Vietnam’s top leader has called on the country’s diplomats and overseas representatives to focus strongly on development-oriented diplomacy, urging them to turn international partnerships into real resources that support national growth.
Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm delivered the message during a meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ambassadors, and heads of Vietnamese representative missions abroad in Hà Nội on July 31. The event was held as part of the 33rd Diplomatic Conference.
Speaking at the meeting, Tô Lâm stressed that diplomacy must serve the country’s development goals. He said international relations should bring practical benefits that help support economic growth, modernization, and long-term national progress.
Representatives from overseas missions reported on their work in host countries and highlighted their efforts to follow Party and State policies. They said Vietnamese missions have remained active and flexible despite a rapidly changing global environment.
The diplomats pledged to continue strengthening cooperation with partner countries and supporting key national priorities. These include economic expansion, green development, digital transformation, and improvements to the country’s growth model.
Tô Lâm noted that the conference is taking place during an important period for Vietnam. He said the country is entering a new phase of development marked by institutional reform and economic transformation.
According to the leader, the theme of the conference serves as a call for action. He said it provides an opportunity for diplomats to strengthen understanding of national development goals and improve coordination across the foreign affairs system.
Tô Lâm said Vietnam currently faces both opportunities and challenges. He pointed to the country’s growing international position and its extensive network of strategic and comprehensive strategic partnerships.
Vietnam has established strong ties with many major economies and is a participant in numerous new-generation free trade agreements. These relationships provide important opportunities for investment, trade, technology transfer, and economic cooperation.
However, Tô Lâm emphasized that the main task is turning these partnerships into concrete results that benefit the nation. He said diplomatic efforts should focus on bringing new resources, knowledge, and opportunities back to Vietnam.
The leader reminded ambassadors that they represent the entire country, not only the diplomatic sector. He urged them to closely monitor developments in their host nations and respond with initiative, creativity, and responsibility.
He also called for stronger strategic research and better forecasting capabilities. Diplomatic missions should identify potential risks and provide early warnings related to trade barriers, green regulations, technology restrictions, and international market changes.
Tô Lâm highlighted the importance of implementing major Party resolutions, including policies aimed at strengthening the foreign-invested economic sector. He said diplomatic missions should help create favorable conditions for investment and business cooperation.
Another major focus of his remarks was the Vietnamese community living abroad. He described overseas Vietnamese as an important source of knowledge, investment capital, innovation, and technology.
The leader encouraged missions to build stronger connections with Vietnamese experts, entrepreneurs, and professionals around the world. He said these networks can support national development programs and help advance key technology sectors.
Citizen protection also remains a priority. Tô Lâm called on overseas missions to work closely with domestic agencies to support Vietnamese citizens abroad and provide early warnings about potential risks.
In addition, he stressed the importance of safeguarding internal political security and protecting state secrets. Diplomatic missions should maintain high standards of responsibility and continue efforts to prevent corruption, waste, and misconduct.
Tô Lâm acknowledged the personal sacrifices made by diplomats serving overseas. He noted that many officials spend long periods away from their families while representing the country abroad.
The leader said relevant agencies have been asked to review support policies for overseas staff, especially those working in challenging locations. Plans are also being considered to improve offices, strengthen security measures, and enhance working conditions.
He expressed confidence that diplomats would return to their host countries with renewed determination and a stronger focus on supporting national development goals.
Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung, speaking on behalf of the diplomatic sector, said the ministry fully understands the importance of the leader’s guidance. He described the directions as both a strategic roadmap and a political responsibility for Vietnam’s foreign affairs system.
The minister pledged that the diplomatic sector would work to transform these goals into practical results and contribute to Vietnam’s continued development in the years ahead.
