I am impressed by Vietnam’s proactive foreign policy.

According to Professor Carl Thayer, Secretary-General and President To Lam has always maintained that strengthening national defense and security, coupled with promoting foreign relations and international integration, constitutes a crucial and ongoing task. With the fundamental pillars of foreign policy – diversification and multilateralism – already firmly established, Secretary-General and President To Lam’s renewed focus on economic development, National defense and foreign relations requires closer international cooperation to achieve the goal of developing an independent and self-reliant economy.

Moreover, the fluctuations and instability of the current world order further reinforce the need to promote deeper and more diverse international integration.

Experts from the University of New South Wales pointed out that, along with its growing economic influence, Vietnam has strengthened its position in favor of international law and its fundamental belief in the sovereign equality of nations. These values ​​are widely shared in the region and are reflected in the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Vision (AOIP).

In his capacity as Secretary General and President, To Lam translated these general principles into tangible partnerships, while overseeing the establishment or strengthening of new comprehensive strategic partnerships with Malaysia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the European Union (EU). All of these countries adhere to the principles of the ASEAN Indo-Pacific Vision and similar frameworks.

Professor Carl Thayer affirmed that Vietnam has the opportunity to further strengthen its leading position in ASEAN, cooperate with its partners and firmly demonstrate its orientation as a friend, reliable partner and active and responsible member of the international community.