Socialist Republic of Vietnam

(VNA) Diplomats are gathering in Hanoi for the 27th diplomatic conference to discuss ways to assist the country's development.

Speaking on the opening day of the conference on Dec. 12, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong affirmed the important role of the diplomatic sector and highlighted its past achievements, particularly in expanding relations, including with powerful countries.

The sector has taken advantage of the international environment to serve national development, maintained independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and gradually negotiated solutions to many land and sea border issues with neighbouring countries, Trong said.

The Party leader also said the country’s international position has been improved thanks to active, responsible and constructive contributions, to the trend of peace and cooperation in the world.

General Secretary Trong asked the conference to consider both the achievements and disappointments of diplomatic affairs, analyse shortcomings and weaknesses and provide solutions for the diplomatic sector to work more effectively.

He said the sector should boost research and provide a comprehensive and in-depth strategy, realise international integration policies and submit strategies to develop the country’s role as an active member of regional and global institutions.

He also asked the diplomatic sector to carry out comprehensive diplomacy, closely coordinate with national defence and security sectors, directly contribute to implementing national socio-economic development tasks, actively implement the Party Political Bureau’s resolution on Overseas Vietnamese affairs, protect Vietnamese nationals and pay attention to foreign news service.

Also at the opening ceremony, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh said the week-long conference will appraise national, regional and world affairs to work out ways to implement foreign policies from the 11th Party Congress.

He said the diplomatic sector acknowledged its responsibility to contribute to maintaining peace and stability, serving socio-economic development and improving the national position on the international arena.

The conference will continue until Dec. 19, with sessions and discussions on political, economic and cultural diplomacy, as well as foreign news service, assistance to Overseas Vietnamese and protection of Vietnamese nationals.

Alongside the diplomatic conference, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will co-ordinate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to hold a joint meeting of diplomats and trade counsellors on international integration and new economic tasks.

The 16th meeting of national foreign affairs officials will also be held./.