Vietnam’s external activities in 2017 enabled it to integrate into the world more extensively and raise its international status. Vietnam has strengthened and deepened its relationships with its key partners. VOV reviews Vietnam’s diplomatic activities in 2017.

Major milestones in Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc visited the US in June becoming the first Southeast Asian leader to visit the US since President Donald Trump took office. President Trump visited Vietnam in November during the APEC Economic Leaders' Week becoming the first US President to come to Vietnam in his first year in office. 

vietnam deepens foreign relations in 2007 hinh 1 Doctor Tran Viet Thai of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam said “Since Vietnam and the US normalized their ties, three US Presidents: Bill Clinton, George W Bush and Barack Obama have visited but only during their last year in office. President Trump visited Vietnam early in his term showing that Vietnam’s status has increased in US external policy.”

Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic partnership stable

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Tran Dai Quang visited China this year. Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Vietnam during the APEC Economic Leaders' Week, the first overseas trip by President Xi after the 19th Congress of the Communist Party of China. 

The visit demonstrated the two counties’ determination to maintain and promote bilateral ties. During his talks with President Xi, Mr. Trong said "The stable, long-term bilateral growth and achievements of the two Parties and States are an integral factor in the stability and development of each country. It is Vietnam’s wish to work with the Party, State and people of China to strengthen their traditional friendship and practical collaboration to make their bilateral comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership grow unceasingly in a healthy, stable manner.” 

Close bonds with neighbors and friends strengthened

Vietnam continues to strengthen its relations and cooperation with neighboring countries. This year Vietnam and Laos celebrated 55th anniversary of bilateral ties and the 40th anniversary of the Vietnam-Lao Treaty on Amity and Cooperation. Lao Party General Secretary and President Bounnhang Vorachit paid an official visit to Vietnam last week marking a milestone in bilateral ties.

2017 marked 50 years of Vietnam-Cambodia cooperation. Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong’s visit to Cambodia in July created a firm foundation for heightening the neighborliness, traditional friendship, and long-term, sustainable, comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

VOV