In his opening remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son said the conference takes place at a crucial time when the diplomatic sector and the nation are entering a new development period and striving to successfully implement the Resolution adopted at the 13th National Party Congress, the 2021-2030 socio-economic development strategy, and the 2021-2025 socio-economic development plan.

The 31st Diplomatic Conference.

Pointing to the rapid, complex developments in the world and domestic situations, notably the Covid-19 pandemic, Son said the diplomatic sector has made concerted efforts to overcome difficulties and challenges to synchronously carry out major tasks on foreign relations.

The sector has gained important results, particularly maintaining a peaceful and stable environment, significantly contributing to protecting national independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, expanding and deepening relations between Vietnam and many partners, and maximising external resources to serve socio-economic development.

It has continued to promote the image of Vietnam as a nation of independence and self-reliance with a rich culture, which is resolved to pursue reforms and make active and responsible contributions to major international issues and forums, Son said, highlighting Vietnam’s fulfilment of its duties as Chair of the ASEAN in 2020 and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in the 2020-2021 term, helping to raise the country’s position in the international arena.

According to the minister, the sector has very heavy but glorious tasks in the time ahead. He stressed that the sector should carry forward its pioneering role in creating and maintaining the peaceful and stable environment, safeguarding the nation early and from afar, and mobilising external resources to serve socio-economic development and improve the country’s position and prestige.

He called on the delegates to seek new ways to synchronously and effectively implement major tasks of the sector in order to turn external relations and diplomacy into a strong driving force for the country’s rapid and sustainable development.

17 Vietnamese crew members rescued in foreign waters

Seventeen Vietnamese crew members aboard the Panamanian Huoei Crystal cargo vessel, were rescued after the ship encountered an accident in the waters located between Japan, the Republic of Korea (RoK) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

8 tourist facilities in Da Nang allowed to serve foreign tourists

Authorities in Da Nang City have announced a list of five accommodation facilities and three tourist sites that can admit foreign tourists under a vaccine passport trial program.

Foreign tourist arrivals to Vietnam up 42.4 percent in November

Vietnam welcomed over 15,000 foreign tourists in November, up 42.4 percent from the figure in October, the General Statistics Office (GSO) announced on November 29.

Foreign direct investment in first 11 months up slightly

Total foreign direct investment (FDI) pledges to Vietnam in the first 11 months of 2021 were estimated at 26.46 billion USD, up slightly by 0.1% compared with the same period last year.

Official proposes visa exemption for foreign tourists

Khanh Hoa's vice chairman proposed the government allow visa exemption for foreigners visiting Vietnam during the vaccine passport trial to stimulate international tourism.

Source: NDO/VNA