Deepening integration

On the afternoon of January 23, at the international press conference announcing the results of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, General Secretary To Lam answered questions from foreign correspondents on new highlights of the congress and Vietnam’s engagement in addressing regional and global issues.

Responding to a question from Pravda, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, regarding Vietnam’s participation in handling global and regional challenges, the Party leader stated that Vietnam has elevated international relations and foreign affairs to a new level of importance, placing them on par with national defence and security. Defence, security and foreign affairs have now become core and regular tasks, a significant new point compared with previous Party congress documents and resolutions.

This shift, he noted, reflects the enhanced role of foreign affairs and Vietnam’s growing position in addressing global issues. Vietnam has clearly defined its responsibilities toward international matters.

General Secretary To Lam affirmed: “Our policy is to integrate more deeply into global politics, the international economy and human civilization.” Accordingly, Vietnam is a responsible member of the UN. Regardless of size, all countries share common responsibilities for global and cross-border challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, pandemics, non-traditional security threats, food security, cyber security, wars and conflicts.

The Party leader pointed out that after 40 years of renewal, reform and development, Vietnam’s capacity has fundamentally changed. The country now possesses sufficient stature, credibility and responsibility to engage in regional and global issues. Vietnam is increasingly intertwined with global security and development agendas and will continue to work closely with countries and multilateral institutions to address international challenges.

On international security, Vietnam stands ready to contribute more actively as a mediator, conciliator and bridge-builder in resolving disputes and conflicts, making practical contributions to peacebuilding and security in the region and the world. “In reality, we have done so and are continuing to carry out these responsibilities,” he stressed.

Regarding development, General Secretary To Lam said Vietnam shares the challenges facing many countries and is willing to share its development experience, participate in global poverty reduction efforts, and continue fulfilling commitments to the sustainable development goals. These include ensuring food security, responding to climate change, promoting green transition, digital transformation and other areas of global concern.

As the world becomes more uncertain, countries must strengthen solidarity, uphold strong commitments and actively engage in the pillars of regional and international institutions, particularly ASEAN, the UN and other mechanisms.

“We will continue to contribute and put forward initiatives, and are also ready to consider participation in peace and development initiatives proposed by other countries, on the basis of respect for the legitimate interests of all parties, compliance with international law and the UN Charter, and alignment with Vietnam’s conditions and capabilities,” the General Secretary affirmed.

Taking the lead in new areas

Answering a question from NHK of Japan on how Vietnam seeks to achieve comprehensive and effective international integration amid increasing global fragmentation and division, General Secretary To Lam underscored that international integration is a critical issue for national development.

“We believe it is necessary to attach greater importance to, and elevate, international integration, viewing it not only as a key driver of development but also as one of the leading means to realize the country’s strategic goals,” he said.

In the new stage, Vietnam will continue to promote international integration, shifting from “receiving to contributing,” from “deep integration to full integration,” and from “a latecomer integrating into the world to a pioneering nation taking the lead in new areas.”

The Party leader highlighted several integration priorities. To achieve the target of double-digit growth, Vietnam identifies economic integration as the core, with integration in other fields serving to facilitate economic integration. At the same time, Vietnam will promote political, security and defence integration to enhance national capacity and standing, while strengthening strategic autonomy, self-reliance and resilience.