Speaking at the 32^nd National Diplomatic Conference, which opened in Hanoi on December 19, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong emphasized the need to remain consistent in principles and flexible in policies and strategies while performing diplomatic tasks.

Stressing the principles of national independence and socialism, the Party Chief said policies and strategies need to be adjusted flexibly, upholding the principle that Vietnam stands ready to be a friend and a reliable and responsible partner of all countries.

In the context of complex and unpredictable developments in the region and the world, he asked diplomats to keep a close watch on the situation to make accurate forecasts, especially those on external shocks.

The strength of the nation should go in tandem with that of the era, and the national interest should be in harmony with international missions and responsibilities, the Party Chief said.

He stressed that a sound foreign policy and effective implementation of specific policies contribute to creating consensus in the political system, national unity, and international support.

Meanwhile, relevant institutions and policies need to be perfected, and mechanisms to combine Party diplomacy, State diplomacy, and people-to-people diplomacy with diplomatic activities across different spheres reformed and perfected in order to create synergy, promote dynamism and innovation, and raise the efficiency of external relations, he said.

The Party leader noted that more attention should be paid to consolidating the apparatus and building a contingent of diplomats who meet requirements in terms of politics, morality, and professional qualifications.

He expressed a belief that the diplomatic sector will further grow in a modern and comprehensive manner, adhering to the concept of “bamboo diplomacy”, and carry forward its pioneering role in national construction and defense.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, meanwhile, said the conference, which will close on December 23, will look into the global situation, review achievements as well as lessons learned since the 13th National Party Congress in early 2021, and set out major tasks and measures to improve the efficiency of diplomatic work, including economic diplomacy, both bilateral and multilateral.