Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn 

- How has multilateral diplomacy contributed to enhancing Vietnam's international standing and creating favorable conditions for national development over the past year, sir?

With many innovative approaches, multilateral diplomacy in 2024 has left a significant mark on major regional and global forums such as ASEAN, the United Nations (UN), APEC, G20, G7, BRICS, and AIPA.

In the region, Vietnam successfully hosted the first ASEAN Future Forum, playing a key role in strengthening ASEAN’s unity and centrality while shaping strategic directions for the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

On a global scale, Vietnam has continued to fulfill its role as a member of the UN Human Rights Council and six out of seven key executive mechanisms of UNESCO. Additionally, Vietnam has actively contributed to shaping important global processes, such as the Future Summit, the Global Agreement on Plastic Waste, and the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Critical Minerals for Energy Transition.

Vietnam's growing international position enables us to not only participate in shaping multilateral institutions and engage in initiatives led by other countries but also to play a core leadership role in key global issues and mechanisms.

- What is the role of economic diplomacy in achieving the goals set by the 13th National Party Congress?

This is truly a moment of "convergence" to propel the country into a new era, as emphasized by General Secretary Tô Lâm. To seize these opportunities, we must deeply understand that economic diplomacy must continue to serve businesses, citizens, and localities more effectively, comprehensively, and practically, with sharper, more innovative thinking.

To achieve this, economic diplomacy must continue to leverage traditional growth drivers such as exports, investment, and tourism. This includes maximizing the benefits of existing trade and investment agreements, unlocking new sources of investment and finance, and continuously reviewing and urging the implementation of international commitments and agreements.

At the same time, breakthroughs are needed by fostering new growth drivers, targeting emerging fields, as Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has repeatedly emphasized. Thus, the focus of economic diplomacy in the coming period will be to identify and capitalize on opportunities arising from trends such as digital transformation, green transition, and energy transition.

- What are the key priorities for Vietnam's economic diplomacy in 2025?

The year 2025 will be a pivotal year, marked by major milestones in multilateral diplomacy, such as the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN and the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN.

Building on Vietnam’s contributions to global issues, multilateral diplomacy will focus on the preparation and successful organization of major events hosted by Vietnam, such as the ASEAN Future Forum, the P4G Summit, and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Furthermore, Vietnam will continue to successfully fulfill its responsibilities and commitments in multilateral organizations and forums such as ASEAN, the Mekong Subregion, and APEC.

Vietnam will also maintain its role as an active and responsible member of multilateral organizations and institutions while seeking to secure positions aligned with national priorities and interests, such as running for re-election to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2026–2028 term and, for the first time, nominating a candidate for the position of Judge at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026–2035 term.

Additionally, Vietnam will contribute more actively and responsibly to addressing global challenges, particularly climate change response, achieving net-zero emissions, and promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Vietnam will also deepen its participation in UN peacekeeping operations, disaster relief, and humanitarian aid efforts.

Thank you, Mr. Minister!