Ministry of Foreign Affairs meets foreign press: Promoting the image of a dynamic, integrated, and developing Vietnam
WVR - On December 12, in Hanoi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang chaired the Ministry's annual meeting with diplomatic representatives, press officials and foreign news agencies based in Vietnam.
Latest
 |
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs meets foreign press: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' annual meeting with diplomatic representatives, press officials and foreign news agencies based in Vietnam on December 12, 2025. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
The event was attended by Ambassadors, Chargés d'affaires, press attachés, media and press officers from various diplomatic missions and international organizations, along with numerous journalists and press assistants from over 30 foreign news offices based in Vietnam.
Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang emphasized that the year 2025 marks significant milestones in the country's development journey. It is a year of national pride as Vietnam successfully celebrates the 80th National Day and the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification. The economy continues to shine with a GDP growth rate of 8%, among the highest in the region.
On the diplomatic front, Vietnam currently maintains relations with 194 countries, upgrading relations with 17 countries in 2025, bringing the total number of comprehensive partners to 42. Notably, the United Nations General Assembly re-elected Vietnam as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 term with 180 votes, the highest in the Asia-Pacific Group.
Vietnam also successfully hosted the signing ceremony of the UN Convention against Cybercrime – the "Hanoi Convention". This marks the first time a global UN convention is named after Vietnam's capital, symbolizing the country's growing role in shaping international laws.
Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang expressed gratitude to foreign journalists and press attachés, who have played the role of "storytellers" in Vietnam's development journey.
The Deputy Foreign Minister emphasized: "You are the 'bridges' connecting Vietnam with international friends. Through your lenses and words, the image of a dynamic, friendly, and resilient Vietnam has been spread across the globe".
Additionally, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang acknowledged the crucial role of international media in timely and empathetic reporting on the damage and losses caused by natural disasters and floods in Vietnam recently. Thanks to their articles and information sharing, the international community has understood the pain and resilience of the Vietnamese people, helping the country mobilize international resources to overcome the aftermath.
In a spirit of friendship, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang affirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' commitment to supporting and facilitating the activities of international media. Notably, Decree 219/2025, issued in August 2025, officially exempts foreign resident journalists in Vietnam from work permits. This change simplifies visa and residency extension procedures, reflecting Vietnam's efforts to create a favourable environment for international media to work effectively.
Looking towards 2026, the Deputy Foreign Minister stated that Vietnam is preparing for the 14th National Party Congress, ushering in a "New Era of National Advancement". Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang hopes that international media will continue to accompany and tell the story of a rising Vietnam.
Some images from the annual meeting:
 |
| Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang poses with representatives from over 30 foreign news offices based in Vietnam. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
 |
| Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang with representatives from the Ministry's departments and units, ambassadors, diplomatic missions, international organizations, and numerous journalists and press assistants. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
 |
| Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang expresses gratitude to foreign journalists and press attachés. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
 |
| Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and Editor-in-Chief of The World & Vietnam Report Nguyen Truong Son acknowledge the important role of international media. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
 |
| Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Urawadee Sriphiromya tries traditional Vietnamese pho. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
 |
| Foreign journalists based in Vietnam try traditional pho. (rice-noodle soup) (Photo: Thanh Long) |
