This is the second of a series of three themes discussed during the seminar on diplomatic skills for development, organized by the Department of Organization and Personnel in collaboration with the Diplomatic Academy. The purpose is to cultivate and improve the skills of officials working in foreign affairs in key strategic areas of the country.
The Vietnamese Diplomacy in the New Era: Serving Growth and Integration.
During the seminar, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ngo Le Van, provided a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of Vietnam’s foreign policy thinking over different periods, emphasizing the need to prioritize diplomacy in the current development context.
According to the Vice Minister, to successfully conduct diplomatic actions for development, it is essential to unify the conception of the role of foreign affairs. Throughout the Vietnamese revolution, foreign policy has always been closely linked to the strategic imperatives of each historical period and has evolved to meet the country’s development goals.
The Vice Minister Ngo Le Van stated that the current mission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to promote the central role of local communities and businesses in the integration process.
According to the Vice Minister, Vietnamese diplomacy has evolved to a higher level of demand: serving the overall development of the country. The three fundamental pillars of foreign policy remain: maintaining a peaceful and stable environment, attracting external resources for development, and enhancing the nation’s position and prestige. However, the focus is now on how foreign policy activities can directly contribute to the growth and development of each locality, sector, and business.
The Vice Minister highlighted that the current orientation of local foreign affairs has significantly evolved. Previously, local communities mainly received guidance and directives from the central government, with little room for maneuver. Now, it is essential to promote the central role of local communities and businesses in the integration process.
The Vice Minister emphasized that the slogan “Placing citizens, local communities, and businesses at the heart of service” does not mean a total decentralization of foreign policy competencies to local communities but rather underlines the diplomatic sector’s responsibility in directly supporting local development. The role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Vietnamese representations abroad extends beyond cooperation development to actively seeking resources for the development of local communities, connecting them, and channeling resources.
In his final remarks during the thematic session “Sharing experiences and skills in the construction and maintenance of relationships, connecting partners, supporting local communities, and implementing diplomacy for development,” Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van emphasized the need to enhance the content, effectiveness, and sustainability of partner networks for local development.
The Vice Minister requested Vietnamese representation agencies abroad and foreign affairs officials to cultivate a constant mindset of service to local communities in the implementation of all diplomatic activities.
“To succeed in international cooperation, the principle of ‘sharing benefits and risks’ must be fully integrated throughout the cooperation process. Only when all parties perceive concrete benefits can cooperation be sustainable in the long term.”
Today, local diplomatic action should not be limited to networking but also to accompanying local communities in resolving difficulties and removing obstacles between cooperating parties. International relations agencies must proactively provide information and guidance, promote exchanges, and facilitate the implementation of international cooperation projects and programs.
A good understanding of the role, nature, and limits of responsibility of the liaison agency is essential to ensure effective coordination between parties and to help development-focused diplomacy become more profound, substantive, and sustainable in the future.
Source: Bao Quoc Te
