14th National Party Congress drafts place foreign affairs on par with defence, security

The draft documents to be submitted to the 14th National Party Congress elevate 'foreign affairs and international integration' to the same level as national defence and security, defining them as 'key and regular' tasks.

This proposal has received strong endorsement from researchers and experts, according to former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Doan Xuan Hung.

He noted that diplomacy has made significant contributions to national development, particularly amid unpredictable international fluctuations.

According to the senior diplomat, Vietnam has not only consolidated and expanded relations with all major partners but also established many new strategic and comprehensive strategic partnerships.

These achievements required the combined efforts of not only the diplomatic sector but all external affairs agencies, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs playing the core and leading role alongside units working on Party diplomacy, State diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy.

Hưng noted that in 2025, the dynamic external activities of Party and State leaders have helped establish important political frameworks and long-term visions for diplomatic relations, while also advancing issues of national interest and supporting the realization of Vietnam’s strategic objectives.

Vietnam has upgraded relations with 17 partners, bringing the total number of countries with comprehensive partnership status or higher to 42. The substance and effectiveness of high-level visits also greatly improved, reflected in the signing of nearly 350 cooperation agreements – 2.5 times higher than in 2024.

Citing the Middle East and Africa, regions he once oversaw, the diplomat said that while Vietnam previously lacked conditions for in-depth cooperation, the country now enjoys greater opportunities as these regions emerge as major markets.

When defence and security are integrated with foreign affairs and international integration, Vietnam will be able to build a proactive national defence posture through peaceful measures consistent with international law. This approach reflects modern, flexible thinking and adaptability to regional and global security environments.

“Foreign affairs need to take the lead," he said.

"Once it is defined as a key and regular task, the State will provide financial, human and institutional resources and strengthen coordination among the three forces, which should generate tremendous strength for the country.”

International perspectives

Meanwhile, Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam Saadi Salama expressed his honor at being invited to attend the opening of the 14th National Party Congress, an event of great significance not only to the Vietnamese people but also to the region and the international community.

This would be the fifth time he attended a Party Congress in Vietnam. He first participated in the Congress in 1982 as a student alongside the Palestinian delegation. At the seventh Congress in 1991, he attended as a deputy chief of mission. At the past three congresses from 2011 to 2021 and at the upcoming congress, he has attended in his capacity as the Ambassador of Palestine.

“At every stage of history, Vietnam has always sought a path to fulfil the aspirations of the entire nation, which is to build a strong, developed country and safeguard the homeland. This is a clear and unwavering platform of the Communist Party of Vietnam,” he said.

With the Party’s 90-year experience and a leadership that consistently places the people’s interests first, he expressed confidence that the Congress would issue resolutions for the benefit of the country’s people and for global cooperation, development and peace.

He noted that a defining characteristic of Vietnam is its clarity in times of difficulty and its ability to turn challenges into opportunities. Vietnamese people, he said, deeply understand the value of national independence and the importance of national development.

He also emphasized that amid fierce global trade and economic competition, Vietnam has remained steadfast in pursuing economic growth, ensuring people’s livelihoods, maintaining peace, security and social order, and creating a favourable business environment for sustainable development.

Meanwhile, United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Pauline Tamesis said that over the past three decades, Vietnam has achieved extraordinary progress - from lifting millions out of poverty and advancing industrial development to expanding social protection.

With the gross national income per capita reaching above $5,000, the country is now at the cusp of upper-middle-income status. Poverty rates have fallen to historic lows, and Vietnam continues to rank in the high human development category.

“What makes Vietnam’s story truly inspiring is not just the numbers," Tamesis said.

"It is the determination to make sure that growth translates into a better life for all people. It is the commitment to people-centred sustainable development, reducing inequality and strengthening institutions. It is the courage to confront climate vulnerabilities while striving for a greener, more resilient future.”

Noting that the next chapter of Vietnam’s development will be even more ambitious with the goals of achieving high-income status by 2045 and net-zero emissions by 2050, she emphasized that the UN is committed to supporting Vietnam in this journey.

“Together, we can ensure that Vietnam’s story continues to inspire the world, not only as a nation that has risen but as a nation that leads with vision, inclusivity and sustainability. I wish you all the best and great success for the 14th Party Congress,” said the UN resident coordinator.

The 14th National Party Congress is scheduled for January 19-25.