Ambassador Nguyen Le Thanh: Living with faith and love for the homeland
WVR - Ambassador Nguyen Le Thanh shares her thoughts on her journey in the diplomatic sector and her aspirations to become Vietnam’s first female Ambassador to Denmark.
Latest
 |
| Ambassador Nguyen Le Thanh presented her Letter of Credentials to Danish King Frederik X at Christiansborg Palace on June 17, 2025. (Photo: Embassy of Vietnam in Denmark) |
Could you share your feelings and thoughts from your time working in the diplomatic sector?
To me, diplomacy is not just a profession—it is a journey bound by faith, love for the homeland, and dedication to the service. I believe that for every diplomat, this is not only an honour but also a challenge that demands intellect, courage, and perseverance.
Back in my school days, whenever I thought of women in diplomacy, I would always envision a figure who is gentle yet resolute; eyes that are sharp yet compassionate; a soul open to the world but deeply rooted in national identity.
Women in diplomacy may be graceful in demeanor, flexible in method, and creative in approach, but they never compromise on principles or the unwavering compass that is the national interest. Sometimes, a sincere smile can bridge a divide; a heartfelt gesture or word can become a bridge between two peoples. This is the very path I have been fortunate to walk for nearly 30 years in the Foreign Service.
As I look back and reflect on generations of Vietnamese women in diplomacy—with exemplary figures such as Madame Nguyen Thi Binh, the only woman at the Paris Peace Conference negotiating table, Madame Nguyen Thi Dinh, and Madame Ton Nu Thi Ninh—I can feel the enduring flame they have lit for those who followed.
It is that guiding light which has enabled today’s women diplomats to walk forward with confidence—not just as the graceful half of the Service, but as the strong, spirited half, contributing to a diplomatic corps that is comprehensive, modern, courageous, and deeply humane.
In your opinion, what do women in diplomacy need to do to fully realize their capabilities and qualities in this new era?
As the country enters a new era of development, women diplomats must continue to demonstrate fortitude, intelligence, and the ability to genuinely connect with others, while steadfastly upholding our principled positions. To proactively and creatively implement the comprehensive and modern foreign policy line of the Party and the State, diplomats—especially female diplomats—must constantly update themselves and keep pace with global trends, master new knowledge, technologies, and diplomatic cultures, foster an innovative mindset, and be ready to adapt to the ever-changing world, all while preserving Vietnam’s identity in a globalized context.
Achieving all this is no easy task—particularly as female diplomats must also strive to balance their professional responsibilities with family life, fulfilling their roles as mothers and wives. As Ambassador Ton Nu Thi Ninh once said, this remains “the greatest challenge” for women in diplomacy. Female diplomats must work many times harder to prove not only their professional competence but also their ability to take on leadership and managerial roles.
However, there is encouraging progress. The proportion of women in foreign affairs and diplomacy, as well as those in leadership and managerial positions, continues to grow. I believe that with the support of the Party and State, recognition from society, and their own determination, women in diplomacy will continue to shine, bringing their best qualities to bear and making worthy contributions to Vietnam’s foreign service in this new era.
When you presented your Letter of Credentials from the President of Vietnam to His Majesty King Frederik X on June 17, the King shared his fond and profound impressions of Vietnam’s rapid and remarkable development. With the valuable foundation of strong bilateral relations and Vietnam’s increasingly prominent international standing, what aspirations do you carry into your term as Ambassador?
The audience with His Majesty King Frederik X during the presentation of the Letter of Credence was a solemn and memorable moment that left a deep impression on me. It also marked a significant milestone in my diplomatic career, as I assume the role of Vietnam’s first female Ambassador to Denmark.
When the King recalled his beautiful memories of Vietnam, his eyes filled with warmth, I could truly sense the deep and sincere affection that both he and the Danish Royal Family hold for our country. These were not merely official visits or working meetings, but heartfelt journeys rooted in trust and a shared vision for the future.
I begin my tenure in Denmark with strong conviction that this is not just a moment of continuity, but a time of breakthrough—an opportunity to elevate the bilateral relationship to new heights. Denmark was among the first Nordic countries to voice support for the just cause of the Vietnamese people during the years of war.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971, Vietnam–Denmark relations have grown increasingly substantive and deep. The two countries have built and effectively implemented several important strategic cooperation frameworks, including the Strategic Partnership on climate change, energy, environment, and green growth (2011), the Comprehensive Partnership (2013), and most recently the Green Strategic Partnership (2023).
I hope to contribute to strengthening and deepening the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Denmark; to promoting key potential areas of strategic cooperation where our two countries have mutual needs and strengths—such as green growth and development, clean energy, smart agriculture, innovation, education, and sustainable development.
I also aim to bring the image of a modern, dynamic, friendly Vietnam—rich in cultural identity—closer to the Danish people. I believe our two countries will continue to be sincere, trustworthy, and effective partners, working closely together for a future of sustainable and prosperous development.
 |
| Ambassador Nguyen Le Thanh and Embassy staff before the presentation of Credentials at Christiansborg Palace. (Source: Embassy of Vietnam in Denmark) |
As you begin your mission in the land of fairy tales, what has impressed you the most about Denmark?
I had read and heard many enchanting, gentle, and profoundly human fairy tales by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, and later told those same stories to my own children at bedtime. Therefore, having the chance to work in the land where such stories were born is something truly special.
I was also aware of Denmark as a global leader in green development, happiness, and quality of life. But what left the deepest impression on me is the spirit of hygge—a lifestyle centered around warmth, connection, and finding joy in simple things. It is the soft glow of candles in a small room, the moment of family gathered together—and it closely resembles the Vietnamese notion that true happiness doesn’t lie in grand gestures, but in how people cherish one another.
Thank you very much, Ambassador!
(Source: Embassy of Vietnam in Denmark)
