VietNamNet newspaper is pleased to present an article titled "Leveraging the power of foreign relations to serve the development and protection of the Fatherland from early on and from afar" by Lieutenant General Tran Duc Thuan, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly 's Committee on National Defense, Security and Foreign Affairs.
In the overall national development plan for the period 2026-2030 and the vision to 2045, foreign affairs are identified as playing a particularly important role, not only contributing to the early and distant protection of the Fatherland but also directly serving development and mobilizing external resources for national construction.
To concretize the foreign policy guidelines of the 14th Party Congress, on May 19th, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW on implementing the foreign policy guidelines of the 14th Party Congress. The Politburo's organization of a national conference to disseminate and implement the Resolution demonstrates the special importance of foreign affairs in the new development stage, and affirms the determination to quickly put the Party's major policies into practice.
A new perspective on the position and role of foreign policy.
One of the highlights of the 14th National Congress was the new development in strategic thinking and awareness regarding foreign affairs. While previously foreign affairs were primarily viewed from the perspective of creating a peaceful environment and protecting national interests, now they are placed within the overall national development strategy, closely linked to the requirements of building an independent and self-reliant economy , deep international integration, and enhancing national competitiveness.
In particular, the 14th Party Congress document for the first time identified foreign affairs as a "crucial and ongoing" field. This is an important development in strategic thinking, reflecting the objective requirements of the country in the context of complex strategic competition among major powers, and the process of globalization and international integration entering a new phase with many intertwined opportunities and challenges.
From that understanding, foreign affairs is not only the responsibility of the diplomatic sector but also the responsibility of the entire political system, of all levels, sectors, localities, businesses, and the people. The success of foreign affairs depends on the overall strength of the nation, and conversely, the effectiveness of foreign affairs will create further impetus for socio-economic development, strengthen national defense and security, and enhance the country's position.
Firmly adhering to an independent and self-reliant foreign policy.
Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW continues to thoroughly uphold the Party's consistent foreign policy: independence, self-reliance, self-strength, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development; multilateralization and diversification of foreign relations; being a friend, a reliable partner, and an active and responsible member of the international community.
In a rapidly changing and unpredictable world, upholding the principles of independence and self-reliance is of paramount importance. This is not only a guiding principle of the Vietnamese revolution but also a prerequisite for ensuring the highest national interests.
A notable new point in the foreign policy guidelines of the 14th National Congress is the emphasis on the requirements of "strategic autonomy" and "self-reliance." This requires the country to enhance its internal strength, increase the resilience of its economy, develop science and technology, promote innovation, build a high-quality workforce, and foster the strength of national unity. Only with strong internal strength can Vietnam proactively adapt to the changes in the global situation and effectively protect national interests under all circumstances.
Promoting the pioneering role of foreign affairs in serving development.
A central theme of Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW is to strongly promote the pioneering role of foreign affairs in building and serving development.
Given limited domestic resources, the demand for rapid and sustainable growth places a huge need for capital, technology, management knowledge, and markets. Foreign relations must become a crucial bridge to maximize the utilization of external resources for national development.
Economic diplomacy continues to be identified as a central focus. The task extends beyond simply expanding export markets or attracting foreign investment; it also aims to attract high-quality capital flows, core technologies, research and innovation centers, promote digital transformation, green transformation, and develop new economic sectors.
In the context of the rapidly unfolding Fourth Industrial Revolution, foreign policy needs to take a proactive approach in connecting with leading global technology hubs, leveraging new development trends such as artificial intelligence, big data, semiconductors, clean energy, the digital economy, and the circular economy.
Foreign relations serving development also require close coordination between central and local agencies, businesses, and social organizations to create a synchronized and effective network for promoting investment, trade, science, and technology.
Closely integrate foreign policy with defense and security.
One of the overarching requirements of Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW is to comprehensively implement foreign affairs activities in conjunction with the task of defending the Fatherland from early on and from afar.
In the context of a regional and global situation fraught with instability, foreign policy continues to play a leading role in preventing conflict and creating a peaceful and stable environment for national development.
Defense and security diplomacy should be implemented proactively, flexibly, and effectively, contributing to building strategic trust, strengthening substantive cooperation with partners, while resolutely and persistently defending the independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Fatherland through peaceful means based on international law.
The spirit of the 14th National Congress also reflects a new way of thinking: national defense and security are not just about protection, but also about creating a favorable environment for development; foreign relations are not just about integration, but also about directly contributing to enhancing national potential. This is the organic link between development and national defense in the new context.
Building a comprehensive and modern diplomatic system.
Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW sets forth the requirement to build a comprehensive, modern, and professional diplomacy, deeply rooted in the "Vietnamese bamboo" identity - with a firm base, strong trunk, and flexible branches.
This requires continued and vigorous innovation in thinking, content, and methods of foreign affairs. In the digital age, digital diplomacy, external communication, and public diplomacy are increasingly becoming important tools for promoting the image of Vietnam and its people, and spreading national cultural values.
Furthermore, it is crucial to focus on building a team of foreign affairs officials with strong political convictions, high professional qualifications, a global mindset, and the ability to adapt quickly to the changing international environment. This is a decisive factor in successfully realizing foreign policy goals in the new era.
Responsibilities of the National Assembly and the Committee on National Defense, Security and Foreign Affairs
As the highest representative body of the people and the highest organ of state power, the National Assembly plays a crucial role in institutionalizing and overseeing the implementation of the Party's foreign policy.
In the coming period, the National Assembly will continue to improve the legal system related to international integration, investment, trade, science and technology, national defense, security, and foreign affairs; strengthen parliamentary diplomacy; and promote cooperation with parliaments of other countries and international parliamentary organizations to contribute to the effective implementation of the Party's foreign policy.
For the National Assembly's Committee on National Defense, Security, and Foreign Affairs, the task is to continue improving the quality of its work in reviewing, supervising, and advising on policies in the fields of national defense, security, and foreign affairs; contributing to the improvement of mechanisms and policies serving comprehensive international integration and protecting national interests.
At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen strategic research, forecast the situation, and advise on policies and solutions to closely integrate foreign affairs with national defense, security, and socio-economic development, meeting the requirements of building and protecting the Fatherland in the new era of development.
Realizing the aspiration for national development.
Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW of the Politburo is an important concrete step in implementing the foreign policy guidelines of the 14th Party Congress, demonstrating strategic vision and innovative thinking on the role of foreign affairs in the cause of national construction and defense.
In the coming period, the requirement is not only to thoroughly understand the Party's viewpoints and policies, but more importantly, to organize their effective, synchronized, and creative implementation throughout the entire political system. Each level, each sector, and each locality needs to proactively concretize the Resolution into practical action programs, linked to their respective functions and tasks.
With the country's new strength and position after 40 years of reform, along with the wise leadership of the Party, the unity of the entire nation, and the involvement of the entire political system, Vietnam's foreign affairs will certainly continue to play a pioneering role, contributing to maintaining a peaceful environment, maximizing international resources, enhancing the nation's standing, and realizing the aspiration for a prosperous and happy country in the new era.
Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/phat-huy-suc-manh-doi-ngoai-phuc-vu-phat-trien-va-bao-ve-to-quoc-tu-som-tu-xa-2525379.html
