Present at the meeting were Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, General Phan Van Giang; Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung; Minister and Head of the Government Office Dang Xuan Phong; as well as leaders of ministries, agencies and organizations.
The delegates endeavored to evaluate the achievements, to clarify the difficulties and obstacles to be overcome, and to identify the causes; they analyzed in depth the evolution of the global situation, its impact on Vietnam and the issues linked to the development of the diplomatic sector… The meeting also focused on the main missions and solutions for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the coming months, in particular the implementation of policies foreign affairs in accordance with the guidance of the Central Committee, the Political Bureau and the Secretariat; solutions to deepen and consolidate bilateral and multilateral relations, diplomacy for development and other aspects of foreign policy.
The meeting also reviewed and processed the proposals and recommendations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the government and the Prime Minister regarding personnel matters, mechanisms, policies and resources necessary for the establishment of a comprehensive and modern diplomatic system.
In his closing speech, Prime Minister Lê Minh HÆ°ng said that the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam had identified “strengthening external relations and international integration as a crucial and ongoing task.” This represents a major strategic shift in the Party’s thinking, reflecting a high recognition of the fundamental role and importance of foreign affairs and diplomacy. Furthermore, following the reorganization of its structure, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ensures the unified management of foreign affairs within the political system; he advises the Party and the State on their strategic orientation; and it coordinates the implementation of the Party’s foreign policy, state diplomacy and citizen diplomacy. Recently, the world situation has evolved rapidly, has become complex and unpredictable, and even minor changes have a direct impact on Vietnam. The mechanisms transmission of these impacts are multiple and intersectoral; they pose numerous challenges and require proactive strategic anticipation, adapted policy responses and contingency plans to deal with potential situations. All this places a heavy responsibility on the ministry and the diplomatic sector, not only this year, but also in the years to come.
On behalf of the Government, the Prime Minister welcomed and welcomed the efforts made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in carrying out its missions during the past period, contributing to the maintenance of peace, stability, a favorable environment for national development and friendly relations with other countries; contributing to the improvement of the theoretical thinking and orientations of the Party’s foreign policy, in particular to the strategic change made in matters of foreign affairs during the 14th National Congress. The Ministry played a vital advisory role in directing and mobilizing external resources for the development and expansion of markets for Vietnamese products; he successfully prepared high-profile foreign policy activities, thus strengthening the position and prestige of the country, actively and successfully participating in many important initiatives on the international scene; he closely integrated the three pillars of foreign policy: Party diplomacy, state diplomacy and citizen diplomacy, linking defense, security and foreign affairs to economic and social development.
The Prime Minister also stated that, in addition to the achievements, it is necessary to clearly identify the limits, difficulties, challenges and their causes in order to do even better in the future, in particular by transforming mentalities and working methods to respond to new requirements and tasks; by carrying out research and forecasting of the situation, providing advice and proposals, particularly contributing to the expansion of markets and the development of beneficial industries and sectors of the country; and coordinating and distributing roles between agencies, which are sometimes ineffective and inconsistent.
Regarding the key tasks and solutions for the coming period, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to build a clean and strong Party organization; to pay close attention and do a good job in Party building and protecting domestic political security, especially in important areas, and to take timely measures early and remotely when problems arise.
At the same time, relevant parties should study in depth and urgently concretize and institutionalize the foreign policy directions of the 14th National Party Congress into specific plans, projects and solutions, ensuring progress and quality; focusing on the Politburo Resolution on the Implementation of the Foreign Policy Guidelines of the XIV Congress, Politburo Resolution 59 on International Integration in the New Situation, Conclusion 18-KL/TW of the 2nd Conference of the Central Committee, the resolution 250 of the National Assembly on certain specific mechanisms and policies aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of international integration, government resolution 109/NQ-CP updating and supplementing the action program for the implementation of the 14th resolution Party Congress and Central Committee Conclusion 18-KL/TW, as well as other strategic resolutions relating to international integration.
The Prime Minister requested that these tasks be submitted to the government and the Prime Minister in May of the second quarter of 2026, and that policy documents and circulars (if applicable) be issued to ensure immediate implementation; at the same time, the drafting and publication of legal documents, drafts and submissions already included in the 2026 work program must be ensured to continue as planned.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the ministries and agencies concerned, is urgently reviewing and proposing amendments and additions to the decree relating to the functions, missions and organizational structure of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs foreigners; the urgent development of key performance indicators (KPIs) in order to provide a basis for evaluating civil servants and public sector agents; and the proactive establishment of focal point management mechanisms for foreign policy activities, particularly in the areas of external economic relations, investment attraction, tourism promotion and technological diplomacy.
The Prime Minister also tasked the ministry with effectively organizing the foreign policy agenda of senior leaders; to be more proactive and coordinate its actions with the ministries and agencies concerned in terms of advice, proposals and development of plans; to innovate in a global and significant manner, both in substance and form, in an economical, substantial and efficient manner; to closely follow the requirements of the other party and our own needs in order to carefully prepare the content of the exchanges, ensuring that they are precise and practical.
At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs promotes digital transformation associated with digitalization mechanisms, by urgently establishing a digital management system, reviewing, monitoring, managing and encouraging the implementation of international commitments and agreements (specifying implementation results, challenges, obstacles, proposals and recommendations for solutions), including commitments and agreements following visits by high-level leaders; and by focusing on preparing the future activities of these leaders.
The Prime Minister called for an improvement in the quality of research, consultation, assessment and forecasting regarding the global and regional situation, as well as adjustments to the strategies and policies of key partners in order to quickly provide information, advice and recommendations on policies, measures and response scenarios, and thus avoid any passivity or taking things unawares. The aim is to prevent risks to national security, defense and development, in particular by strengthening research and consultation closely and effectively linked to the goal of double-digit growth, and by transforming and establishing a new growth model based on science and technology, innovation and digital transformation.
The Prime Minister called for the acceleration of the comprehensive, modern and professional development of the diplomatic sector. Vietnamese representations abroad must be more proactive and diligent, closely follow the global situation and developments in the host countries, fully master their areas of competence and quickly report on the policies and measures to be taken to strengthen cooperation between Vietnam and other countries in the areas of interest and priority; develop markets for the import and export of goods; and promote scientific, technological and labor cooperation.
The Diplomatic Academy should focus on developing professional faculty, training innovation, promoting strategic research and consultancy work, strengthening cooperation with leading universities, research institutes and experts at national and international levels in order to build a cooperation network serving evaluating, advising and formulating diplomatic policies and strategies adapted to the national and international situation.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng gave his opinion on the proposals and recommendations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He requested an urgent report on the draft decree detailing certain provisions relating to mechanisms and policies aimed at optimizing resources and strengthening the effectiveness of international integration, in accordance with Resolution No. 250/2025/QH15 of the National Assembly. He also requested coordination with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in order to develop a cultural diplomacy strategy for 2035, with a vision for 2045, and to present a report to the Prime Minister during the third quarter of 2026. Relevant ministries and agencies are required to work closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to study the recommendations, proactively implement tasks and solutions falling within their functions, attributions, competences and areas of state management, and report to the Prime Minister on matters beyond their scope of competence.
