New foreign policy: proactive and comprehensive international integration.

In addition, non-traditional security challenges (climate change, cybersecurity, epidemics) are becoming more complex. This is why the directives of the General Secretary and the President enable the Party and the entire nation to unify their understanding and actively engage in foreign affairs, avoiding passivity in the face of strategic developments unexpected. They assert that foreign policy is a “crucial and permanent” task, playing a leading role in protecting the Homeland “from the beginning and from afar.”

Furthermore, the directive of the Secretary-General and the President clearly stipulates that Vietnam must not only participate, but also strive to play a central, leading and structuring role within multilateral mechanisms (such as ASEAN and the United Nations), in accordance with its interests. This perspective is inseparable from Vietnam’s evolution, which is moving from the status of “reliable partner for all countries” to that of “active and responsible member of the international community.” As a result, the integration policy has moved from “international economic integration” to “proactive and comprehensive international integration”, that is to say, to a coherent integration of economic dimensions, political, defense and security, cultural, scientific and technological.

These guiding principles bear profound historical significance, constituting crucial preparation, both in thought and action, for the country to enter the “era of national renaissance” at the 14th Party Congress.

The speech affirmed that foreign relations are not only a tool for protecting national interests, but also a means of demonstrating Vietnam’s character, identity and prestige on the international stage. What do you think?

Associate Professor and Doctor Nguyen Van Thang Long: This perspective testifies to a new strategic approach in Vietnam. We are no longer content with a passive and reactive foreign policy (aimed at protecting sovereignty and national interests), but we are moving towards a proactive approach to co-creation and dissemination of Vietnamese influence.

Previously, foreign relations were often seen primarily from a defensive angle (protection of sovereignty and national interests). A new perspective now considers them as a vector for building the national image. A strong national image is based on trust. When Vietnam scrupulously respects international law, acts responsibly and demonstrates firmness in the face of strategic developments, it builds a quality image with the international community. This trust constitutes a precious intangible asset, a source of numerous profits.

In addition, the emphasis placed on the “dissemination of the values ​​of Vietnamese civilization” testifies to a stated desire to exert a gentle cultural influence. Vietnam not only participates in the global economy, but also contributes to the cultural heritage, peace values ​​and humanist values ​​of humanity. The use of this soft cultural influence constitutes a very effective strategy in the context of the rapid development of the Vietnamese cultural industry and the growing international recognition of Vietnamese cultural products around the world.

In a world plagued by upheaval and crises of confidence, a nation that acts in accordance with its own unique cultural identity, actively working to build peace and cooperation, will earn lasting “respect and trust” from the international community.

Foreign policy leads the way.

— In your opinion, what role does foreign policy play in opening up new spaces and new development opportunities, closely linked to the process of socio-economic development of the country?

Associate Professor and Doctor Nguyen Van Thang Long: Today’s foreign relations no longer concern only issues outside the borders, but also constitute an internal driving force, organically linked to the process of socio-economic development of the country.

First of all, external relations contribute to expanding the country’s living space and development. They pave the way for the establishment of strategic and global partnerships, as well as the signing of free trade agreements (FTAs). This allows Vietnamese companies to access large markets, attract quality foreign direct investment and cutting-edge technologies.

Furthermore, external relations play an essential role in connecting Vietnam to countries with new areas of development for humanity, such as the green economy, the digital economy, energy transition and artificial intelligence (AI). They create links, facilitate technology transfers, attract investment in new industries and boost the national economy.

Therefore, foreign policy must also be focused on serving people, local communities and businesses. It must aim at concrete objectives such as resolving problems, finding markets for Vietnamese products and protecting and harmonizing the interests of Vietnamese citizens abroad.

When its foreign policy succeeds in positioning Vietnam as an innovative, dynamic, secure and sustainable developing country, the nation will benefit from a considerable advantage in attracting new generation FDI flows (high technology, semiconductors, green economy), stimulate tourism and increase the value of Vietnamese exports to the international market.

— A diplomacy that reflects “the diplomatic identity of the new era”, embodying “the glorious tradition of national diplomacy and the revolutionary character of the diplomacy of the Ho Chi Minh era”. In your opinion, how can the diplomatic sector achieve these objectives?

Associate Professor and Doctor Nguyen Van Thang Long: To embody both the glorious traditions of the nation and the revolutionary spirit of the Ho Chi Minh era, the diplomatic sector must focus on fundamental solutions.

First, we must steadfastly adhere to the philosophy of “bamboo diplomacy”. The roots must be strong (national interests, independence, autonomy), the trunk must be robust (strength of national unity, economic and defense potential), and the branches and leaves must be flexible (strategic flexibility and insight, capacity adapting to changing circumstances while maintaining fundamental principles).

Second, it is necessary to uphold the principle of independence and act in accordance with international law. In international conflicts, Vietnam acts on the basis of international law and the United Nations Charter, defending what is right and thus strengthening its prestige and raising the voice of justice.

In parallel with these orientations, Vietnam must reform and innovate in depth its organizational mechanisms and its thinking; overcome stagnation and implementation weaknesses; and build a seamless cross-sectoral and cross-domain coordination mechanism, from central to local level, to ensure flexibility and proactivity in foreign policy activities and develop cultural and economic resources to serve external relations.

Additionally, it is necessary to build a team of civil servants who are both politically astute and professionally competent. Foreign affairs officials in this new era must possess keen political sense, a spirit of initiative and responsibility, while mastering international law, foreign languages ​​and technologies.

Thank you very much, sir.

Source : https://www.vietnamplus.vn/duong-loi-doi-ngoai-thoi-ky-moi-chu-dong-tich-cuc-hoi-nhap-quoc-te-toan-dien-post1116197.vnp