This morning, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted its annual briefing for foreign diplomatic missions and permanent international media offices based in Vietnam.

The event brought together chargé d’affaires, press attachés, media and culture officials from embassies and international organizations, alongside correspondents and press assistants from international news agencies operating in the country.

W-1_AI_2515.jpg
Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang with representatives from over 30 foreign press agencies based in Vietnam. 

It served as an opportunity to reflect on past collaboration while exchanging aspirations for the coming year, further strengthening bonds of friendship and long-term cooperation.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang emphasized that for Vietnam, 2025 is a year of pride  -  marked by historic milestones and strategic breakthroughs.

Vietnam’s successful celebrations of the 80th National Day and the 50th anniversary of national reunification honored its heroic past, while also signaling a transformative new era  -  a nation at peace, vibrant, and ready to advance into a new chapter of development.

High GDP growth among Southeast Asia’s top performers, record-breaking trade volume, and surging foreign direct investment reflect not only the vitality of the Vietnamese economy but also global investor confidence in the country’s future potential.

According to the Deputy Minister, Vietnam’s foreign affairs activities in 2025 have been particularly dynamic. Beyond maintaining diplomatic relations with 194 countries, Vietnam has elevated ties with 17 nations, bringing the total number of comprehensive partnerships or higher to 42.

Vietnam’s successful election to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2026–2028 term with a high vote count, and its role in hosting a series of major multilateral events, further affirm its reputation as a trustworthy partner and a proactive, responsible member of the international community.

W-1_AI_2580.jpg
Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang with foreign correspondents and press assistants. 

These achievements, she noted, have been made possible in part through the invaluable support and collaboration of the international community  -  including diplomatic missions, foreign journalists, and press assistants who are based in Vietnam.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she assured, remains committed to listening, providing information, facilitating procedures, and creating the most favorable conditions for the foreign press working in Vietnam.

Deputy Minister Hang also announced that under the newly issued Decree 219/2025, foreign correspondents permanently based in Vietnam are officially exempt from work permit requirements. Additionally, procedures for establishing or reopening permanent foreign press offices have been expedited.

This reflects the Ministry’s respect and strong commitment to fostering comprehensive cooperation with the global media community.

She expressed hope for continued support and goodwill from diplomatic missions, international organizations, and foreign media agencies, especially in helping to further promote the image of Vietnam as a peaceful, friendly, and dynamically developing nation.

Pham Hai