Politburo Member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung has given a press interview on the outcomes of General Secretary To Lam’s participation in the inaugural meeting of the Gaza Peace Council.

At the invitation of Donald Trump, President of US and Chairman of the Gaza Peace Council, General Secretary To Lam attended the Council’s inaugural meeting in Washington, D.C. from February 18 - 20 (local time).

Following the visit, Minister Le Hoai Trung briefed the press on its results.

Minister, could you elaborate on the significance and outcomes of General Secretary To Lam’s participation in the inaugural meeting of the Gaza Peace Council?

Le Hoai Trung: The working visit by General Secretary To Lam and the high-level delegation of Vietnam to attend the Inaugural Meeting of the Gaza Peace Council was the first major high-level multilateral external engagement of our Party and State following the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

This highly significant diplomatic activity represents the practical implementation of our foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development, as well as the external orientation defined by the 14th National Congress that Vietnam will actively and responsibly contribute to peace, cooperation, and sustainable development, while making constructive and responsible contributions to addressing common regional and global challenges.

Consistent with the spirit of General Secretary To Lam’s recent article, “Advancing Comprehensive Diplomacy to a New Level,” this “new level” in the new stage is demonstrated through this important multilateral engagement, which reflects Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts to help promote peace in the Middle East and safeguard the fundamental national rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to establish a Palestinian state. The visit also helped advance Vietnam’s relations with the host country and international partners, including those in the Middle East.

On this occasion, General Secretary To Lam presented Vietnam’s perspectives on the Middle East peace process and the Palestinian issue, affirming the outlook and spirit of the Vietnamese people, a nation that has endured immense sacrifice and loss through war and has consistently striven for peace.

International and host-country media highly appreciated the fact that Vietnam and General Secretary To Lam are founding members of the Gaza Peace Council, and that he led a high-level Party and State delegation to attend the meeting.

Public opinion viewed Vietnam’s participation as a clear expression of its foreign policy commitment to contributing to global peace and development, as well as recognition by the international community of Vietnam’s standing and capacity to contribute meaningfully.

During exchanges on the sidelines, the General Secretary affirmed that Vietnam would make practical contributions, including participation in peacekeeping activities to help ensure stability in the Gaza Strip, as well as humanitarian assistance and post-conflict reconstruction efforts.

During the visit, General Secretary To Lam also held discussions with senior leaders from participating countries, including those from the Middle East and other regions.

With the host country, he met President Donald Trump, received US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer, held telephone conversations with US senators, and met members of the Vietnamese community in the United States.

Meetings between Politburo members and ministers in the delegation and their US counterparts were conducted effectively and substantively.

At these meetings, the General Secretary and delegation members provided updates on Vietnam’s situation and the achievements of nearly 40 years of Doi Moi, including results from five years of implementing the Resolution of the 13th National Congress and development goals through 2030 and 2045.

He also outlined Vietnam’s development orientations and foreign policy priorities, emphasizing continued efforts to strengthen relations with partners, including ties with the host country in line with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework.

General Secretary To Lam’s working visit forms part of a broader series of diplomatic activities launched soon after the 14th National Congress, beginning with highly successful engagements with neighboring countries.

These included state visits by the General Secretary and the high-level Party and State delegation to the Lao People's Democratic Republic and subsequently to Cambodia, participation in meetings between the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Standing Committee of the Cambodian People’s Party, as well as a meeting among the top leaders of the Parties of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Further important diplomatic engagements with neighboring countries will follow.

Minister, what directions will be pursued to implement the outcomes of this visit?

Le Hoai Trung: In the coming period, we will conduct detailed studies and develop implementation roadmaps for the Peace Plan along three major directions.

First, stabilizing the situation in the Gaza Strip and ensuring the implementation of the ceasefire.

Second, advancing long-term reconstruction in the Gaza Strip, beginning with meeting essential needs of the population, restoring infrastructure, and gradually developing various economic sectors.

Third, building institutional foundations and strengthening the governance capacity and administrative apparatus of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

We will conduct detailed assessments to identify areas where Vietnam can contribute. Vietnam has participated in peacekeeping operations of the United Nations and has received high recognition for these contributions. Our military and public security forces could take part in UN peacekeeping missions to help maintain safety and social order in the Gaza Strip, or support the training of local police forces.

Vietnam can also participate in humanitarian and reconstruction activities, areas in which we have considerable experience, having endured many years of war and now possessing strong capabilities in construction and infrastructure development.

We will also contribute to the efforts of other international partners, including countries and international organizations, particularly UN bodies.

Vietnam will continue to participate in or support the efforts of countries both within and beyond the region to strengthen peace in the Middle East, ensure peace and stability in the Gaza Strip, and above all safeguard the fundamental national rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to establish their own state.

Thank you, Minister.