Diplomats in Việt Nam offer their thoughts on the late Party General Secretary

Tributes have been paid to Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng who died on July 19, aged 80.

Việt Nam News reporters Lê Hương, Hải Anh and Minh Phương interviewed ambassadors and diplomats here in Việt Nam about the pivotal role he played in shaping diplomacy and placing Việt Nam well and truly at the forefront of the international arena.

Joy Puentes Saldise, Cuba’s Deputy Head of Mission

We believe that for Cuba, comrade Nguyễn Phú Trọng was an example of a leader at the national level who received the sympathy and support of the people.

At the same time, he was also an example of a leader at the international level, because for us, he was a great reference and a great source of encouragement because of your innovative ideas.

Joy Puentes Saldise, Cuba’s Deputy Head Of Mission. Photo courtesy of the embassy

His contributions to building socialism, a typical socialism in Việt Nam, through which we can also draw lessons for ourselves. Besides, his great contributions in the fields of culture, National Assembly activities and foreign policy are clear evidence of the great political stature of General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng, for whom we feel deep affection and admiration.

After receiving news about the health situation of comrade Nguyễn Phú Trọng, all Cuban leaders have expressed in many different messages their solidarity with the fraternal people of Việt Nam.

For Cuban leaders, especially for First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Miguel Díaz Canel, as well as for Army General Raúl Castro, comrade Nguyễn Phú Trọng was a brother. You are a brother who shares the same views as our leaders and whom we greatly admire for your contributions not only to the country of Việt Nam but also to the development of our relationship.

Bilateral relationship between Việt Nam and Cuba – a relationship that has lasted for 65 years. It can be said that the development, strengthening and consolidation of the Cuba – Việt Nam relationship is largely thanks to the efforts, efforts and affection of comrade Nguyễn Phú Trọng for the country and Cuban brothers.

Ali Akbar Nazari, Iranian Ambassador

General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng was an eminent and capable leader of the Communist Party of Việt Nam.

Under his talented leadership in 14 years as General Secretary of CPV and other top positions as President and Chairman of National Assembly, he devoted himself to the development of Việt Nam and led the country to reap many outstanding achievements both at the national and international levels.

Việt Nam’s position has been elevated in the world with higher reputation which is appreciated by international friends. His dedication to your people and great contributions to Việt Nam can be seen through a lot of bright spots such as strong socioeconomic growth, fast modernisation and deep international integration.

His anti-corruption efforts have also garnered commendation and support and thanks to such initiatives, Việt Nam’s global standing is enhanced, making your country an attractive destination for foreign investment.

Ali Akbar Nazari, Iranian Ambassador, submits letters of Credence to President Nguyễn Phú Trọng. Photo courtesy of the embassy

It was my privilege and honour as Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to have unique opportunity to submit the Letters of Credence to Nguyễn Phú Trọng in 2021 when he was President of Việt Nam.

I was really impressed by his modesty and sense of closeness. As an artful practitioner of Việt Nam’s bamboo diplomacy, he significantly shaped Việt Nam’s international relations.

His strategic vision and diplomatic sharpness have been pivotal in forging strong international alliances and advancing Việt Nam’s interests worldwide.

His leadership in international diplomacy, active interactions with global leaders and enduring legacy in strengthening Việt Nam’s role in the international community are vivid examples of how important role he made for your country.

During my mission here, I can feel how much Vietnamese people loved and supported his tireless efforts in national development, enhancing Việt Nam’s position on the global stage.

He earned strong trust from the people and his death is a big loss to the nation of Việt Nam.

Andrew Goledzinowski, Australian Ambassador

At this time, our thoughts are with the Secretary General’s family, his colleagues and the people of Việt Nam. It is a difficult time.

But I think it is also appropriate to reflect on his achievements and the long period of service that he gave to Vietnam. I think it is fair to say that he was genuinely a humble person and committed to the work and not to himself.

Australian Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski. Photo courtesy of the embassy

My reflections on him are the few times I got to meet him, he was very positive about Australia, very warm and spoke fondly about his visit in 2008 and we know that he was very interested in visiting Australia once again, last year, but unfortunately that wasn’t possible.

Most particularly, what we’ll always remember him for is the way in which he strengthened Việt Nam’s ties with the world. He diversified and broadened Việt Nam’s connections and most importantly for us, it was through his personal leadership, that Australia was able to elevate its bilateral relationship with Việt Nam to the comprehensive, strategic partnership level.

For that we will always be grateful, to Secretary General Trọng and I think he’ll always be remembered for that contribution.

Thomas Gass, Swiss Ambassador

What I was impressed by is that people loved Secretary Trọng.

Swiss ambassador Thomas Gass. Photo courtesy of the embassy

They loved him because he was very real, he was transparent, he was dignified.

And so he managed to bring together this country and to strengthen the unity of this country.

Secretary General Trọng has imbued an accountability to the people. So the campaign against corruption to me is part of a larger project of a strong service to the public. A service that has to be accountable to the people.

Sandeep Arya, Indian Ambassador

Secretary General Nguyễn Phú Trọng has been seen as a visionary leader of the country, almost synonymous with the governance, with the approach, with the direction of Việt Nam’s growth, development and progress over the last three decades and more than that.

Sandeep Arya, Indian Ambassador. Photo courtesy of the embassy

I think his expression of various priorities and the part for Việt Nam’s socioeconomic development has been very remarkable and very noticeable.

His book which was published last year serves as an important document laying out his vision and understanding his vision for the country’s progress for the future and achievements of Vietnam as a country, based on his vision and his thinking, very well known and very, very visible and widely recognised around the world.

Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dahlwy, Saudi Arabian Ambassador

From my perspective, Nguyễn Phú Trọng was not only a great, outstanding leader of the CPV and the Vietnamese people, but also a well-known, respected politician who gained a remarkable reputation in the international arena.

With nearly 57 years being a CPV member, 14 years as Secretary General, more than two years as President and over five years as National Assembly Chairman, the 80-year-old leader devoted his entire life to the Vietnamese Nation, led the country to overcome difficulties and challenges, achieving many significant accomplishments across various fields. Under his leadership, Việt Nam has made significant socio-economic progress and promoted its potential, position and international prestige.

Saudi Arabian Ambassador Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dahlwy. Photo courtesy of the embassy

The late leader possessed strong determination and made firm decisions and made significant efforts to enhance transparency, combat corruption and lead initiatives to strengthen the rule of law and create a favourable environment for foreign investment. In light of his policies and initiatives, Việt Nam has become an attractive destination for international companies and one of the most active economies in the region.

Regarding foreign policy, under Trọng’s leadership, Việt Nam carried out a positive and engaging foreign policy by implementing a unique and remarkable external relations diplomacy. The Vietnamese Party leader promoted the policy of actively integrating into the world and developing a strong and close friendship with many countries, which has given Việt Nam an increasing role on the international stage.

We deeply appreciate the contributions of His Excellency the General Secretary and the Vietnamese leadership in enhancing and consolidating relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Socialist Republic of Việt Nam. With the support of both countries’ leadership and their determination to advancing bilateral relations, significant progress has been achieved in recent years across various domains of mutual interest. We look forward to further advancing these relations into new horizons.

Secretary General Nguyễn Phú Trọng was deeply respected, highly trusted and beloved by the Vietnamese people and held in high esteem by international friends. His legacy is profound and I am confident that the Vietnamese leadership and people will uphold it, remaining united and striving for further achievements in socio-economic development. VNS