Representatives from various ministries, departments, and agencies, such as the Ministry of National Defense, the Ministry of Public Security, the Central Committee for Policies and Strategies, the Central Theoretical Council, ambassadors, former officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, experts, researchers, and policymakers, participated in the workshop.
The conference took place in an international environment undergoing significant changes, marked by increased strategic competition, restructuring of economic and security structures, and global challenges such as climate change and digital transformation. These factors require an urgent evolution of reflection and approaches regarding the implementation of foreign policy to ensure flexible adaptation while maintaining a strategic course.
In his opening speech at the seminar, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong emphasized that the 14th Party Congress had defined important strategic directions for foreign policy. He stated that foreign affairs and international integration, as well as national defense and security, are crucial and permanent tasks, setting requirements for the development of foreign policy commensurate with the country’s position and prestige. Advancing global foreign relations to a higher level is a major challenge, aiming to realize the Party’s guiding principles and contribute to laying the foundation for Vietnam’s development goals in the upcoming period.
Presentations at the conference all highlighted that the foreign policy of the new era should not only focus on maintaining a peaceful and stable environment but also actively participate in shaping international structures and rules. Creating a favorable international environment is essential for nation-building and protection. Additionally, delegates shared the view that a shift from a mentality of “participation” to a mentality of “collective contribution and leadership,” especially in areas where Vietnam has strengths such as digital economy, innovation, and sustainable development cooperation, was necessary.
An essential point highlighted during the conference was the need to ensure synergy between foreign policy and national defense, security, and socio-economic development. Foreign policy cannot exist independently; it must become an organic component of the overall national strategy, contributing to resource creation, expanding development horizons, and enhancing the country’s prestige. The conference also analyzed international experiences, showing that successful nations have established comprehensive foreign policy systems, effectively combining diplomatic channels and optimizing multilateral mechanisms. Active participation in developing international standards, expanding the partner network, and improving strategic forecasting capabilities are crucial factors.
On a fundamental level, contributions to the Conference also suggested that the concept of a “new level global foreign policy” should not only expand the scope and scale of activities but also aim to enhance quality and effectiveness. Emphasis should be placed on innovation and the development of foreign policy thinking, the creation of original and effective foreign policy methods and techniques, the development of economic, scientific, technological and cultural diplomacy, the promotion of digital transformation in foreign affairs, as well as the strengthening of intersectoral coordination and the improvement of human resource quality.
In his closing speech at the workshop, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong warmly thanked the delegates for their relevant and sincere contributions. He stressed the need to fully capitalize on these important contributions by summarizing key points, including the current strategic context of foreign affairs, Vietnam’s and other countries’ experiences in implementing foreign policy strategies, and the main challenges for foreign affairs and international integration in this new era. The Deputy Minister also called for the ministry’s services to continue exchanging information, consultations, and close coordination with relevant ministries and agencies to refine theoretical and practical foundations, enabling Party and State leaders to formulate timely advice and plans.
This scientific seminar is part of a series of activities undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to serve theoretical research and implement the foreign policy directions of the 14th Party Congress, especially the guiding principle that “strengthening national defense and security as well as promoting foreign relations and international integration are crucial and permanent actions.”
