In the first place, it is about continuing to consolidate a stable, peaceful and development-friendly external situation, and strengthening relations with neighboring countries, strategic partners, traditional friends and other important associates, the official said.

This will increase political trust and weave intertwined interests, intensify and raise the level of multilateral foreign relations, and actively, deeply and comprehensively integrate with the world, thus enhancing Vietnam’s role in building and shaping multilateral institutions.

Another important path to follow from the beginning of this year is the one directed to the contribution of the maintenance of macroeconomic stability and socioeconomic development, in a context in which the world economy is expected to be at recession risk.

“It is necessary to promote economic diplomacy at the service of development,” stressed the minister, who called to make effective use of the signed free trade agreements (FTAs), especially the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Association and the Vietnam-European Union FTA.

Strengthening close coordination between foreign affairs and national defense and security, and closely monitoring the situation in the East Sea and the land borders, will be another Vietnamese foreign policy priority in 2023.

As the Minister explained, work will be done to promote negotiations of an effective and efficient Code of Conduct in the East Sea, in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Sea Rights of 1982.

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