Towards the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Diplomatic sector: A special meeting, full of emotions

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his wife met with female Ambassadors, Deputy Ambassadors, Heads of diplomatic missions, international organizations in Hanoi, and Vietnamese female diplomats on the occasion of International Women in Diplomacy Day, June 24. (Photo: Hoang Hong)

The meeting was very meaningful, demonstrating respect for international friends, willingness to cooperate and move forward together for common values, building trust and creating a space for sincere dialogue between Vietnam and the international community. The event also sent a clear message about the Vietnamese Government 's interest and appreciation for foreign affairs, honoring the silent, persistent contributions and tireless efforts of female cadres in the Vietnamese diplomatic sector.

Through the meeting, Vietnam demonstrated its strong commitment to promoting gender equality in general and gender equality in foreign affairs as well as the Vietnamese Government's expectations for the increasingly important role of female diplomats in the new era: Courage - Intelligence - Integration - Flexible adaptation. Diplomacy in the new era will not only stop at protecting national interests, but also play a leading role, build trust, inspire and promote global understanding.

What remains in my mind is the friendly and sincere style and image, the ability to connect and create consensus in a multicultural environment of the head of the Vietnamese Government. Despite his busy schedule, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh still spent the whole evening meeting female diplomats in person, demonstrating clear empathy in innovative, integrated and humane leadership thinking by listening attentively, being ready to dialogue, explain and arouse pride and inspiration in the interlocutors.

Right at the beginning of the meeting, the Prime Minister smiled brightly and said: "We Vietnamese have a saying: 'Shake hands, smile' to show our joy in welcoming guests, and he showed that throughout the long meeting. When Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang "asked for permission from the Prime Minister to speak for a few minutes", the Prime Minister immediately said: "More minutes is fine", and the whole meeting room burst into laughter. The sincerity, simplicity, and humor of the Prime Minister created a warm, understanding, and open atmosphere, very different from the solemnity often found in high-level political meetings.

Another point that I was very touched by and felt clearly through the meeting was the deep affection as well as the Government's determination to leave no one behind in bringing prosperity and happiness to the whole nation, especially women and girls, who always have to shoulder both the burden of work and family.

The last thing I want to share here is the precious "trademark" concern of the leaders of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all relevant units over the years for the retired officials of the Ministry, including me personally.

Without such thoughtful attention, we certainly would not be present at this meaningful meeting. May this tradition be preserved and promoted forever!