Vietnam achieved many successes in foreign affairs in 2018, indicative the active and creative diplomacy, contributing to the overall achievements of the whole country.

Multilateral diplomatic events make Vietnam a trustful destination

In the last days of 2018, Vietnam was elected for the first time to the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) for the 2019-2025 tenure, wrapping up a successful year of multilateral diplomacy.

In particular, this is a very significant event in the context of deep international integration, requiring countries to participate in building common rules. At the same time, it is also a clear evidence of the maturity of diplomatic staff at international multilateral forum which requires strict professional competence.

The UNCITRIAL membership is of significant importance as Vietnam has stepped up extensive and intensive international integration with a view to further engage and contribute to the common efforts of the international community.

Previously, Vietnam successfully hosted a number of international and regional events, including the World Economic Forum (WEF) on ASEAN, which was regarded as one of the most successful regional meetings of the World Economic Forum over the past 27 years.

According to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, after the success of the 2017 APEC Year, Vietnam is emerging as a trustful destination for international events, reflecting the country’s accredited prestige and role.

Besides, Vietnam also actively takes advantages of all contacts and meetings at bilateral and multilateral aspects to call for support from countries around the world for its candidacy as non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure after becoming the sole candidate of Asia-Pacific Group for the position.

Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh affirmed that this is the second time Vietnam was nominated a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, demonstrating the country's peaceful and independent foreign relations.

Vietnam keeps expanding strategic partnership network

In 2018, Vietnam welcomed 33 high-level leaders who came to Vietnam for state/official visits or attending international events meanwhile Vietnamese leaders conducted 28 foreign tours to countries around the globe.

Vietnam and Australia upgraded its relationship to strategic partnership

Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh said that with the spirit of creative initiative in the way of effective working, Vietnam continues to continued to consolidate and expand cooperation, especially with major countries as evidenced by Vietnam visits of the President of South Korea, the President of Indonesia, the President of India, the Prime Minister of France, and the Prime Minister of Russia, among others.

Vietnam enhances economic diplomacy and identifies clear support subjects 

2018 marked a new high in the country’s international economic integration process as Vietnam became the seventh member to ratify the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), actively lobbied the EU and member countries to complete Legal review to soon sign and ratify the Vietnam - EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and unify the content of the Investment Protection Agreement (IPA).

Vietnam has also played an active role in leading regional cooperation mechanisms like the 6th Greater Mekong Subregion, held in Hanoi, and in accelerating talks on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and FTAs with the European Free Trade Area (EVFTA) and Israel.

Economic diplomatic activities with practical steps have contributed positively to maintaining high export growth of the country (13.8%) and attracting foreign investment inflows to nearly US$18 billion in 2018.

Vietnam firmly protects sovereignty and territory

On the land border, Vietnam cooperated to effectively implement border management in accordance with the agreements signed with China, Laos and Cambodia, promote inter-border cooperation and further institutionalize border management.

On the maritime border, Vietnam has stepped up exchanges and work at all levels and mechanisms on delimiting exclusive economic zones with Indonesia, reported the continental shelf over 200 nautical miles to Malaysia, implemented mechanisms for meetings with related working groups.

Vietnam focuses on protecting interests, promoting the legal status of expatriates

One of the tasks of overseas Vietnamese and citizen protection is to promote the protection of legitimate rights and create conditions for overseas Vietnamese to soon obtain their legal status to integrate and do business in the host country.

With regards to Vietnamese in Cambodia, Vietnam has asked this country to speed up the process of issuing legal documents, fulfilling its pledge to ensure the legitimate rights of Vietnamese Cambodians to work and live as normal people of other countries.

Hanoitimes