Harnessing the power of foreign relations to serve development and national defense, from the beginning and from a distance.

VietNamNet newspaper is pleased to present an article titled “Leveraging the power of foreign relations to serve the development and protection of the motherland from the beginning and from a distance”, written by Lieutenant General Tran Duc Thuan, vice president of the National Assembly committee on national defense, security and foreign affairs.

In the national comprehensive development plan for the period 2026-2030 and the vision for 2045, foreign affairs are identified as playing a particularly important role, contributing not only to the early and distant protection of the Homeland, but also to the development direct and mobilization of external resources for national construction.

In order to implement the foreign policy guidelines of the 14th Party Congress, the Politburo adopted, on May 19, Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW relating to the implementation of these guidelines. The organization by the Politburo of a national conference to disseminate and apply this resolution testifies to the particular importance given to foreign affairs in this new phase of development and affirms the desire to quickly implement the major political orientations of the Party.

A new perspective on the place and role of foreign policy.

One of the strong points of the 14th National Congress was the evolution of strategic thinking and awareness in matters of foreign policy. While previously foreign policy was primarily viewed from the perspective of creating a peaceful environment and protecting national interests, it is now part of the overall national development strategy and closely linked to imperatives of building an independent and autonomous economy, deep international integration and strengthening national competitiveness.

Conference for the dissemination and implementation of Resolution No. 6 of the Politburo relating to the application of the foreign policy guidelines of the XIV National Congress. Photo: National Assembly

In particular, the document of the 14th Party Congress, for the first time, designated foreign affairs as a “crucial and permanent” area. This is an important development in strategic thinking, which reflects the objective imperatives of the country in a context of complex strategic competition between great powers, and as the process of globalization and international integration enters a new phase, bringing opportunities and challenges interdependent.

From this point of view, foreign policy is not only the responsibility of the diplomatic sector, but also that of the entire political system, at all levels, in all sectors, local authorities, businesses and among the population. The success of foreign policy depends on the overall strength of the nation and, conversely, its effectiveness will boost socio-economic development, strengthen national defense and security, and consolidate the country’s position.

Faithful to an independent and autonomous foreign policy.

Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW continues to unreservedly defend the Party’s constant foreign policy: independence, autonomy, internal strength, peace, friendship, cooperation and development; multilateralism and diversification of external relations; To be a friend, a reliable partner and an active and responsible member of the international community.

In a constantly evolving and unpredictable world, respect for the principles of independence and autonomy is essential. This is not only a guiding principle of the Vietnamese revolution, but also an essential condition for the defense of higher national interests.

A new and notable point of the foreign policy orientations of the XIV National Congress is the emphasis placed on the demands of “strategic autonomy” and “self-sufficiency”. This implies that the country strengthens its internal capacities, increases the resilience of its economy, develops science and technology, promotes innovation, trains a highly qualified workforce and consolidates national unity. Only a solid domestic foundation will allow Vietnam to proactively adapt to changing circumstances. world and to effectively defend its national interests in all circumstances.

Promote the pioneering role of foreign affairs in the service of development.

One of the central themes of Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW is to strongly promote the pioneering role of foreign affairs in construction and development service.

Secretary-General and President To Lam receives heads of delegations from various countries, experts, scholars and representatives of international organizations participating in the ASEAN Future Forum 2026 in Vietnam. Photo: VNA

Faced with limited national resources, the need for rapid and sustainable growth generates a considerable need for capital, technologies, managerial know-how and markets. International relations must become an essential lever to optimize the use of external resources in the service of national development.

Economic diplomacy remains a priority area. Its role is not limited to expanding export markets or attracting foreign investment; it also aims to attract quality capital flows, key technologies, research and innovation centers, promote digital transformation and ecological transition, and develop new economic sectors.

Against the backdrop of the rapidly unfolding fourth industrial revolution, foreign policy must take a proactive approach to connect with the world’s major technology hubs, leveraging new development trends such as artificial intelligence, big data, semiconductors, clean energy, digital economy and the circular economy.

External relations for development also require close coordination between central and local agencies, businesses and social organizations to create a synchronized and effective network to promote investment, trade, science and technology.

Intégrer étroitement la politique étrangère à la défense et à la sécurité.

One of the primary requirements of Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW is to comprehensively implement foreign policy activities related to the task of defending the homeland from the beginning and from a distance.

In a regional and global context marked by instability, foreign policy continues to play a vital role in preventing conflicts and creating a peaceful and stable environment conducive to national development.

Defense and security diplomacy must be implemented in a proactive, flexible and effective manner, contributing to building strategic trust, strengthening concrete cooperation with partners, while resolutely defending and perseverance the independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Homeland by peaceful means based on international law.

Secretary-General and President To Lam participated in the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue, a leading forum on defense and security in Asia and the world, where he delivered the opening speech. Photo: VNA

The spirit of the XIV National Congress also reflects a new approach: national defense and security are not limited to protection, but also aim to create an environment conducive to development; external relations are not limited to integration, but contribute directly to strengthening national potential. This is the organic link that unites development and national defense in this new context.

Establishment of a complete and modern diplomatic system.

Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW sets out the requirement to build a comprehensive, modern and professional diplomacy, imbued with the distinctive character of “Vietnamese bamboo” – with a strong root, a strong trunk and flexible branches.

This requires constant and sustained innovation in foreign policy thinking, content and methods. In the digital age, digital diplomacy, external communication and public diplomacy are becoming increasingly important tools to promote the image of Vietnam and its people, and disseminate national cultural values.

Furthermore, it is essential to focus on building a team of diplomats with strong political convictions, high professional qualifications, a global vision and the ability to adapt quickly to changes in the international context. This is a determining factor for the success of foreign policy objectives in this new era.

Responsibilities of the National Assembly and the National Defense, Security and Foreign Affairs Commission

As the highest representative body of the people and the highest organ of state power, the National Assembly plays a crucial role in institutionalizing and monitoring the implementation of the Party’s foreign policy.

In the coming period, the National Assembly will continue to improve the legal system relating to international integration, investment, trade, science and technology, national defense, security and foreign affairs; to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy; and to promote cooperation with parliaments of other countries and international parliamentary organizations in order to contribute to the effective implementation of the Party’s foreign policy.

Session of the National Defense, Security and Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly (16th legislature). Photo: National Assembly

For the National Assembly Committee on National Defense, Security and Foreign Affairs, the task is to continue to improve the quality of its work in reviewing, supervising and advising on policies in the areas of national defense, security and foreign affairs; to contribute to the improvement of mechanisms and policies serving global international integration and the protection of national interests.

At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen strategic research, anticipate the situation and make recommendations on policies and solutions to closely integrate foreign affairs with national defense, security and development socio-economic, in order to meet the requirements of the construction and protection of the homeland in this new era of development.

Realize the aspiration for national development.

Politburo Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW constitutes an important concrete step in implementing the foreign policy directions of the 14th Party Congress, demonstrating strategic vision and innovative thinking on the role of business foreigners in the cause of construction and national defense.

In the coming period, it is essential not only to fully understand the positions and policies of the Party, but above all to organize their effective, coordinated and innovative implementation within the entire political system. Each level, each sector and each locality must work to translate the Resolution into concrete action programs, in line with their respective functions and missions.

With the new strength and position acquired by the country after 40 years of reforms, as well as the enlightened leadership of the Party, the unity of the entire nation and the involvement of the entire political system, Vietnam’s foreign policy will certainly continue to play a pioneering role, contributing to the maintenance of a peaceful environment, the optimization of international resources, the strengthening of the country’s prestige and the realization of the aspiration for a prosperous and happy country in this new era.

Source : https://vietnamnet.vn/phat-huy-suc-manh-doi-ngoai-phuc-vu-phat-trien-va-bao-ve-to-quoc-tu-som-tu-xa-2525379.html