Elevating comprehensive foreign relations to new heights: A strategic imperative amid global shifts
WVR - On the afternoon of April 6, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a scientific seminar on "Comprehensive Foreign Relations Strategy at New Heights" was held under the chairmanship of Member of the Party Central Committee, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong.
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| Member of the Party Central Committee, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong chaired the seminar, emphasizing the need to elevate foreign relations thinking amid global changes. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
The seminar was attended by representatives from various ministries, departments, and agencies such as the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Public Security, Central Policy and Strategy Committee, Central Theoretical Council, ambassadors, former leaders of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, experts, researchers, and policymakers.
The seminar took place amid rapid international changes with increasing strategic competition, the reshaping of economic-security structures, and global challenges like climate change and digital transformation. These factors necessitate elevating the thinking and methods of foreign relations to ensure flexible adaptation while maintaining strategic orientation.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong emphasized that the 14th Party Congress set forth important strategic directions for foreign relations, affirming that foreign relations and international integration, along with national defense and security, are key and regular tasks. It also called for the development of foreign relations in the new era, commensurate with the country's position and stature. Elevating comprehensive foreign relations to new heights is a significant task, aimed at concretizing the Party's guiding viewpoints, contributing to laying the foundation for achieving Vietnam's development goals in the coming period.
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| The seminar contributed to refining theoretical and practical foundations, serving the construction of a comprehensive, modern, and effective foreign relations strategy in the new phase. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
Presentations at the seminar emphasized that foreign relations in the new phase should not only maintain a peaceful and stable environment but also proactively participate in shaping international structures and rules; creating a favourable international environment is a crucial method for building and safeguarding the nation. Additionally, delegates shared the view that there needs to be a shift from a "participation" mindset to "selective contribution and leadership," especially in areas where Vietnam has advantages such as the digital economy, innovation, and sustainable development cooperation.
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| Major General, Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Institute of Defense Strategy and History, Ministry of Defense, speaking at the seminar. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
An important topic clarified at this seminar was the requirement to ensure synchronization between foreign relations with national defense, security, and socio-economic development. Foreign relations should not exist independently but must become an integral part of the overall national strategy, contributing to resource creation, expanding development space, and enhancing the country's position. The seminar also analyzed international experiences showing that successful countries build comprehensive foreign relations systems, effectively combining diplomatic channels and maximizing multilateral mechanisms. Proactively participating in setting international standards, expanding partner networks, and enhancing strategic forecasting capabilities are key elements.
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| Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Nguyen Van Tho, speaking at the seminar. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
Regarding content, contributions at the seminar also suggested that "comprehensive foreign relations at new heights" should be defined not only by expanding the scope and scale of activities but also by enhancing quality and effectiveness. The focus is on innovation, developing foreign relations thinking, forming distinctive and effective foreign relations methods and arts; developing economic diplomacy, science and technology diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, promoting digital transformation in foreign relations activities, while strengthening inter-sectoral coordination and improving human resource quality.
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| Associate Professor, Dr. Le Dinh Tinh, Director of the Department of Foreign Policy, speaking at the seminar. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
In concluding remarks, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong highly appreciated the insightful and dedicated contributions of the delegates. He urged the maximum absorption of these important contributions, focusing on summarizing prominent issues, including the strategic context of current foreign relations, the experiences of our country and others in implementing foreign relations strategies, and the major requirements for foreign relations and international integration in the new phase. He also suggested that units within the Ministry continue to exchange, consult, and closely coordinate with relevant departments, ministries, and sectors to research and refine theoretical and practical foundations, creating a solid basis for timely advice to the Party and State leadership.
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| Director of the Department of External Relations and Cultural Diplomacy Le Thi Hong Van speaking at the seminar. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
| The scientific seminar is part of a series of activities by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs aimed at serving theoretical research, concretizing the implementation of the foreign relations policy of the 14th National Party Congress, including the guiding viewpoint "Strengthening national defense, security, and promoting foreign relations and international integration as essential and regular tasks". |
