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 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, experts, researchers, and policymakers, participated in the workshop.
The conference took place in an evolving international context 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 in reflection and approaches to foreign policy implementation to ensure flexible adaptation while maintaining strategic direction.
In his opening speech at the seminar, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong emphasized that the 14th Party Congress had outlined important strategic orientations for foreign policy. He asserted that foreign affairs and international integration, as well as national defense and security, are crucial and enduring tasks, setting the requirements for the development of foreign policy at the level of the country’s position and prestige. Elevating global foreign relations to a higher level is a major challenge, aiming to embody the Party’s guiding principles and contribute to laying the foundation for Vietnam’s development goals in the coming period.
Presentations at the conference all underscored that the foreign policy of the new era must 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 an essential method for nation-building and protection. Meanwhile, delegates shared the view that there was a necessity to shift from a mindset of “participation” to one of “collective contribution and leadership,” particularly in areas where Vietnam possesses strengths such as the digital economy, innovation, and sustainable development cooperation.
A key point highlighted during this 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 perspectives, and enhancing the country’s prestige. The conference also analyzed international experiences, demonstrating that successful nations have established comprehensive foreign policy systems effectively combining diplomatic channels and optimizing the use of multilateral mechanisms. Active participation in shaping international standards, expanding the network of partners, and improving strategic forecasting capabilities are key factors.
On a substantive level, contributions to the conference also suggested that the concept of “a new level of comprehensive foreign policy” should not only involve expanding the scope and scale of activities but also aim to improve 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 enhancing inter-sectoral coordination and improving the quality of human resources.
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 emphasized the need to fully leverage these important contributions by focusing on synthesizing key points, particularly the current strategic context of foreign affairs, Vietnam’s experience and that of other countries in implementing foreign policy strategies, and the main challenges for foreign affairs and international integration in this new era. The Vice Minister also called on ministry services to continue information exchange, 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 develop plans.
This scientific seminar is part of a series of activities carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support theoretical research and implement the foreign policy orientations of the 14th Party Congress, particularly the guiding principle that “strengthening national defense and security and promoting foreign relations and international integration are crucial and enduring actions.”
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/day-manh-doi-ngoai-toan-dien-o-tam-cao-moi-trong-boi-canh-chuyen-dong-toan-cau-20260407220823321.htm
