The imprint of Vietnamese diplomacy on the international stage

Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh performs the traditional Baci wrist-tying (also called Su Kwan) - a traditional spiritual custom deeply rooted in the daily life and cultural beliefs of the Lao people- for Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung at the reception to celebrate Bun Pi May, the Lao New Year, on April 8, 2026. (Photo: Thanh Long)

A diplomacy that has matured over time

Ambassador of Laos to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh

First of all, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the Party, the State and the people of Vietnam on the important achievements attained following the 14th National Party Congress. The major orientations for national development and foreign affairs adopted by the Party Congress reflect strategic thinking, a long-term vision, and Vietnam's strong aspiration for development in the new era.

Vietnam's diplomacy is entering a new stage of development. Whereas in the past the priority was to adapt to a rapidly evolving international environment, Vietnam has now become more proactive in helping shape cooperative initiatives, promoting dialogue, fostering trust, and contributing to addressing global challenges. This reflects the maturity of Vietnam's diplomacy as well as the country's steadily rising standing in the international arena. Vietnam is not only a trusted partner but has also become an active contributor to peace, stability, sustainable development and mutually beneficial cooperation.

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In the new stage of development, I am confident that Vietnam's diplomatic sector will continue to serve as an important bridge connecting Vietnam with the international community, while remaining a pioneering force in mobilising external resources to support the country's development.

I also hope that Vietnam's diplomacy will continue to maximise the effectiveness of political diplomacy, economic diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, science and technology diplomacy, and people-to-people diplomacy, thereby contributing to the country's goals of rapid and sustainable development and deeper international integration.

For my part, what has left the deepest impression on me is the sincerity, professionalism, sense of responsibility and spirit of open cooperation demonstrated by Vietnamese diplomats. Under all circumstances, they have consistently shown dedication, openness to constructive engagement, and a commitment to the common good.

As Ambassador of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to Vietnam, I have always appreciated the strong support, effective coordination and sincere friendship extended by Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as by Vietnamese ministries, agencies, localities and people. This is not merely cooperation between the diplomatic services of our two countries, but also the bond between comrades and brothers who stand side by side for the development of each nation and for the common interests of our two peoples.

On the occasion of the 33rd National Foreign AffairsConference, I would like to extend my best wishes to the leaders of Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as to all officials, public employees and diplomats of Vietnam, wishing them good health, continued success, and every success in carrying forward the proud tradition of Vietnam's diplomacy.

I also wish them continued success in nurturing the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic connectivity between Laos and Vietnam, so that our bilateral relationship will continue to flourish in a sustainable manner for the sake of peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity in the region and the world.

General Secretary To Lam and Ambassador of China to Vietnam He Wei attend the 2026 Spring Festival Concert "Vietnam–China: Friendly neighbours", in Hanoi on February 8, 2026. (Photo: Chinese Embassy in Vietnam)

Where there is a shared vision, the journey is never too far

Ambassador of China to Vietnam He Wei

The year 2026 marks the beginning of a new era in Vietnam's national development. It is also a pivotal year in which Vietnam's diplomacy is being carried out at a new level and its international integration is accelerating across the board.

Under the strong leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, headed by General Secretary and State President To Lam, Vietnam has put forward new theoretical thinking on reform, successfully joined the ranks of upper-middle-income countries, and is accelerating efforts to achieve the “Two Centenary Goals” of Party building and national development.

On the diplomatic front, Vietnam has established Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships with 15 countries and regional organizations, become a member of more than 70 international organizations and forums, and actively participated in global efforts to address climate change, ensure food security, and provide international humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. These achievements fully demonstrate Vietnam's image as a responsible member of the international community and a reliable partner.

China is sincerely pleased to see the remarkable achievements made by the brotherly Party and people of Vietnam. We are confident that the successful convening of the 33rd National Foreign Affairs Conference of Vietnam will elevate Vietnam's comprehensive diplomacy to a new level, make fresh contributions to the sustained high-quality development of China-Vietnam relations, and inject new momentum into peace, stability, development, and prosperity in Asia and the world.

Where there is a shared vision, the journey is never too far. I firmly believe that as China and Vietnam work together to shape the future, safeguard peace, and promote prosperity, we will write a new chapter in building the China-Vietnam Community with a Shared Future and set an example for advancing a global community with a shared future for mankind.

On this occasion, I would like to express my highest respect and heartfelt gratitude to all our Vietnamese friends who have long dedicated themselves to Vietnam's diplomatic service and to the cause of China–Vietnam friendship. I wish the 33rd National Foreign Affairs Conference of Vietnam every success, wish Vietnam's diplomacy continued achievements, and wish the traditional friendship between our two Parties, our two countries, and our two peoples everlasting vitality.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung and Ambassador of Philippines to Vietnam Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III raise a toast at the Reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam-Philippines, July 7, 2026. (Photo: Thanh Long)

Sharing the story of success

Ambassador of Philippines to Vietnam Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III

I welcomed the elevation of foreign relations to an important level of Vietnam’s national development goals. As the primary government agency responsible for promoting and protecting the interests of Vietnam overseas, this acknowledgement of the importance of foreign relations in the life of the country is only logical as no country in the world can properly exist without engaging with the international community of nations.

Since my arrival in Hanoi last January 2026, I have read and seen the consistent effort made by Viet Nam in contributing to regional and international engagements, consistent with its adherence to international law and its support of international organizations like the United Nations and ASEAN.

This clearly demonstrates the readiness and ability of Vietnam to participate in the conversation taking place on the world stage, bringing into this discussion its experiences and sharing the story of its economic success to other countries.

As a middle power, Vietnam has an obligation to continue to be actively involved in the global stage, plugging gaps in international law and policies which would favor developing countries of which it is an important component. Amidst its effort to be an active actor in international relations, I appreciate the importance Vietnam places on ASEAN centrality and its effort to promote the importance of ASEAN as the fulcrum on which the political, security, and economic progress of the region must hinge.

Together with other middle powers belonging to ASEAN, Vietnam would be in a strategic position to ensure that the political and economic progress in the region continue to rotate around ASEAN, thereby sustaining the principle of ASEAN centrality. It is, therefore, expected that Vietnam will continue with this external engagement as this responsibility comes with the role of middle powers in the world.

Consequently, the trajectory taken by Vietnam after the 14th National Party Congress, which emphasizes international engagement and the promotion of regional and global security and economic progress, appears to be the right path and should continue.

Ambassador of Japan to Vietnam Ito Naoki visits Cao Bang Province to inspect the outcomes of a Japan-funded project supporting communities affected by Typhoon Yagi. The project, financed by the Government of Japan, was implemented through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in April 2025. (Photo: Embassy of Japan in Vietnam)

Joining hands to build a peaceful and stable international environment

Ambassador of Japan to Vietnam Ito Naoki

Japan welcomes that Vietnam has been promoting positive and proactive diplomacy for the New Era under strategic self-reliance and international integration set out at the 14th National Party Congress held in January this year. We also pay close attention that Vietnam has been putting this diplomatic policy into practice since January.

Japan is keen to support Vietnam in strengthening its autonomy and resilience, and expanding its role in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable growth of the international community. To this end, we will continue facilitating bilateral cooperation between Japan and Vietnam in various fields, including economic security and security cooperation.

In addtion, at the 14th National Party Congress, it was made clear that the diplomatic sector would play a pioneering role in advancing international integration. Japan considers that Vietnam's efforts to promote economic diplomacy through attracting high-quality FDI and the development of highly skilled human resources lead not only to its own sustainable development and economic security, but also to those of the region.

In recent years, Vietnam has been rapidly enhancing its presence in the international arena. We paid close attention when General Secretary and President To Lam, at the Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore this May, called for promoting rule-based dialogue to resolve the crises facing the international community. General Secretary and President To Lam also stressed the importance of "Human Security," a concept which has long been advocated by Japan, along with strengthening preventive diplomacy and ASEAN centrality.

Furthermore, Vietnam successfully hosted the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum in June, serves as the CPTPP Chair this year, and is scheduled to host APEC next year. We expect that Vietnam’s role in the international community will continue to expand even further.

As nations with common vision to pursue peace, Japan will continue to work closely with Vietnam to create a peaceful and stable international environment.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang, Head of the ASEAN SOM of Vietnam, receives Ambassador of the European Union to ASEAN Sujiro Seam, on July 14. (Photo: Bao Chi)

Expectations for Vietnam

Ambassador of Europe Union (EU) to Vietnam Sujiro Seam

We always hope that Vietnam will continue to play an active diplomatic role both in the region and on the international stage.

Vietnam and the European Union have now established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, providing a very strong political and strategic foundation for cooperation between the two sides. We also have the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). Therefore, we hope Vietnam will continue to be a strong voice in support of multilateral trade and rules-based free trade.

In addition, Vietnam and its international partners are successfully implementing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). We hope Vietnam will continue to advance the green transition and advocate for international efforts in this area.

Finally, digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) are areas where the EU and Vietnam share common interests and priorities. Therefore, we hope Vietnam will continue to make further progress in these fields while contributing actively to advancing international cooperation and the development of relevant international frameworks.

All the points he has just mentioned are shared priorities of ASEAN, Vietnam and the EU. Once again, we hope Vietnam will continue to play an active role in advancing these common agendas.

Moreover, about the role of multilateralism, I would like to emphasize two points:

First, ASEAN and the EU share a strong commitment to multilateralism. We are equally committed to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and opposition to unilateral actions.

At a time when we are witnessing growing instability around the world, it is more important than ever for those who believe in multilateralism to continue standing together and working closely with one another.

Second, with regard to maritime security and the South China Sea. Just a few days ago, we marked the 10 years of the arbitral tribunal’s ruling on the South China Sea case. On this occasion, the EU also issued a statement conveying three key messages: First, it reaffirmed its commitment to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Second, the EU continues to reaffirm its support for efforts to develop a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC). Finally, we express our deep concern over the tensions and dangerous incidents occurring in the South China Sea.

It is fair to say that ASEAN and the EU share a broad consensus in support of multilateralism. More importantly, we must continue to reaffirm that support at a time when the world is witnessing an increasing number of unilateral actions.

South African Ambassador to Vietnam Vuyiswa Tulelo attends the Ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Geneva Accords in April 2024. (Photo: Xuan Son).

Vietnam's new international roles

Ambassador of South Africa to Vietnam Vuyiswa Tulelo

I have great expectations for the 33rd National Foreign Affairs Conference of Vietnam, following thesuccessful and smooth transitions that have taken place this year after the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the 16th National Assembly elections, supporting the new growth model for the 2026-2031 term.

The changes in Vietnam’s trajectory since the 32nd Conference of 2023, could be the means through which Vietnam outlines its programme to become a regional and world example of a nation that has enabled its status to move from lower middle income to upper middle income in the short space of 17 years.

Vietnam’s approach to diplomacy is characterised by non-alignment, active engagement with major powers and adaptability in international dealings, which has continued to positively increase its international image. Vietnam’s robust economic growth, active regional diplomacy, and increasing global influence make it a key interlocutor in the ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific.

Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in poverty reduction, industrial growth, and agricultural transformation provide valuable lessons that resonate strongly with many developing countries. Vietnam has had an increasing role in multilateral institutions including as an observer country at the African Union, whilst also participating in UN peacekeeping Missions in Africa as well as joining as a partner country in BRICS, amongst its new international roles.

Bilateral relations between South Africa and Vietnam have deepened significantly in recent years, most notably through the formal elevation of the relationship to a Strategic Partnership and the High‑level exchanges, including President Ramaphosa’s official visit to Vietnam in October 2025.

This has further consolidated the strategic character of the relationship and generated an intensified programme of follow‑up commitments, placing Vietnam among South Africa’s most important partners in Southeast Asia.

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