellow citizens, and international friends.

To Lam shared that being elected as General Secretary of the Party Central Committee is a significant responsibility before the Party, the people, and the country. It reflects the trust and expectations of party members and the public for the country's strong development in the coming times.

Despite being two-thirds through implementing the 13th Party Congress's resolution, Mr. To Lam stated that numerous challenges remain. These require exceptional efforts, unity among the entire nation, and collective commitment across the Party, the military, and the people to achieve the set goals and objectives.

"Perhaps nothing is as powerful as unity and cohesion. Unity is our strength. It is encouraging to see this unity and cohesion within the Party, the Politburo, and the Central Committee, which has been fostered and continues to thrive," emphasized the General Secretary.

This unity is the strength that enables our Party and nation to overcome many difficulties and challenges, achieving the objectives set by our Party.

"Certainly, our nation's development future will be bright along the path outlined by our Party," Mr. To Lam confidently stated.

Relentless anti-corruption efforts

Addressing questions about future anti-corruption and misconduct efforts, Mr. To Lam affirmed: "The work of building and reorganizing the Party, and combating corruption and misconduct, will continue vigorously with the same objectives, perspectives, principles, tasks, and solutions as before."

General Secretary To Lam emphasized intensifying anti-corruption efforts with the principle of "no stopping, no resting, no forbidden zones, no exceptions, regardless of who is involved." He also highlighted the importance of handling one case to caution a whole region or sector.

Additionally, there will be a focus on combating corruption, particularly within anti-corruption agencies, reducing petty corruption, and expanding anti-corruption efforts to the non-state sector to help purify the Party's ranks.

"It must be said that recent anti-corruption efforts have gained widespread support from party members, the public, and international opinion, building trust between the people and the Party, as well as among party officials. Although there may be doubts here and there, there is a strong consensus," Mr. To Lam said.

He further noted that the Party Central Committee has recently trusted and believed in the anti-corruption and misconduct strategy, achieving high unity in its implementation. This has significantly strengthened the credibility and trust in leaders and institutions. Therefore, the fight against corruption must continue decisively and thoroughly to defeat the "internal enemy."

Alongside anti-corruption efforts, General Secretary To Lam emphasized the need for administrative reform, addressing institutional and regulatory challenges to create a new momentum and space for socio-economic development.

He expressed gratitude for his experience as Minister of Public Security and Deputy Head of the Central Steering Committee for Anti-Corruption, directly participating in these efforts.

"Now, with the Party's trust and the people's confidence, I have been elected General Secretary and entrusted with leading the Central Steering Committee for Anti-Corruption and Misconduct. I am confident that this work will continue to advance," Mr. To Lam stated.

He expressed hope for the support and oversight of the entire political system, particularly the public's supervision. According to To Lam, success in this effort will depend on public support.

Accelerating implementation of the 13th Party Congress targets

When asked about his action priorities after becoming General Secretary, Mr. To Lam stated that his immediate task is to review and evaluate the targets set by the 13th Party Congress to develop breakthrough solutions and accelerate their implementation.

"With only a little over a year remaining, the demand to accelerate the implementation of the targets set by the 13th Party Congress, aiming to reach them ahead of schedule, is a crucial priority," said General Secretary To Lam.

The second priority is preparing for the 14th Party Congress. Although time is limited, much work needs to be done, and the committees must actively prepare to complete documents for the party congresses at all levels, leading up to the 14th Party Congress.

Emphasizing the need to prepare well for personnel plans, To Lam stated: "We need a strong apparatus and capable officials to achieve the people's goals and expectations. That is the work we must focus on," To Lam replied.

Effective diplomacy for a new era

Regarding questions about Vietnam's foreign policy direction, To Lam confirmed that the Party's general line, including the 13th Congress resolution's foreign policy, remains unchanged.

"We are continuing to implement this line effectively. We are pleased that it has been highly regarded internationally. Recently, in my role as President, I have met with several international delegates. Our successful foreign policy, which enhances Vietnam's position and reputation globally, is based on practical experiences," Mr. To Lam shared.

According to Party Chief To Lam, foreign policy must adhere to principles of independence, self-reliance, national sovereignty, and prioritizing national interests above all. Vietnam aims to be friends with all countries worldwide.

He affirmed that Vietnam has implemented a very successful foreign policy, demonstrating international responsibility, contributing to global politics, addressing global issues, and promoting human civilization. Vietnam actively participates in maintaining world peace and resolving conflicts with a peace-loving approach.

The General Secretary stated that Vietnam's foreign policy priorities would continue strengthening relations with neighboring countries, comprehensive strategic partners, strategic partners, traditional friends, and constantly building political trust, intertwining interests, and promoting peaceful, cooperative diplomacy for development.

At the same time, Vietnam will enhance its contribution to maintaining peace and stability in the region and worldwide, elevating its multilateral diplomacy and fulfilling its role as a responsible nation.

"Vietnam will continue to effectively conduct diplomacy for the new era, based on the enduring spirit of the Vietnamese people, a nation known for its resilience, adaptability, and commitment to peace and justice," General Secretary To Lam said.

Thu Hang