Raising Vietnam's position through external events in 2017

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong received General Secretary, President of China Xi Jinping on November 5, 2017 in Hanoi.

Thus, the successful organization of the APEC Annual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), important bilateral visits, marked at regional and international forums, celebrating diplomatic relations with major partners ... are important markers of Vietnam's external relations in 2017, helping Vietnam continue to assert itself as an important and trusted partner of international friends.

The following are typical events in the panorama of political and diplomatic activities of the country in 2017, voted by the Customs Newspaper.

APEC Year 2017

Leaders of 21 economies attending APEC, November, 1977, in Da Nang.

Vietnam's biggest foreign affairs event was to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. This is the second time Viet Nam become the host of APEC activities (first in 2006). It not only shows the trust of international friends in Vietnam, but also shows that Vietnam is always a dynamic member. They have contributed positively and effectively to the development of APEC. Vietnam successfully organized 243 activities in the APEC year with more than 21,000 participants.

Celebrating 40 years of Viet Nam's accession to the United Nations (UN)

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the 40th Anniversary of Vietnam's accession to the United Nations in New York, USA.

Year 2017 marks the 40th anniversary of Vietnam's accession to the UN. Over the years, Vietnam has been a responsible and active member of the United Nations, they have made significant contributions to the formulation and implementation of policies and agreements of this multilateral international organization. Through its cooperation with the United Nations, Vietnam has drawn many lessons, integrating deeply into the region and the world, bringing multilateral diplomacy to new level. It is expected that in 2018, Vietnam will stand for the non-permanent seat of the UN Security Council period 2020-2021.

50 years of establishment of ASEAN and 22 years Vietnam joining ASEAN

In 2017, ASEAN celebrates its 50th birthday, while Vietnam celebrates its 22nd anniversary. After initial steps, Vietnam has grown up, playing an important role in ASEAN. Nearly halfway through the process of formation and development, Vietnam has left many marks with positive contributions, contributing to strengthening ASEAN solidarity and association, expanding external relations and enhancing the role, the international status of ASEAN, overcoming the ups and downs with the partners in ASEAN, contributing greatly to the success of ASEAN today.

Many important visits at high-level

President Tran Dai Quang received US President Donald Trump on 11/11/2017 in Hanoi

National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan receives the Netherlands Empress Máxima, the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy on Financing for Development during her working visit to Vietnam on May 31, 2017.

A series of high-level official visits by leaders of Vietnam and other countries took place in 2017. General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's visit to China and the visit to Vietnam by the General Secretary and President of China, Xi Jinping, contributes to the long-term relationship between the two parties. The two States agreed on major orientations to enhance political trust, strengthen friendship, promote cooperation and investment, maintain peace, friendship and stable development of the two countries. Besides, the Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc's visited the United States and the US President Donald Trump's visit to Vietnam will continue to help cement the US and Vietnam's common goals and interests.

55 years of Vietnam-Laos friendship

The 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty (18/7/2017).

Year 2017 marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Laos (September 5, 1962 - September 5, 2017) and the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Vietnam-US Friendship and Cooperation Agreement - Laos (18/7/1977 - 18/7/2017). The two countries have organized many activities to commemorate this important event, including the exchange of nearly 300 delegations at all levels, 12 high-level delegations, 60 delegations of vice ministers and above, contributing to preserving the relationship between the two parties, two states. During the development, the relationship between Vietnam and Laos has been strengthened based on special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation.

50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cambodia

The 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cambodia (June 24, 1977).

Vietnam and Cambodia mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2017 (24/6/1967 - 24/6/2017). This major political event is considered as a milestone in the history of solidarity and traditional friendship between the two peoples, contributing significantly to the cause of national liberation, building and protecting the Fatherland for each country. During the past 50 years, the two countries have been solidly united, cooperating comprehensively, timely helping each other openly, and effectively.

Marking at regional forums and international organizations

Ambassador Mr Nguyen Hong Thao was the first Vietnamese to be elected to the International Law Commission.

In 2017, Vietnamese diplomats helped Viet Nam mark the regional and international forums, contributing to the success of the multilateral diplomatic missions of Vietnam. Ambassador Mr Nguyen Hong Thao was the first Vietnamese to be elected to the International Law Commission; Ambassador Mr Duong Chi Dung, head of the standing delegation of Vietnam to the UN, was elected President of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WTO); Ambassador Hoang Anh Tuan was elected Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN; Ambassador Phan Kieu Thu was elected Secretary-General of the Plan for Socio-Economic Development in the Asia-Pacific Region (Colombo). This success has shown the position, international prestige and recognition of the international community for Vietnam's active and responsible contributions.