Affirm national identity and character, enhance foreign relations.

Tracing the evolution of external relations under the leadership of our Party, we see a profound transformation, moving from a defensive posture to active and proactive integration. If, in the past, external relations mainly aimed to break the encirclement and isolation, to obtain international support and to establish a climate of peace conducive to reconstruction, today they constitute a strategic pillar, an essential and permanent mission of national development. External relations contribute not only to the maintenance of a peaceful and stable environment, but also directly to economic growth, the strengthening of national defense and security and the influence of the country.

In a context of globalization and advanced international integration, foreign relations are no longer limited to relations between states alone, but now extend to a complex ecosystem encompassing Party diplomacy, state diplomacy and interpersonal diplomacy, while being closely linked to economic, cultural, scientific, technological and digital diplomacy. This harmonious coordination has created a synergistic force, allowing Vietnam not only to participate in several international cooperation processes, but also to gradually contribute to them and shape their direction.

The character, identity and prestige put forward by Secretary-General and President To Lam have paved the way for a deeper and more comprehensive approach to foreign policy in this new era. If foreign policy is seen as a simple tool, thinking will easily lean towards short-term responses. But when viewed as a means of demonstrating the character and prestige of the nation, it provides Vietnam with a creative space to proactively assert itself. Character lies not in strong statements, but in how we deal with the world’s complex problems: staunchly defending independence and autonomy; guarantee the highest national interests; and simultaneously demonstrate flexibility and strategic adaptability. It is a combination of principles and flexibility, perseverance and creativity, the art of “adapting to changing circumstances while preserving one’s fundamental principles.”

The experience of recent years shows that Vietnam has always maintained balanced and harmonious relations with its main partners, remained firm on its position on sovereignty and territorial integrity, and actively participated in multilateral mechanisms. As a result, the image of a coherent, reliable and responsible Vietnam has been increasingly affirmed and reinforced on the international scene.

However, the new era imposes increased demands. Strategic competition between the great powers is intensifying; local conflicts continue; and climate change and non-traditional security challenges are increasing. In this context, the implementation of foreign policy must not be limited to adaptation, but also to strengthening forecasting capabilities and active participation in the creation of an environment favorable to national development. Consequently, foreign policy must be part of a long-term vision term, closely linked to the fundamental interests of the nation, while demonstrating flexibility to manage complex and multimodal international relations.

A fundamental aspect of this new approach consists of linking external relations to the dissemination of Vietnamese civilizational values. This represents a progression from economic integration to global integration. In this context, Vietnamese culture, people and values ​​become essential components of national soft power. In the digital age, the image of a nation is built not only on its policies or its economic potential, but also on the way in which its people share their history with the world. A Vietnam committed to peace, respectful of international law, endowed with a rich and dynamic identity in its development, will establish lasting confidence within the international community.

Overall, the foreign policy advocated by Secretary General and President To Lam not only defines an orientation for the immediate future, but also lays the foundations for a long-term vision: building a comprehensive, modern and professional, deeply rooted in the Vietnamese identity. This diplomacy aims both to protect national interests, to build a positive image and to disseminate significant contributions.

For foreign policy to fully play its role in this new phase of development, it is essential to ensure coherence between reflection and action. It must be seen as an essential component of the national development strategy, closely linked to the economy, culture, science, technology, security and defense. At the same time, it is crucial to improve the quality of human resources, strengthen strategic analysis and forecasting capabilities and mobilize the combined forces of the entire political system and society.

People-to-people diplomacy, business diplomacy and local diplomacy must be promoted in a coordinated manner, in order to create a comprehensive, flexible and effective foreign policy strategy.

In a changing world, a Vietnam faithful to its principles, flexible in its strategy, rich in its cultural identity and proactive in its contribution, will continue to assert its role as an active and responsible member of the international community. When external relations become a space for expressing its character, its identity and its scope, it is not only a question of protecting its national interests, but also of paving the way for a serene future, its integration and its active contribution to peace, global cooperation and development.

Source : https://hanoimoi.vn/khang-dinh-ban-linh-ban-sac-nang-tam-doi-ngoai-1160254.html