2019 marked several significant events in Vietnam’s diplomacy. The country's achievements in external relations boosted its growing international status.

Over the past year, Vietnam has strengthened its relationship with key partners, neighboring countries, and traditional friends and was elected a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 term.

Vietnam contributes to world peace

Early this year, Vietnam hosted the 2nd Summit between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the US. The event demonstrated the two countries and the international community’s confidence in Vietnam in hosting major international events. After the summit, DPRK leader Kim Jong-un paid an official visit to Vietnam, the first by a DPRK leader in 55 years, marking a milestone in bilateral ties.

Winning 192 out of 193 votes on June 7, Vietnam became a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 term. This will be the second time that Vietnam has held this post demonstrating its wish to further contribute to world security and peace and proving that Vietnam is an active and responsible member of the UN.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said “Our priority is to strengthen multilateral diplomacy and respect international law. With its experience, Vietnam wants to contribute to the UN’s conflict settlement, protection of women and children during armed conflicts and clear unexploded bombs and mine following conflicts. As a Security Council member Vietnam wants to promote an environment of peace around the world.”

In June Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended the G20 Summit in Japan as a special guest reflecting the world community’s recognition of Vietnam’s growing prestige and status – a reliable, responsible partner for peace, security and development in the region.

Vietnam promotes multilateral trade

Vietnam and the EU signed the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement this year, a landmark in Vietnam’s economic diplomacy.

The two agreements created great opportunities for the two sides to boost trade and investment and sustain their current growth. This is the first time the EU has signed a FTA with a developing country and the 4th time with an Asian country.

Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh said “The EVFTA and the IPA prove Vietnam’s growing international status and its contribution to and responsibility for the development of globalization toward trade liberalization and facilitation. The agreements will elevate the Vietnam-EU relationship.”

Vietnam persistent in defending its national sovereignty

Vietnam’s sovereignty in the East Sea was seriously violated by Chinese vessels’ illegal activities this year. Vietnam patiently pursued peaceful solutions via diplomacy and promoted transparency and cooperation in settling disputes. Professor Doctor Pham Quang Minh.

Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanity, said “Diplomacy is an effective tool to help the world better understand Vietnam and its stance of settling disputes by peaceful means, not using or threatening to use force. They are unchanging principles of Vietnam. At this time Vietnam needs to promote diplomacy in defending national sovereignty.”