MOFA units ensure dedicated support for the international press during the signing of the Hanoi Convention

Mr. Luong Hoang Giap, Director of the Foreign Press Center under the Service Department for Diplomatic Corps. (Photo: Xuan Son)

Could you share about the Foreign Press Centre’s preparations for the Signing Ceremony?

Preparations for the Hanoi Convention signing ceremony were launched early and thoroughly by the Government and relevant ministries and agencies. Immediately after major events such as A50 (50th anniversary of the South Liberation and National Reunification) and A80 (80th anniversary of August Revolution and National Day), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), especially the Press and Information Department and the Foreign Press Centre, began implementing preparatory work.

For this event, the Foreign Press Center mobilized 100% of its staff, working beyond regular hours. In recent weeks, our officers and employees have been working on Saturdays and Sundays with great urgency and enthusiasm.

The number of registered journalists was very large, most of whom accompanied high-level delegations, requiring careful and meticulous arrangements. The Foreign Press Centre closely coordinated with the Press and Information Department under the close direction of the leadership of the Service Department for Diplomatic Corps, and worked with professional units of the Ministry of Public Security and Hanoi authorities to complete visa, accreditation and related administrative procedures.

At the same time, the Foreign Press Centre proactively communicated with international reporters to guide them in completing registration, visa and access pass procedures.

The number of registered journalists was very large, requiring the Foreign Press Center to make thorough and meticulous preparations. (Photo: Hoang Giap)

What challenges did the Foreign Press Centre face during preparations, given the high workload and strict security requirements?

The Foreign Press Centre has accumulated experience from many major events this year, such as A50 and A80 . However, the workload this time was particularly heavy, while our personnel are limited, creating pressure in task allocation and meeting deadlines as required by the Foreign Ministry and the organizing committee.

Another challenge was the time zone difference when working with foreign journalists, especially those from Europe and the Americas. Our staff had to take shifts to respond to emails and provide timely information, avoiding delays that could affect accreditation and visa processes.

In addition, journalists came from diverse countries and cultural backgrounds, many accompanying high-level leaders, so coordination and document handling required flexibility, precision and tact.

Nevertheless, the Foreign Press Centre received close and timely direction from the Foreign Ministry’s leadership, the Service Department for Diplomatic Corps, and the Press and Information Department, which helped resolve many difficulties.

With over 40 years of experience serving major events such as APEC, the U.S.-DPRK Summit, and state visits by foreign leaders, the Foreign Pres Centre confidently applied its expertise, tradition and sense of responsibility to contribute to the success of the Hanoi Convention signing ceremony.

Domestic and international journalists working at the media centre of the National Convention Centre. (Photo: Hoang Giap)

How do you assess the significance of this event for Vietnam’s international media cooperation and the role of the Foreign Press Centre in that process?

Major events like this are not only opportunities to promote Vietnam’s image but also to strengthen the Foreign Press Centre’s role as a bridge supporting international media.

For us, it is a great honour and an opportunity to carry forward the tradition of serving the foreign press established by previous generations. It is also a chance for sectors, especially tourism, to promote Vietnam’s image to the world through international media outlets.

The event brought together many leading news agencies and media organizations, creating opportunities for Vietnamese outlets to enhance cooperation, exchange information and lay the groundwork for upcoming international events such as the National Party Congress and APEC 2027.

For the Foreign Press Centre, this is another occasion to affirm our competence and standing, while contributing to the overall achievements of the Service Department for Diplomatic Corps this year.

The event brought together many major news agencies and media outlets, creating opportunities for Vietnamese media organizations to enhance cooperation, exchange information and lay the groundwork for upcoming international events. (Photo: Hoang Giap)

After this event, what plans does the Foreign Press Centre have to improve its service quality and strengthen multilateral media cooperation?

After each major event, the Foreign Press Centre prepares an evaluation report for the Foreign Ministry’s leadership and the Press and Information Department to review what went well and what needs improvement, in order to enhance effectiveness in future events.

We will also continue maintaining contact with journalists who attended, reinforcing cooperative ties, and proactively inviting reputable, friendly reporters to cover Vietnam’s upcoming diplomatic events.

More importantly, this is a time for all Foreign Press Centre staff to reflect on our work, continuously improve our professionalism and service spirit, and contribute more effectively to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ external communications.

Thank you very much.

Address by the United Nations Secretary-General at the Hanoi Convention Signing Ceremony WVR - The World and Vietnam Report is honoured to present the full speech of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the High-Level Conference of ...

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasizes cybersecurity as 'backbone' of national digital transformation at Hanoi Convention WVR - On the afternoon of October 25, within the framework of the Signing Ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime (Hanoi Convention), the ...

Hanoi Convention: A declaration of global cooperation in the digital era WVR - On October 26, at the National Convention Center, within the framework of the United Nations (UN) Convention against Cybercrime Signing Ceremony (Hanoi Convention), ...

Signing Ceremony's closing session: Enhancing effective cooperation in implementing the Hanoi Convention WVR - On the afternoon of October 26, in Hanoi, the Closing Session of the Signing Ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime (Hanoi ...

Hanoi Convention: Empowering youth to shape the digital future WVR - On October 26, within the framework of the Signing Ceremony and High-Level Conference of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime (Hanoi Convention), the ...