General Secretary To Lam: Vietnam accelerates international integration from 'receiving' to 'contributing'
WVR - On the afternoon of January 23, at an international press conference immediately following the closing session of the 14th National Party Congress, the General Secretary of the 14th Party Central Committee responded to foreign journalists' questions about Vietnam's foreign policy.
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| General Secretary To Lam chaired the international press conference to announce the results of the 14th Party Congress on the afternoon of January 23, 2025. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
"Vietnam is a part of the world"
Responding to a question from a Pravda (Russia) journalist about the 14th National Party Congress's policy to enhance Vietnam's participation in major international issues often dominated by large countries, General Secretary To Lam quoted the immortal words of President Ho Chi Minh: Vietnam is a part of the world. Everything in the world is related to Vietnam, and everything in the country is related to the world.
General Secretary To Lam emphasized that a key new aspect of this Congress is that Vietnam has elevated the role of international relations to a new level, equating it with national defense and security, making it a crucial and regular task. Previously, in resolution documents, this work was not ranked at such a level. Here, we can see the enhanced role and position of Vietnam's foreign affairs in global issues.
"Vietnam clearly defines its responsibility towards global and international issues; it aims for deeper integration into the world's politics, international economy, and human civilization. As a responsible member of the United Nations, Vietnam believes that all nations, large or small, share a common responsibility for global issues," the General Secretary stated.
According to General Secretary To Lam, no single country in the world, no matter how powerful, can solve global issues such as climate change, natural disasters, pandemics, non-traditional security, food security, cyber security, conflicts, and wars alone. Addressing these issues requires cooperation and the joint efforts of the international community.
The General Secretary affirmed that after 40 years of renewal, reform, and development, Vietnam's potential has changed. Vietnam has the position, prestige, capacity, and responsibility to actively participate in regional and global issues. Vietnam is increasingly closely linked with global security and development issues and will continue to work closely with countries and multilateral institutions to address international issues.
On international security, Vietnam continues to actively participate in peacekeeping activities, humanitarian support, disaster relief in disaster-stricken areas, humanitarian crisis response, and contribute to peace-building efforts in the region and the world. Vietnam is ready to contribute more by assuming the role of mediator and bridge in resolving disputes and conflicts.
In terms of development, Vietnam is ready to share the challenges that many countries face. Vietnam is also willing to share its experiences in economic-social reform and development; participate in global efforts to eradicate poverty. At the same time, it fulfills commitments to sustainable development, ensuring food security, responding to climate change, and promoting green transformation.
According to General Secretary To Lam, in an increasingly uncertain world, countries need to strengthen solidarity, maintain strong commitments, and actively participate in the pillars of the regional and international system. Vietnam will continue to contribute and propose initiatives while being ready to participate in peace and development initiatives initiated by countries based on respecting the interests of relevant parties, complying with international law, the United Nations Charter, and in line with Vietnam's conditions and capabilities.
International Integration as a Key Driver
Additionally, a journalist from NHK (Japan) asked: How will Vietnam achieve its goals of deep, effective international integration and development in a world increasingly fragmented and divided?
General Secretary To Lam stated that Vietnam's economy is highly open. In terms of security, Vietnam is closely linked with regional and global security. Therefore, without integration and developing international relations, integration and development are impossible.
"We elevate the status and role of Vietnam's foreign affairs to a new height. We actively integrate and open up. We believe that respecting and enhancing international integration is not only a crucial development driver but a leading method to achieve the country's goals and strategies," the General Secretary affirmed.
In the new phase, the General Secretary affirmed that Vietnam aims to accelerate international integration by shifting from "receiving" to "contributing". According to the General Secretary, if in the past, during difficult times, wars, and embargoes, Vietnam mainly received international support, it has now shifted to actively contributing, from deep integration to full integration, from a nation lagging in global integration to a pioneering nation in areas of strength.
Additionally, General Secretary To Lam identified several priorities in international integration such as:
First, to achieve double-digit growth targets, Vietnam identifies economic integration as central, while integrating in other areas to facilitate economic integration. The top priority is to establish a new growth model based on the knowledge economy, digital economy, green economy, and circular economy; promote science-technology, innovation, and digital transformation; and push forward three strategic breakthroughs as leverage for development. Vietnam believes that without international integration, completing this task will be very challenging.
Second, in political, security, and defense integration, Vietnam aims to enhance national potential, alongside strengthening strategic autonomy; resolving existing issues through peaceful means, dialogue based on international law and the United Nations Charter, while effectively and promptly responding to non-traditional security challenges.
Third, scientific and technological integration is crucial, with innovation and digital transformation identified as the top important breakthroughs for Vietnam.
Fourth, integration in various fields should be linked with overcoming bottlenecks, learning from international experiences, and initiatives.
Finally, Vietnam asserts that international cooperation can only succeed when people are at the center of international integration; recognizing the legitimate interests and desires of the people. Based on this, Vietnam will mobilize the active, proactive, and creative participation of the people, businesses, localities, and the private sector, thereby enhancing Vietnam's connection with the world in all fields.
