Vietnam receives 21 foreign leaders in 2023

In an article issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, foreign minister Bui Thanh Son said Vietnam’s external affairs activities over 2023, both bilateral and multilateral ones, have continued to deepen and expand, and several relations with important partners – including China, Japan, and the U.S. – were elevated to new heights.

2023 has been a year of multiple milestones for foreign affairs, Son said, adding that activities have spanned across multiple continents, forums and multilateral mechanisms like ASEAN, the U.N., the Mekong Subregion, APEC, AIPA, COP28 and BRI.

Vietnam has organized 15 foreign visits for key leaders, along with 21 visits by high-ranking foreign leaders to Vietnam, affirming the country’s standing on the global stage.

Vietnam’s role in international organizations, like the U.N. Human Rights Council and UNESCO, were well-utilized this year, according to the article.

Vietnam has also positively contributed to common global issues, such as fighting climate change, peacekeeping in Africa, and sending search and rescue forces to Turkey.

Economic diplomacy activities have also contributed to economic growth, helping exports and imports this year reach around $700 billion in value, helping the amount of attracted FDI to increase by 14.8%, and helping the country gain access to new quality sources of capital, among others.

Vietnam has also resolutely promoted exchanges and negotiations to resolve border and territorial issues, dealing appropriately and in a timely manner with activities that violate its independence, sovereignty, and legitimate rights and interests.

Son said Vietnam’s potential, standing and international reputation, as well as its external affairs achievements in 2023, have been a foundation for Vietnam’s “bamboo diplomacy” style.