General Secretary To Lam Answers Questions from International Reporters at a Press Conference Following the 14th National Congress

Comrade To Lam, General Secretary of the 14th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, answers questions from reporters at the international press conference following the closing session of the Congress. (Photo: DUY LINH)

Vietnam is becoming increasingly involved in global security and development issues.

Mikhail Kostrikov, a reporter for the Russian newspaper Pravda, asked about Vietnam’s policies to strengthen its responsibility towards regional and global issues.

In response to this question, the General Secretary quoted President Ho Chi Minh’s statement: “Vietnam is a part of the world . Everything in the world is related to Vietnam, and everything in the country is also related to the world.”

General Secretary To Lam emphasized that a key new aspect of this Congress is that Vietnam has elevated the role of international relations to a new level of importance, placing it on par with national defense and security, making it a crucial and ongoing task. Previously, this work was not given such a high priority in resolutions and documents. This demonstrates the enhanced role and position of Vietnam’s foreign affairs in relation to global issues.

“Vietnam clearly defines its responsibilities regarding global and international issues; it advocates for increasingly deep integration into world politics, the international economy, and human civilization. As a responsible member, Vietnam believes that all nations, large or small, share a common responsibility for global issues,” the General Secretary stated.

According to General Secretary To Lam, no single country in the world, no matter how powerful, can solve global problems such as climate change, natural disasters, epidemics, non-traditional security threats, food security, cybersecurity, conflicts, and wars on its own. Solving these problems requires cooperation and joint efforts from the international community.

The General Secretary affirmed that, after 40 years of renovation, reform, and development, Vietnam’s potential is different from before. Vietnam has sufficient position, prestige, capacity, and responsibility to actively participate in regional and global issues. Vietnam is increasingly closely involved in global security and development issues; and will continue to work closely with other countries and multilateral institutions to resolve international issues.

Regarding international security issues, Vietnam continues to actively participate in peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance, search and rescue in disaster-stricken areas, humanitarian crisis response, and contributes to peacebuilding efforts in the region and around the world. Vietnam is ready to contribute even more to assuming the role of mediator and bridge in resolving disputes and conflicts.

In the field of development, Vietnam is ready to share the challenges faced by many countries. Vietnam is also ready to share its experience in innovation and socio-economic development; participate in global efforts to eradicate poverty; and fulfill its commitments to sustainable development, ensuring food security, responding to climate change, and promoting a green transition.

According to General Secretary To Lam, in the context of an increasingly uncertain world, countries need to strengthen solidarity, maintain strong commitments, and actively participate in the pillars of the regional and international system. Vietnam will continue to contribute and put forward initiatives, and is ready to participate in initiatives for peace and development initiated by other countries on the basis of respecting the interests of all parties involved, adhering to international law, the UN Charter, and in accordance with Vietnam’s conditions and capabilities.

International integration is the leading driving force and method for Vietnam’s development.

Also at the press conference, a reporter from Japan’s NHK asked how Vietnam would pursue international integration in the context of a world trending towards fragmentation and separation, given that it identifies this as a crucial driving force for development.

In response to this question, the General Secretary affirmed that for Vietnam to achieve peace and development, it must open up, integrate internationally, and cooperate with other countries. Practical experience shows that Vietnam’s economy is highly open; Vietnam’s security is closely linked to regional and global security. Without integration and expanded international relations, stability and development are impossible.

Therefore, the General Secretary stated that the 14th National Congress of the Party identified the need to strengthen foreign relations and international integration, while simultaneously elevating the role and position of foreign affairs and international integration to a new level. Despite the many changes and fragmentation in the world, Vietnam remains steadfast on the path of openness and integration. This is a lesson Vietnam has learned from experience. Vietnam recognizes that international integration is not only an important driving force for development but also a leading method for achieving the country’s strategic goals.

The General Secretary emphasized that if Vietnam closes itself off economically and commercially, it will not have access to the world’s export markets, nor will it be able to access the world’s modern science and technology; culturally, it will also be unable to access the finest aspects of human civilization or contribute Vietnamese cultural values ​​to the world.

In the political sphere, as has been stated many times, Vietnam actively participates in resolving international issues, promoting peace, and handling conflicts. In the current global context, Vietnam believes that cooperation must be maintained to address common challenges; international cooperation and solidarity remain key factors, given the increasing interdependence among nations.

In this new phase, the General Secretary affirmed that Vietnam advocates for accelerated international integration, shifting from receiving to contributing. According to the General Secretary, while previously, during difficult times of war and embargoes, Vietnam primarily received international assistance, it has now shifted to actively contributing, moving from deep integration to full integration, and from a lagging nation in global integration to a pioneering nation in its areas of strength.

Looking ahead, General Secretary To Lam stated that Vietnam has identified several priorities in international integration:

Firstly, to achieve double-digit growth, Vietnam identifies economic integration as central, while also integrating in other areas to facilitate economic integration. The top priority is establishing a new growth model based on a knowledge-based economy, digital economy, green economy, and circular economy; promoting science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation; and accelerating the three strategic breakthroughs as levers for development. Vietnam believes that without international integration, it would be very difficult to accomplish this task.

Secondly, regarding political, security, and defense integration, Vietnam aims to enhance its national potential while strengthening strategic autonomy; resolving existing issues through peaceful means and dialogue based on international law and the United Nations Charter, and responding effectively and promptly to non-traditional security challenges.

Thirdly, it is necessary to integrate science and technology, identifying innovation and digital transformation as the top priority breakthroughs for Vietnam.

Fourth, integration across all fields needs to be linked to overcoming bottlenecks and absorbing international experiences and initiatives.

Finally, Vietnam affirms that international cooperation can only succeed when the people are identified as the center of international integration; when the legitimate interests and aspirations of the people are recognized. On that basis, Vietnam will mobilize the active, proactive, and creative participation of the people, businesses, localities, and the private sector, thereby strengthening Vietnam’s connectivity with the world in all fields.