Vietnam's major multilateral diplomatic events in 2019

Members of the Vietnamese delegation rejoice over the country's election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2020-2021 on June 7.

The year 2019 has seen wide political and economic fluctuations in the world amid the upward trends of protectionism and nationalism which took trade wars to numerous big nations and the US-China trade war in a case in point, which has had a great impact on the global political and economic situation.

In this context, Vietnam has persisted with its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralism, diversification, and international integration. The country has become a friend, trusted partner, and a responsible member of the international community and has contributed with a number of important initiatives to international issues.

With 192 approval votes out of the 193 UN members, Vietnam’s election as non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2020-2021 tenure has demonstrated the country’s considerable  contributions and raising international stature at multilateral forums.

Earlier this year, both the United States and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) chose Vietnam as the venue for the DPRK-USA second summit. With the spirit of neutrality and peace-loving spirit, Vietnam has become a trustworthy name for international friends.

US President Donald Trump also describes Vietnam as a wonderful place on his Twitter personal page

After leaving Vietnam, US President Donald Trump also described Vietnam as a wonderful place on his Twitter personal page.

The trustworthiness is attributable to Vietnam’s contributions over the past four decades as  non-permanent member of the UN Security Council  and at other multilateral forums.

Former Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh said Vietnam has made remarkable and responsible contributions to the activities of the international community and the region, adding that the country has successfully hosted a number of major events, meeting international and regional expectations.

Multilateral trade promotion

Apart from the outstanding achievements in the political diplomacy, Vietnam has also gained remarkable accomplishments in economic diplomacy.

In 2019, the country signed the Vietnam - European Union Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the European Union and the Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) with the European Union (EU) after a long period of negotiations.  

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and and EU leaders at the signing ceremony of EVFTA and EVIPA on June 30

The EVFTA and EVIPA have presented a wealth of opportunities for both sides to fully tap their potential and boost trade exchange, as well as sustainable development.

Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh said the successful negotiations and signing of the free trade agreements with big partners will heighten Vietnam’s image in the world stage, creating a new push for the economic growth in the long term.

He described the EVFTA as a comprehensive, high-quality agreement that ensures a balance of benefits for both Vietnam and the EU, saying it is important to Vietnamese economy as it is hoped to make Vietnamese goods and services more competitive in the EU market.

Vietnam persistently protect its sovereignty in the East Sea

The country’s political and economic diplomacy achievements have helped raised its stronger voice at international forums and created more opportunities for Vietnam to ensure its unwavering foreign policy of independence, safeguarding the national sovereignty rights and interests, especially sovereignty over border areas.

Chinese survey vessel group Haiyang Dizhi 8 continuously violates Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf.

Vietnam's sovereignty in the East Sea faced numerous challenges in 2019, with the return of Chinese survey vessel group Haiyang Dizhi 8 and placement of its drilling rigs in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and continental shelf, which  have seriously violated the country’s sovereignty and sovereign rights.

Vietnam has received strong support from the international community, as shown by its settlement of disputes through peaceful measures and diplomatic channels.

Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH) of the Vietnam National University-Hanoi Pham Quang Minh highlighted diplomacy as a sharp tool for the world to gain insights into Vietnam, in order to share Vietnam's values and viewpoints that emphasize the need to settle disputes via peaceful measures without using force or threatening to use force.

Building a cohesive and responsive ASEAN

The year 2020 is seen as complicated and unpredictable as trade wars show no signs of abating alongside continued terrorism and conflicts among major countries, which is said to adversely affect the global situation.

In the context, Vietnam has pledged to pursue the implementation of a consistent foreign policy of independence and comprehensive integration, relation expansion with all countries towards becoming a responsible member of the international community.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha (L) hands the chairmanship hammer to his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the ceremony in Bangkok on November 4 (Photo: VNA)

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung affirmed that Vietnam is committed to pursuing the objectives and principles of the UN Charter and willing to work hand in hand with all member states. He assured the country's readiness to join hands with countries to deal with the traditional and non-traditional security challenges.

With the theme 'Cohesive and Responsive' for Vietnam's ASEAN Chair Year 2020, these prominent diplomatic events will lay a foundation for the  country to realize these commitments in the most effective way, especially when Vietnam undertakes the role of a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020 – 2021 tenure and ASEAN Chair 2020.