External relations show Vietnam"s higher political stature

One of the most important diplomatic events capturing the global attention in the first months of the year is that Vietnam was chosen as the venue for the second summit between the United States and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Pictured are the US President Donald Trump and DPRK President Kim Jong-un at the summit in Hanoi. (Photo: AP)

After the second US-DPRK summit concluded, DPRK leader Kim Jong-un paid an official visit to Vietnam from March 1-2. This is considered a historical event in the diplomatic ties between the two countries. Pictured are Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong and DPRK President Kim Jong-un inspect the guards of honour.

On June 7, Vietnam officially became a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the term 2020-2021 after getting 192 votes out of 193 member countries and territories of the UN General Assembly. This is the second time the country has been elected a non-permanent member of the UNSC, after the first in 2008-2009.

During the second term, Vietnam will focus on three pillar fields such as peace maintenance and building, protection of human rights and development promotion. Pictured are Vietnamese representatives taking photos with representatives of other four countries elected to the UN Security Council.

Vietnam will replace Kuwait to represent the Asia-Pacific group while the country will be the Chair of the United Nations Security Council in January 2020 on a rotating basis. Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung hosts a press conference after the voting ceremony.

This year, Japan invited Vietnam to attend the G20 Summit on June 28-29 as a special guest, which have reflected the world community’s recognition of the prestige and position of Vietnam - a reliable partner for peace, security and growth in the region. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his wife arrive at Kansai International Airport, Japan.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivers a keynote address at the plenary session of the G20 Summit.

On June 30, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc along with Deputy Prime Ministers and leaders of relevant ministries and sectors witnessed the signing of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Vietnam - EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

The EU considers that EVFTA is the "most ambitious" FTA, which will eliminate nearly 99% of tariffs between the EU and Vietnam.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his wife led the Vietnamese high-ranking delegation to attend the 35th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits on November 2-4 in Thailand. Photo: Chinhphu.vn.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivered speeches at 11 conferences and meetings and met with 19 major partners including the UN Secretary General, Prime Ministers of Laos, Cambodia, China, Thailand, Japan, India, New Zealand. (Photo:VGP)

Especially, November 4, Vietnam was handed over ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020 from Thailand at the closing ceremony of 35th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok. Photo: Chinhphu.vn.

The year 2020 is a major important milestone, which marks the 25th anniversary of Vietnam’s membership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc.

The United Nations Day of Vesak 2019 was held in Tam Chuc in the Buddhist Culture Centre in the northern province of Ha Nam province from May 12-14.

The United Nations Day of Vesak 2019 is an important external event, which has contributed to enhancing the role of Vietnamese Buddhism in the international integration and affirming the country’s position and responsibility for UN activities in all aspects.