4
PUBLISHER’S NOTES
I
n 2017, thanks to the effective
the United Nations, the ASEAN’s 50th
leadership and direction of the
anniversary and the 22nd anniversary
Vietnamese Party and State, the close
of Viet Nam’s accession to ASEAN, etc.
and
among
Conducted in a cohesive, practical
agencies,
and effective fashion, Viet Nam’s
and the important contribution of
diplomatic activities have contributed
the entire political system and the
to the maintenance of stable relations;
people, Vietnamese diplomacy has
promoted cooperation and intertwining
achieved a number of outstanding
interests with neighboring and regional
accomplishments across the board,
countries, important strategic partners,
contributing to the maintenance of
and traditional partners; maintained
peace and stability for development
harmonious and balanced relationship
and the elevation of national standing,
with
thus garnering high opinions from
harnessed
the international public. The year
paramount national interest on the
2017 witnessed a number of dynamic
basis of the fundamental principles
and successful diplomatic activities
of international laws, equality and
bearing the Vietnamese hallmark,
mutual benefit; consistently pursued
including the hosting of the APEC
the foreign policy of independence,
Economic Leaders’ Week, a large
self-reliance, peace, cooperation and
number of high-level delegations of
development, multilateralization and
leaders of the Vietnamese Party and
diversification of external relations,
State visiting other countries and
active and proactive international
foreign leaders visiting Viet Nam, the
integration, and being a reliable friend
Viet Nam - Laos Year of Solidarity
and partner and a responsible member
and Friendship and the Viet Nam -
in the international community.
core
smooth external
coordination relations
major
powers;
proactively
opportunities;
ensured
Cambodia Year of Friendship, the 40th
To highlight the panorama of Viet
anniversary of Viet Nam’s accession to
Nam’s diplomatic activities in 2017, 5
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
the National Political Publishing House, in collaboration with the Department of Emulation, Commendation and Diplomatic Traditions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, publishes Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017. Like in the previous editions, the book begins with an introduction by Member of the Politburo, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign
highlighting the success of the APEC Viet Nam 2017 as well as diplomatic activities within the frameworks of ASEAN, the United Nations and other multilateral mechanisms. Chapter Four covers the achievements in economic diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, external information and communication, overseas Vietnamese affairs, the
Affairs Pham Binh Minh, providing an overall assessment of the global
protection of Vietnamese citizens and entities overseas and the contribution
situation, the Party’s guideline and policy and Viet Nam’s external
of diplomacy to the safeguarding of territorial, sea and islands sovereignty,
activities. The main content of the volume follows through five chapters.
and national security. Chapter Five focuses on the Party
Chapter One covers the global and regional state of affairs, and the
and National Assembly’s external activities and people-to-people
foreign policy of the Vietnamese Party and State in 2017.
exchanges. The book is an official and useful
Chapter Two lists the bilateral diplomatic activities, including those
material, aiming at a large audience in Viet Nam and overseas who are
with neighboring countries and important partners in different regions.
interested in Viet Nam’s external activities.
Chapter Three presents an outline of multilateral diplomatic activities,
The
book
is
now
proudly
presented to you. October 2018
NATIONAL POLITICAL PUBLISHING HOUSE
6
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page PUBLISHER’S NOTES........................................................................................................5 FOREWORDS............................................................................................................... 9 GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS.........................................................................................11
Chapter One
THE INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL SITUATION AND THE FOREIGN POLICY OF THE VIETNAMESE PARTY AND STATE........13
I. International and Regional Situation in 2017 .......................................................13 II. Foreign Policy and Direction of the Vietnamese Party and State.......................18
Chapter Two
BILATERAL DIPLOMATIC ACTIVITIES ...................................................... 20
I. Relations with Neighboring Countries...................................................................20 II. Relations with Other Partners..................................................................................28
Chapter Three
MULTILATERAL DIPLOMATIC ACTIVITIES ................................................ 45
I. APEC Viet Nam 2017................................................................................................45 II. Diplomatic Activities at ASEAN..............................................................................48 III. Diplomatic Activities at the United Nations and other Multilateral Mechanisms................................................................................................................51 IV. Diplomatic Activities Contributing to the Protection and Advancement of Human Rights........................................................................................................56
Chapter Four
DIPLOMACY FOR NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION AND DEFENSE....................57
I. Economic Diplomacy................................................................................................57 II. Cultural Diplomacy and External Information.....................................................60 7
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
III. Overseas Vietnamese-related Activities and Citizens and Legal Person Protection....................................................................................................................63 IV. Diplomatic Activities Contributing to the Protection of National Territorial, Sea and Island Sovereignty, and the Defense of National Security....................65
Chapter Five
THE COMMUNIST PARTY, THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND THE PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE’S EXTERNAL ACTIVITIES..................................70
I. The Communist Party’s External Activities...........................................................70 II. The National Assembly’s External Activities.........................................................73 III. The People-to-People’s External Activities.............................................................76
8
PHAM BINH MINH Member of the Politburo, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs
FOREWORDS
T
he year 2017 witnessed rapid changes in the global and regional state of affairs, marked by intertwining opportunities and challenges. Though peace, cooperation and development remained the prevailing tendencies, competition and the rallying of forces saw extremely complex developments. International relations were heavily affected by the policy adjustments of major powers. Nationalism and the wave of populism was on the rise, growing strongly in many countries and regions. The global economy continued its recovery, with better growth momentum, but was also faced with many risks and challenges, in particular the resurgence of protectionism. Against this backdrop, heeding the policy orientations and the
concrete goals and tasks set by the 12th Party Congress, our foreign policy was pro-actively, vigorously and comprehensively conducted, recording major achievements, contributing to elevating Viet Nam’s status in the region and the world. It is for this reason that the year 2017 was considered one of the most successful years of Vietnamese diplomacy. The overarching and most outstanding achievement was the excellent role we played as the host country of the APEC Viet Nam 2017, culminating in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Da Nang. Along with a variety of excellent and effective activities at global and regional multilateral mechanisms and forums, the success of the APEC Viet Nam 2017 9
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
has shown that Viet Nam’s multilateral diplomacy has grown to a new height. We are shifting gears towards actively contributing to the building and shaping of the common rules of engagement, thereby effectively protecting and promoting Viet Nam’s strategic security-development interests, while articulating our spirit as “a responsible member in the international community”. Throughout 2017, Viet Nam’s bilateral relations with neighbors in the region, major powers, strategic and comprehensive partners as well as traditional friends have continued to be strengthened and further advanced. More than 50 bilateral visits to and by Viet Nam, along with hundreds of meetings between Vietnamese top leaders with heads of states and leaders of other countries on the sidelines of international and multilateral forums, were testimony to the standing, dynamism and activeness of Vietnamese diplomacy. Cooperation between Viet Nam and other countries across the areas of economy, politics and security has been growing deeper, more substantive and effective. We have actively engaged in international economic integration, playing a role in the regional and international economic cooperation links, thus contributing to national economic growth, construction and development. At the same time, we have participated in and driven the process of negotiation and signing of various agreements on economic cooperation and trade -
investment liberalization. Out of these, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) stands out, and is expected to ensure and bring about tangible benefits to the country. Foreign relations and defense security cooperation activities were more effectively driven, thus contributing to the promotion of mutual understanding and trust between Viet Nam and other countries and partners. External activities in other areas, such as cultural diplomacy, external information and communication, overseas Vietnamese and citizen protection, and boundary and sea and islands affairs continued to be attentively implemented. Along with State diplomacy, the Party, National Assembly and people-to-people external activities were strengthened and promoted throughout 2017. The success of all these diplomatic activities as a whole has contributed to national socio-economic development and the steadfast safeguard of national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. An overview of international and regional state of affairs, together with a comprehensive and detailed panorama of the foreign policy orientation and activities of the Vietnamese Party and State in 2017, is fully provided in the yearly published book titled Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017, Fourth Edition by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is my hope that this volume would provide you, dear readers, with useful information, living up to your expectations.
PHAM BINH MINH Member of the Politburo, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs 10
GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS ACMECS
Ayeyawady - Chao Phraya -
ARF
ASEAN Regional Forum
Mekong Economic
ASEAN
Association of Southeast Asian Nations
Cooperation Strategy ADMM ADMM+
ASEAN Defense Ministers’
ASEANAPOL ASEAN Police
Meeting
ASEM
Asia-Europe Meeting
ASEAN Defense Ministers’
ATISA
ASEAN Trade in Services Agreement
Meeting Plus AEC AELW
ASEAN Economic
Cooperative mechanism
Community
between the four countries
APEC Economic Leaders’
Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar,
Week
and Viet Nam
AEPF
Asia Europe People’s Forum
AICHR
ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human
AIPA
CLMV
COC
Code of Conduct in the South China Sea1
CPTPP
Comprehensive and
Rights
Progressive Agreement for
ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary
Trans-Pacific Partnership
Assembly
DOC
Declaration on the Conduct
AMM
ASEAN Ministerial Meeting
of Parties in the South China
AMMTC
ASEAN Ministerial Meeting
Sea
on Transnational Crime
ECOSOC
United Nations Economic and
AP
Pacific Alliance
APEC
Asia-Pacific Economic
EU
European Union
Cooperation Forum
EVFTA
EU - Viet Nam Free Trade
APF
Social Council
Parliamentary Assembly of
Agreement
the Francophonie
FDI
Foreign Direct Investment
APF
ASEAN People’s Forum
FTA
Free Trade Agreement
APPF
Asia Pacific Parliamentary
GMS
Greater Mekong Subregion
Forum
G20
Group of 20 top developed economies
1. “South China Sea” is the English term internationally used for the sea that is dominantly named as the “East Sea” in Viet Nam.
11
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
IAI-TF
Initiative for ASEAN
OIF
Integration Task Force ICAPP INTERPOL IPU
International Conference of
of the Francophonie PCA
Framework Agreement on
Asian Political Parties
Comprehensive Partnership
International Criminal
and Cooperation between
Police Organization
EU and Viet Nam
International Parliamentary
RCEP
Union
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
IS
self-proclaimed Islamic State
SOM
Senior Officials Meeting
LMI
Lower Mekong Initiative
TPP
Trans - Pacific Partnership
MGC
Mekong Ganga Cooperation
UNESCO
United Nations Educational,
MRC
Mekong River Commission
NGO
Non-governmental
ODA
12
International Organization
Scientific and Cultural Organization
Organization
USD
United States Dollar
Official Development
WEF
World Economic Forum
Assistance
WHO
World Health Organization
Chapter One
THE INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL SITUATION AND THE FOREIGN POLICY OF THE VIETNAMESE PARTY AND STATE
T
he year 2017 saw the international and regional state of affairs develop rapidly with unstable and unpredictable implications. Cooperation and dialogue for the maintenance of peace and development remained the prevailing trend, yet competition and the rallying of forces continued to evolve in complex ways. Nationalism and populism were on the rise in many places. The global economy continued to recover and achieved higher growth than the
previous year, while protectionism was also mounting, thus clashing with the widespread trend of trade liberalization in many regions. Against this backdrop, the external activities of the Vietnamese Party and State continued to be implemented actively, and have achieved outstanding results, thus playing an important role in the realization of national economic and social development targets and the protection of national security and defense.
I. International and Regional Situation in 2017 1. Economic Situation
6.8% for China, 2.4% for the Eurozone,
a) The global economy in 2017
2.1% for the United States (US),
was
relatively
stable
and
was
and 1.5% for Japan. Recovery in the
considered at its best in many years.
Asia-Pacific region slowed down
Global economic growth was 3.6%,
somewhat, yet the region continued
the highest since the 2008-2009 global
to play the role as a driver of global
financial crisis. For the first time
economic growth. The ASEAN -
since 2010, all major economies in the
India - China region achieved growth
world saw positive economic growth:
of 6.4%; the ASEAN zone 4.9%, 13
Chapter One
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
and the Asia-Oceania region 4.5%. Developing and emerging economies, in particular China, made sizable contributions to global growth, and continued to play an increasing role in the global economy. Meanwhile, many countries were actively implementing measures and plans to address the new requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, while continuing to pay due attention to the elements of sustainable development. b) Global trade saw promising signs with the growth rate of 4.6%, the highest since 2011. However, the rising wave of trade protectionism as well as political instabilities in a number of countries are creating significant hindrances to global commerce. Global foreign direct investment (FDI) saw an unexpected 16% drop to an aggregated capital figure of $1.520 trillion, out of which the United Kingdom (UK) saw the most dramatic drop of 90% to a mere $19.4 billion; the US’s figure fell by a third, to $310 billion. FDI into China alone still saw dramatic increase, reaching the record figure of $144 billion, despite the fact that many multinational corporations have restructured and withdrawn considerable capital from this country. c) The US, though still the top economy in the world, saw its influence and leadership diminished relatively to other economies. China advanced regional and inter-regional economic initiatives and architectures, etc. The trend of intensive and extensive 14
international economic integration continued to be promoted and saw new developments, in spite of negative effects from the domestic situation in such world leading economies as the US and the UK. d) The Asia-Pacific remains a beacon of the growth and promotion of economic integration, the progress of regional connectivity, and the search for new drivers for economic growth. In particular, the meeting of the APEC Economic Leaders in Da Nang (November 2017) expressed the support for the rules-based, free, fair, transparent and inclusive multilateral trading system. Most notably, after the US’s withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the remaining 11 members redoubled their efforts to maintain the negotiation process, and arrived at an agreement to establish the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for TransPacific Partnership (CPTPP). ASEAN and its six partners have been continually advancing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiation with a view to concluding it within 2018. Japan and the EU finalized their FTA. China - Japan - Republic of Korea (ROK) continued to promote their tripartite FTA. The Eurasia Economic Union actively negotiated and signed the Economic - Trade Cooperation Agreement with China (May 2018) and continued to negotiate an FTA with India, while considering the
The International and Regional Situation and the Foreign Policy of the Vietnamese Party and State
possibility of negotiating an FTA with ASEAN. China has been implementing many regional economic integration initiatives, in particular the Belt and Road Initiative and Mekong - Lancang Cooperation. 2. Political and Security Situation Around the world, peace, cooperation and development remained the prevailing trend. However, the wave of populism, instabilities and hot spots, both existing and new ones, in various places in the world continued to develop in complicated ways, thus exerting unfavorable impacts on many regions across the globe, including the Asia-Pacific. a) Major powers made every effort to consolidate their domestic affairs while bolstering economic and military strengths, and striving to expand their strategic influence and economic - trade advantages overseas. In the US, President Donald Trump’s new administration has taken bold actions to focus on promoting growth, creating jobs, restricting immigration, etc. as per the motto “America First”. This had a considerable impact on the relations between the US and its partners, including allies. China successfully held the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, amended its Constitution, removing the term of office restriction for the President. “The leadership nucleus role” of General Secretary, President Xi Jinping and the Xi Jinping Thought were
Chapter One
affirmed. China also continued to advance the fight against corruption, Party correction, military reforms and the rearrangement of personnel from the Central to the local levels. The EU had to focus on the immigrant issue and acts of terrorism that are of small scale yet unpredictable and hard to counter, while making efforts to consolidate intra-bloc military power and implementing the Multi-speed Europe idea. In addition to difficulties encountered during Brexit negotiations, populism and anti-EU sentiments were rising in many countries, including Catalonia’s bid for independence from Spain, which caused concerns not only in Spain but also throughout Europe. Russia continued to pursue its own direction, while implementing many measures to strengthen its economic and defense power, consolidating domestic affairs, implementing reforms in personnel and correcting centrifugal tendencies, among others, in order to further revitalize the country and reinforce the position of President Putin on the eve of the elections in March 2018. Japan undertook Cabinet reforms, dismissed the Lower House and held early elections, maintained the strong foundation of the coalition between the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito (NKP), and continued to pursue policies to bolster its power and position in the face of extant strategic, security and economic pressures. 15
Chapter One
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
India has grown increasingly capable; the ruling Indian People’s Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Modi himself both reaffirmed their solid reputation and position at home and pursued the “Act East” policy to strengthen India’s strategic standing in the region and become a global power. Relations among major powers remained within the bound of intertwining cooperation and competition. Strategic competition persisted and grew fiercer still, while cooperation and mutual concession was maintained on the basis of mutual interest and the need for coordination in addressing many global issues such as counterterrorism, WMD nonproliferation, efforts to manage hot spots, and so on. b) In the Asia-Pacific, over the past year there have emerged many complex issues related to security, development and competition among major powers. Peace, stability and security continued to be threatened by conflict and risk of war outbreak on the Korean Peninsula as well as the complex developments in the East Sea and the issue of terrorism in a number of Southeast Asian countries. In Northeastern Asia, the mounting instabilities and tensions in the Korean Peninsula stood out, mainly due to the increasingly tougher lines of all parties in their actions and positions on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)’s nuclear issue. Pyongyang repeatedly held 16
nuclear weapon and ballistic missile tests (on 29 November 2017, DPRK announced the completion of their nuclear and missile program), while the US and its allies made strong retaliations through tightening the embargo and economic sanctions. The parties’ open threat to launch military attacks at each other has increased tension, elevating the risk of armed conflict and causing great concerns in the region and the world at large. The Southeast Asian region generally maintained their peace, stability and above-average economic growth. However, new tension and complications have emerged within several countries, caused by ethnic/ religious/secessionist conflict (such as in Myanmar), the spread of terrorism (in the Philippines in particular), domestic competition before elections (Cambodia and Malaysia), border dispute (between Cambodia and Laos), and in particular the advent of the Rohingya issue in Myanmar’s Rakhine State, which might hinder the reform, opening and economic development of this country. During the 50th Anniversary Year of the ASEAN and 2nd Anniversary of the ASEAN Community, the ASEAN continued to express its determination to build its Community, fortify its solidarity and maintain its centrality in the region. The ASEAN Community continued to be more highly regarded by external partners wishing to promote cooperation with it. Yet the
The International and Regional Situation and the Foreign Policy of the Vietnamese Party and State
competition and friction between major powers as well as the policy adjustment by a number of member countries have left certain impacts on the integration, cooperation and solidarity within the Association. The situation in the East Sea continued to develop in complex ways due to the large-scale buildup and constructions and deployment of military weapons and matériel on the islands and rocks in the Truong Sa and Hoang Sa (Spratly and Paracel) Archipelagos. However, bilateral and multilateral cooperation continued to be promoted, bringing about practical benefits to parties concerned. Viet Nam and China continued to cooperate in fishery in the Gulf of Tonkin and implement projects agreed upon in less sensitive areas at sea. Viet Nam also engaged in cooperation with other parties within and beyond the region in marine scientific and environmental research. ASEAN and China maintained the mechanism for dialogue at the Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) and Joint Working Group levels on the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and for consultation pertaining to the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC). Most notably, in 2017, ASEAN and China adopted the COC Framework, creating the foundation for negotiation towards an effective and legally binding COC for peace and stability in the region.
Chapter One
c) The situation in the Middle East and Africa continued to unfold in complex ways and became more volatile. The competition for influence among major powers within and beyond the region in this area has grown increasingly fiercer. In June 2017, the Gulf diplomatic crisis began unexpectedly between the Group of Four (Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt) and the State of Qatar, mainly due to their differences in foreign policies. In spite of the reconciliatory efforts by countries within and beyond the region alike, as of present the crisis has yet to end, thus negatively affecting the situation, as well as cooperation between countries in the region. In Iraq and Syria, the war against the selfproclaimed Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization has generally concluded. The Syrian army, directly supported by Russia, gained decisive military victories, though the prospects for an enduring peaceful solution in Syria remained distant due to the vastly differing views of the concerned parties. In addition, owing to the US Administration’s new policy towards the region, the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran encountered many challenges and risked collapse. Furthermore, the US’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in spite of dissension from other countries in the world, including its close allies, has contributed to the risk of 17
Chapter One
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
further instabilities and may well put the Middle East Peace Process into a new stranglehold. In the meantime, several African countries also witnessed complicated security political developments. Political crises and protests against the deep-seated ruling powers (Togo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and particularly in Zimbabwe where President Mugabe was forced to resign after 37 years of power); the tide of secessionism (Cameroon and Nigeria) and activities by extreme Islamist organizations have caused an increase in instabilities and terrorist risks in the region. d) In Latin America, the new US Administration’s revision of the normalization policy with Cuba, increase of pressure and embargo on Venezuela, reinforcement of border control with Mexico and demand
for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) renegotiation with parties concerned also resulted in more complicated developments in the region and growing tension between the US and its neighbors. e) Non-traditional security issues in 2017 also saw complex developments. Natural disasters and abnormal weather patterns as well as food and water security among other issues have created new challenges and threats to many regions and countries concerned. In the meantime, the living environment in many places continued to degrade. Many sophisticated cyber-attacks caused much harm economic losses to many countries, businesses and citizens. These factors have posed to the international community many new extremely serious challenges.
II. Foreign Policy and Direction of the Vietnamese Party and State
18
The global and regional situation
countries in the world and add depth
in 2017 presented many intertwining
to its comprehensive or multi-faceted
opportunities and challenges to Viet
partnerships. However, Viet Nam is
Nam. The high and evenly spread
also faced with different challenges.
global economic growth provided
Economically,
more opportunities for the Vietnamese
tendency and the increasing use of
economy to maintain its own growth.
certain non-trade barriers by several
The relatively peaceful and stable
trade partners, as well as the Fourth
regional and global security and
Industrial Revolution and scientific
political state of affairs provided an
and
excellent foundation for Viet Nam
posed
to implement its policy of being a
Nam in grasping and harnessing
reliable friend and partner of all
opportunities to deepen its economic
the
technological new
protectionism
advancements,
difficulties
to
Viet
The International and Regional Situation and the Foreign Policy of the Vietnamese Party and State
integration. Politically, the policy adjustment and the rallying of forces by major powers in the Asia-Pacific created major challenges to Viet Nam in maintaining stability and continuing balanced and harmonious relations with its partners. In addition, acts that increased militarization and expanded military presence caused a significant increase in risks of conflict and incidents in the East Sea. Furthermore, the issues of water security, particularly from the Mekong River, climate change adaptation, hostile forces taking advantage of democracy, human rights and freedom of religion and belief as causes to mount pressure and intervene in Viet Nam’s internal affairs, and others matters, required Viet Nam, more than ever before, to be more adept and timely in its diplomacy, and to come up with judicious, comprehensive and effective solutions. Against this backdrop, in 2017 Viet Nam continued to actively and comprehensively pursue the foreign policy of independence and selfreliance on the basis of the detailed elements and priorities prescribed by the 12th Party Congress. We continued to multilateralize and diversify our international relations while engaging in intensive and extensive international integration to enhance the effectiveness of external activities and ensure a peaceful environment to facilitate national development and protection. The core focus of
Chapter One
foreign affairs in 2017 was (i) to continue to broaden and deepen cooperation with neighbors, major powers, partners, traditional friends, and regional and international organizations; (ii) to satisfactorily create intertwining interest; (iii) to steadfastly and unyieldingly protect national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity; (iv) to actively engage in international integration and strive to contribute to the building and shaping of multilateral institutions; (v) to strengthen coordination across all channels of the Party, State, National Assembly, and people-to-people diplomacy; and (vi) to seamlessly combine the diplomatic areas of bilateral and multilateral, economic and political - diplomacy, cultural and social, and defense and security. In particular, the hosting of the APEC Viet Nam 2017 presented Viet Nam with both vast responsibilities and weightful and complicated tasks, as well as extraordinary honor and new opportunities. For this reason, Viet Nam had to focus to a very great extent all resources, both human and material, engage the participation of the entire political system and all walks of citizenry and the business community to successfully fulfill all the tasks required of us by the APEC Year. This helped create a very strong impression of Viet Nam in the APEC process as well as in our relations with each member in this especially important regional cooperation forum. 19
Chapter Two
BILATERAL DIPLOMATIC ACTIVITIES
I. Relations with Neighboring Countries 1. Laos: The two countries closely collaborated in the successful organization of the 2017 Viet Nam Laos Year of Friendship and Solidarity commemorating the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations (5 September 1962 - 5 September 2017) and the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Viet Nam - Laos Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (18 July 1977 - 18 July 2017). Hundreds of diverse activities across all levels, sectors and localities were smoothly held over the last year to mark this historic milestone in traditional friendship and relations between the two countries. The two sides maintained extremely frequent exchanges of delegations (about 300 delegations). From Viet Nam to Laos, there were visits by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (April 2017), Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi 20
Kim Ngan (November 2017), First Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Tong Thi Phong (July 2017) and Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dzung (November 2017). From Laos to Viet Nam, General Secretary, President Bounnhang Vorachith attended the APEC - ASEAN Leaders’ Informal Dialogue (November 2017) and paid an official friendly visit to Viet Nam at the conclusion of the Year of Friendship and Solidarity (December 2017). There were also visits by the Permanent Secretary of the Secretariat of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and Vice President Phankham Viphavanh (July 2017), Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith (twice, in February and October 2017), President of the National Assembly Pany Yathotou (thrice, in March, July and August 2017), Deputy Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone
Bilateral Diplomatic Activities
(October 2017), and by the Ministers of Public Security (August 2017), Home Affairs (September 2017), Foreign Affairs (December 2017), and Defense (January and December 2017). In addition, the Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee of Vientiane (March 2017), President of the Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC) Central Committee (June 2017), President of the Government Inspection Authority, Chairman of the Central Commission for Propaganda and Training, Head of the Committee for Peace and Solidarity, Head of the Central Committee Office, Director of the General Department of Politics
Chapter Two
(all in August 2017), and Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union (September 2019) also paid a visit to Viet Nam. These working visits with Vietnamese counterparts were also part of the 2017 Viet Nam Laos Friendship and Solidarity Year. The two sides continued to closely collaborate in security and defense, and in stepping up the search and repatriation of the remains of Vietnamese volunteer martyrs in Laos. These activities helped further strengthen and bolster the special relations of traditional solidarity and friendship between the two countries in the current situation.
Lao General Secretary, President Bounnhang Vorachith on his official friendly visit to Viet Nam (19 - 21 December 2017) - VNA
21
Chapter Two
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
Bilateral economic, trade and investment relations saw new progress: for the first time, the two countries’ Prime Ministers co-chaired the 39th Meeting of Viet Nam Laos Intergovernmental Committee (February 2017), reflecting the determination of the two countries’ high-level leaders in effectively implementing the 2017 Viet Nam Laos Cooperation Plan. After two consecutive years of decline, bilateral trade turnover in 2017 reached over $900 million, a 13.6% year-on increase. Viet Nam’s investment into Laos saw continued growth, with 411 licensed projects worth $3.7 billion in capital, making Laos the largest foreign investment destination for Viet Nam and Viet Nam the third largest foreign investor into Laos. In addition, Viet Nam has collaborated with Laos in holding prior consultation on the Pak Beng hydropower project on the mainstream of the Mekong River. The two countries have reached an agreement on a joint action plan related to the project to mitigate its negative impacts on the environment, downstream countries and water security. 2. Cambodia: The cooperation between the two countries received keen attention with a view to advancement. The two countries worked together in the organization of various key political events during the 2017 22
Viet Nam - Cambodia Year of Friendship commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations (24 June 1967 24 June 2017). Notable events include the State visit to Cambodia by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (July 2017) and the official visit by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (April 2017). In addition, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh co-chaired the 15th session of the Viet Nam - Cambodia Joint Committee and the 9th Conference on Cooperation and Development of Viet Nam - Cambodia border provinces in Phnom Penh in March 2017; Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Hoang Trung Hai also paid a visit to Cambodia in September 2017, etc. On the Cambodian side, President of the Senate Say Chhum attended and delivered a remark at the formal banquet in Phnom Penh on the 50th anniversary of Viet Nam - Cambodia diplomatic relations; President of the National Assembly Heng Samrin paid an official visit to Viet Nam and attended the ceremony celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in Hanoi (June 2017); Prime Minister Hun Sen embarked on the journey retracing the memory of finding the way to overthrow the genocide regime (June 2017) and attended the inauguration of the Phnom Penh Hanoi boulevard of friendship (March 2017); First Vice President of the Senate
Bilateral Diplomatic Activities
Nay Pena also visited Viet Nam (August 2017). The activities in the 2017 Viet Nam - Cambodia Year of Friendship contributed to the promotion of trust between the two countries, and educated the young generation on the tradition of solidarity, friendship,
Chapter Two
cooperation and mutual assistance between the two peoples. The signing of a number of new documents created a basis for connectivity and the promotion of economic, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.
General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in an audience with His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni on his State visit to Cambodia (20 - 22 July 2017) - VNA
In economic relations, two-way trade turnover in 2017 was $3.8 billion, a 25% year-on increase, with good prospect for further growth. Viet Nam has presently invested in 196 projects in Cambodia with a total
registered capital of $2.94 billion, and is among the five largest foreign direct investors into Cambodia. The number of Vietnamese tourists visiting Cambodia reached 835,000 in total in 2017. 23
Chapter Two
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
Cooperation in other areas (education, health, culture, etc.) also saw many accomplishments. The regular Culture Week events held in each
country and other channels of exchange between the two sides helped enhance mutual understanding and nurture long-lasting bilateral cooperation.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc welcoming Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen to Binh Duong province on the 40th anniversary of “Hun Sen’s revolutionary path for national salvation” (21 June 2017) - VNA
3. China: The Comprehensive Strategic
24
Cooperative
friendly visit to China (January 2017);
Partnership
President Tran Dai Quang paid a State
between Viet Nam and China has
visit to China and attended the Belt
been
witnessed
and Road Forum (May 2017); and the
positive progresses. Notably, three
Chinese General Secretary, President
visits by the top leaders of the two
Xi Jinping paid a State visit to Viet
Parties and States took place in
Nam on the occasion of attending
the same year: General Secretary
the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week
Nguyen Phu Trong paid an official
(November
maintained
and
2017).
In
addition,
Bilateral Diplomatic Activities
Chapter Two
Viet Nam sent a number of other high-
to Viet Nam (September and November
level delegations to China: Standing
2017, respectively). The two sides also
Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa
successfully organized the 6th meeting
Binh visited Guangxi province and
to
attended the 14th China - ASEAN Expo
Vietnamese ministries, agencies, and
and Business and Investment Summit
localities and Guangdong province
(September
Prime
(July 2017), and the 4th Viet Nam -
Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs
China Border Defense Friendship
Pham Binh Minh visited China and
Exchange
(September
co-chaired the 10 meeting of the Viet
exchange
of
Nam - China Steering Committee for
between two countries, particularly
Bilateral Cooperation (April 2017). On
at high levels, helped consolidate
the Chinese side, Politburo Standing
political trust, facilitated the stable
Committee member Liu Yunshan and
development of bilateral cooperation,
Foreign Minister Wang Yi paid visits
and contributed to resolving a number
2017);
Deputy
th
review
cooperation
visits
between
2017). and
The
contacts
The official welcome ceremony for General Secretary, President Xi Jinping on his State visit to Viet Nam (12 - 13 November 2017) - VNA
25
Chapter Two
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
of complex issues arising between the two countries. Regarding economic relations, China continued to be Viet Nam’s largest trade partner and tourism market, while Viet Nam was also China’s largest trade and tourism partner in ASEAN. Two-way trade turnover reached $93.7 billion in 2017, a 30.2% year-on increase. Viet Nam’s trade deficit remained high at $22.8 billion, which was an 18.9% decrease compared to 2016. In 2017, China commenced 284 new investment projects in Viet Nam with a total registered capital of $2.17 billion, a more than 20% year-on increase, making China for the first time the fourth largest foreign investor in Viet Nam. Viet Nam welcomed over 4 million Chinese tourists in 2017, a 48.6% yearon increase and accounting for over 30% of all foreign visitors to Viet Nam. However, bilateral relations were still affected by the East Sea issue. During meetings, visits and other exchanges, the two sides agreed to continue to abide by the common understandings reached by the highlevel leaders of the two Parties and States and the “Agreement on the fundamental principles guiding the settlement of issues at sea between Viet Nam and China”, make use of the government-level negotiation mechanism for Viet Nam - China border and territorial issues, and fully and effectively implement the 26
Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), among others. Viet Nam in conjunction with
China
maintained
various
negotiation channels for issues at sea to ensure our legitimate benefits, steadfastly defend our independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity in the East Sea and maintain a peaceful and stable environment for national development. 4. Viet Nam paid keen attention to continually bolstering and promoting substantive
and
cooperation
with
comprehensive other
ASEAN
countries. With Indonesia, for the first time a high-level delegation of the Party led by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong paid an official visit to Indonesia (August 2017). Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue also paid a working visit to Indonesia (July 2017). The Indonesian Minister of Trade visited Viet Nam to co-chair the 7th meeting of the Viet Nam - Indonesia Joint Committee (July 2017). During these meetings and discussions, Viet Nam and Indonesia shared views on various important matters. The two sides agreed to work together towards the early realization of the $10 billion bilateral trade turnover target, and expressed their determination to expedite the negotiation on exclusive economic zone (EEZ) delimitation and satisfactorily resolve the problem
Bilateral Diplomatic Activities
Chapter Two
of fishermen and fishing vessels
two sides reaffirmed their efforts to
violating each country’s territorial
raise bilateral trade turnover to $20
waters. With Myanmar, the most
billion by 2020. With the Philippines,
remarkable
first
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc
State visit to Myanmar by General
paid visits to the Philippines and
Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (August
attended the ASEAN Summit (April
2017), during which bilateral relations
and November 2017). With Singapore,
was upgraded to Comprehensive
Chairwoman of the National Assembly
Cooperative Partnership. The Speaker
Nguyen
of the Amyotha Hluttaw and the
Singapore (November 2017); Standing
Commander-in-chief of the Myanmar
Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa
Armed Forces also visited Viet Nam
Binh visited Singapore (July 2017).
(May and March 2017, respectively).
The Singaporean Prime Minister paid
With Thailand, Prime Minster Nguyen
an official visit to Viet Nam (March
Xuan Phuc paid a visit to Thailand
2017). With Brunei, Vice State President
(August 2017), during which the
Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh attended the 50th
event
was
the
Thi
Kim
Ngan
visited
The welcome ceremony for General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on his official visit to Indonesia (22 - 24 August 2017) - VNA
27
Chapter Two
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
anniversary of the coronation of Brunei Sultan Hassani Bolkiah (October 2017); Foreign Minister of Brunei visited Viet Nam and co-chaired the first meeting of the Viet Nam - Brunei Joint Commission for bilateral cooperation (February 2017). With Malaysia, Standing Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh visited Malaysia (July 2017). Meanwhile, the Malaysian Foreign Minister visited Viet Nam and co-chaired the 5th Inter-governmental Committee for Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation between two countries (July 2017).
Regarding economic relations, trade turnover between Viet Nam and ASEAN in 2017 was $49.53 billion, a 19.6% increase, out of which Viet Nam’s exports amounted to $21.51 billion, a 23.9% year-onyear increase. Accordingly, ASEAN became the 4th biggest export market of Viet Nam, after the EU, the US and China. Leaders of major corporations from Singapore, Thailand and other ASEAN countries continued to visit Viet Nam with a view to seeking cooperation opportunities in various fields.
II. Relations with other Partners
28
1. Asia-Pacific
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc
- With Japan: The bilateral Extensive
paid an official visit to Japan and
Strategic Partnership between Viet
attended the Asia Future Conference
Nam and Japan continued to develop
in Tokyo (June 2017). Deputy Prime
robustly, substantively and effectively.
Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs
The two countries have exchanged
Pham Binh Minh visited Japan and
many high-level visits, notably the
attended the 9th meeting of the Viet
first State visit to Viet Nam by Their
Nam - Japan Cooperation Committee
Majesties
and
(May 2017). Cooperation between two
Empress of Japan (March 2017), the
countries’ ministries, agencies and
two visits by Prime Minister Shinzo
localities continued to be reinforced.
Abe (an official visit in January 2017
Cooperation in national defense and
and the other on the occasion of
security, climate change response,
attending the APEC Summit in Da
human resources training and locality
Nang in November 2017), and the first
exchanges
visit in 15 years by the Speaker of the
progress. The two countries have also
House of Representatives of Japan
worked together in the spirit of mutual
(May 2017). On the Vietnamese side,
understanding to resolve the halt of
Emperor
Akihito
continue
to
witness
Bilateral Diplomatic Activities
the construction of the Ninh Thuan 2 Nuclear Power Plant, the delayed disbursement for ODA projects, and
Chapter Two
particularly the law violation of a number of Vietnamese nationals in Japan.
Their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress of Japan meeting with President Tran Dai Quang and Spouse on their State visit to Viet Nam (28 February - 05 March 2017) - VNA
Economically,
bilateral
trade
end of 2017, Japan had invested into
turnover between the two countries
3,607 projects in Viet Nam with a total
reached $33.43 billion in 2017, a
registered capital of approximately
16.8% year-on increase, out of which
$50 billion in accumulation, ranking
Viet Nam’s import value was $16.59
2nd among countries and territories
billion, a 9.9% increase, and trade
investing into Viet Nam. In addition,
surplus was $200 million. Japan’s FDI
Japan pledged to continue providing
into Viet Nam in 2017 made the record
ODA for Viet Nam and assist Viet
of $9.11 billion, accounting for 25.4%
Nam in concrete measures to address
of the total FDI into Viet Nam, making
climate change, among others. In
Japan the world’s largest investor into
tourism cooperation, 798,119 Japanese
Viet Nam, surpassing the ROK. By the
tourists visited Viet Nam in 2017, 29
Chapter Two
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
a 9.2% year-on increase. The two
maintained high political trust through
countries’ tourism sectors are striving
the continual exchange of delegations
for the goal of 1 million Japanese
and
visitors into Viet Nam in 2018.
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of
important
political
meetings:
- With India: Since the establishment
Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh
of the Strategic Partnership (2007)
paid a visit to India (July 2017) and
and the upgrading of relations to
signed the 2017 - 2020 Action Plan for
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
the Vietnam - India Comprehensive
(2016), the ties between the two
Strategic
countries have been growing robustly
Minister of State for External Affairs
in many fields. During the 2017 Viet
visited Viet Nam and inaugurated the
Nam - India Year of Friendship,
Year of Friendship (April 2017). The
the two countries held a number of
Indian Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff
meaningful activities to commemorate
Committee, Chief of the Naval Staff
the 45th anniversary of diplomatic
also paid a visit to Viet Nam (October
relations and 10
anniversary of the
2017). In addition, national defense and
Strategic Partnership. The two sides
security continued to be a key, strategic
th
Partnership.
The
Indian
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh meeting with India’s Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj on his visit to India (03 - 05 July 2017) - VNA
30
Bilateral Diplomatic Activities
and effective cooperation pillar in Viet Nam - India bilateral relations. Economic and trade cooperation saw dramatic growth: two-way trade turnover amounted to $7.63 billion, a 40.5% year-on increase, out of which Viet Nam’s export value was $3.87 billion (a 41.2% increase). India is now one of Viet Nam’s ten largest trade partners, and ranks 28th out of 126 countries and territories investing in Viet Nam. The two countries are working towards the trade turnover target of $15 billion by 2020. - With ROK: The two countries worked together in successfully organizing activities celebrating th the 25 anniversary of diplomatic relations. The Strategic Partnership continued to be deepened and broadened in all areas. Exchange of delegations and high-level visits were regularly carried out in a wide range of formats: President Tran Dai Quang met with the Korean President Moon Jae In on the occasion of the APEC Summit in Da Nang (November 2017), as did Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Germany (July 2017). Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh met with his Korean counterpart Kang Kyung Wha on the sidelines of the 50th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in the Philippines (August 2017) and paid an official visit to ROK (December 2017).
Chapter Two
On the Korean side, immediately after swearing into office, President Moon Jae In dispatched a Special Envoy to Viet Nam, re-affirming that the new government attaches importance to and is desirous of enhancing the relations with Viet Nam. The Korean Speaker of the National Assembly Chung Sye Kyun and Foreign Minister Kang Kyung Wha also paid official visits to Viet Nam (April and March 2017, respectively). The two sides continued to maintain cooperation in national defense and security, and science and technology. Cooperation between localities and people-topeople exchanges were promoted: various visits and meetings were conducted, and many substantive cooperative documents were signed between the two countries’ localities. Economically, bilateral trade turnover reached $61.5 billion in 2017, a 41.3% year-on increase, out of which Viet Nam’s export was $14.8 billion, a 30% increase, while import was $46.7 billion, up by 45.3%. In investment, in 2017, the ROK ranked 2nd, only behind Japan, among countries and territories investing into Viet Nam, with a total registered capital of $8.49 billion, accounting for 23.7% of total foreign investment into Viet Nam. In accumulated term, by the end of 2017, ROK is the top foreign investor in Viet Nam, with $57.7 billion in total registered capital. In tourism, 31
Chapter Two
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
ROK Speaker of the National Assembly Chung Sye Kyun met with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan on his official visit to Viet Nam (24 - 27 April 2017) - VNA
the number of tourists from the ROK
contacts have promoted cooperation
visiting Viet Nam in 2017 exceeded 2.5
in various areas between Viet Nam
million, a 56% increase, rising to the
and Australia. Economically, bilateral
2 place only after China.
trade turnover in 2017 reached a
nd
32
- With Australia: The bilateral
record of $6.46 billion, 200 times
cooperation was bolstered across all
greater than the figure of $32.3 million
areas. This was showcased through
in 1990 when the two countries
the visits by Chairwoman of the
began
National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim
continued
Ngan (November 2017) and Deputy
OfficialÂ
Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue (July
(ODA) to Viet Nam: establishing the
2017) to Australia, the visit by the
Innovation
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm
a $100 million grant for Viet Nam
Turnbull to attend the APEC Summit
to implement projects on research,
in Da Nang (November 2017), and the
creativity and new technology. The
visit by the Australian Minister for
two sides also signed the MoU on
Defence (August 2017). The visits and
implementing the “Aus4Equality -
trade to
relations. prioritize
Development Partnership,
Australia granting Assistance providing
Bilateral Diplomatic Activities
Gender
Responsive
Chapter Two
Equitable
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and
Agriculture and Tourism (GREAT)
the Minister of Trade of New Zealand
Program” in Lao Cai and Son La
also paid working visits to Viet Nam
provinces worth $33.7 million. Both
in April and May 2017 respectively.
countries
Bilateral economic - trade relations
actively
discussed
and
reached an agreement on the content
in
2017
witnessed
commendable
for the upgrade of relations to Strategic
growth: trade turnover between the
Partnership during the official visit by
two countries exceeded $900 million
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to
(compared to $707 million in 2016), out
Australia in March 2018.
of which Viet Nam’s export exceeded
- With New Zealand: Prime Minister
$400 million. The two countries are
Jacinda Ardern visited Da Nang to
striving to meet the trade target of
attend the APEC Economic Leaders’
$1.7 billion in 2020.
Week (November 2017) and had a
-
With
the
remaining
Asian
discussion
countries, cooperation also witnessed
with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
new progress: Vice State President
comprehensive
bilateral
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh welcoming his New Zealand counterpart Murray McCully on his official visit to Viet Nam (24 - 25 April 2017) - VNA
33
Chapter Two
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh paid a visit to Mongolia (May 2017); Viet Nam welcomed the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (April 2017), Speaker of the National Parliament of Bangladesh (July 2017), and the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Supplies of Nepal (March 2017) and Foreign Minister of Mongolia (April 2017) on their working visits to Viet Nam. Economically, trade exchanges between Viet Nam and other countries were on the rise. Trade with Bangladesh in 2017 was nearly $900 million and both sides are making effort to double the figure in 2020. Trade in goods with Sri Lanka in 2017 was $320 million and the two sides are aiming for the target of $1 billion by 2020. With Mongolia in particular, both sides organized the 16th Meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on economic - trade and scientific - technological cooperation, and agreed to strive for the bilateral trade value target of $70 million in the upcoming future. 2. Europe - With the Russian Federation: The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership continued to be strengthened and promoted. Political trust was reinforced through visits and exchanges at the highest level between the two countries. President Tran Dai Quang paid an official visit to Russia (June 2017), Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi 34
Kim Ngan met with the Chairman of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation while attending the 137th International Parliamentary Union Assembly in Saint Petersburg (October 2017). On the Russian side, President Putin attended the APEC Summit in Da Nang and met with President Tran Dai Quang (November 2017). The Chairman of the Federation Council, the First Deputy Prime Minister, the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation and the Minister of Economic Development paid visits to Viet Nam (February, September, July, and May 2017 respectively). In defense - security cooperation, the two sides jointly organized the 3rd Defense Strategic Dialogue (November 2017) and the 19th Session of the Viet Nam - Russia Intergovernmental Committee on defense technology cooperation, during which Russia pledged to continue giving priority and high confidence to Viet Nam in defense - security cooperation. Russia also transferred the 6th Kilo-class submarine to Viet Nam, the last vessel in Viet Nam’s contract with Russia. Viet Nam and Russia also issued the Joint Statement on safeguarding international information security, and were preparing to sign the Protocol to amend the 1987 Agreement on the Viet Nam - Russia Combined Tropical Science and Technology Research Center in Hanoi.
Bilateral Diplomatic Activities
Chapter Two
President Tran Dai Quang meeting with Russian President Vladimir V. Putin during his official visit to the Russian Federation (28 June - 01 July 2017) - VNA
Economically,
bilateral
trade
continued to see strong development,
turnover in 2017 was $3.6 billion, a
although there were a number of
33% increase compared to 2016. The
emerging difficulties. Viet Nam and
two sides agreed to make joint efforts
the EU are actively implementing the
to increase trade turnover to $10
EU - Viet Nam Framework Agreement
billion by 2020. Tourism cooperation
on
in 2017 was further strengthened: the
and Cooperation (EU-PCA, which
number of Russian tourists to Viet
came into effect in October 2016).
Nam ranked in the 6 place, totaling
On the East Sea issue, the European
574,164, up by 32% compared to 2016.
Parliament and most EU members
Both sides actively collaborated in
shared and supported Viet Nam’s
addressing the matter of halting the
position on the peaceful settlement
construction of the Ninh Thuan 1
of the matter without use of force
Nuclear Power Plant.
through the legal and diplomatic
th
Comprehensive
Partnership
- With the European Union (EU):
processes, with full respect given to
Relations with the EU as a whole
international law including the 1982
and with each individual member
United Nations Convention on the 35
Chapter Two
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Regarding trade, in October 2017, the European Commission issued a “Yellow card” against Vietnamese aquaculture products for “failing to fully
implement EU’s recommendations on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.” Currently, Viet Nam has made efforts so that the “yellow card” may be removed at the earliest.
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh meeting with General Mikhail Kostarakos, Chairman of the EU Military Committee, during his visit to Viet Nam (05 December 2017) - VNA
Bilateral
EU
of Viet Nam - Italy Joint Committee
members continued to be bolstered.
and the Business Forum (November
With Italy, the two sides actively
2017) with the participation of leading
implemented the 2017-2018 Action
Italian businesses in the fields of
Plan within the framework of the
infrastructure, transport, renewable
Strategic Partnership, and effectively
energy and environment protection.
carried
Bilateral trade between Viet Nam
out
relations
bilateral
with
cooperation
mechanisms such as the 2
Defense
and Italy was nearly $5 billion in
Policy Dialogue (April 2017). The two
2017. With the UK, the two sides have
countries also organized the 4 Session
deepened the Strategic Partnership,
nd
th
36
Bilateral Diplomatic Activities
and continued the exchange of highlevel delegations and contacts. Notable visits include Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dzung to the UK (April 2017), the meeting between Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh with the British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Bonn (February 2017), the meeting between President Tran Dai Quang with the British Chancellor of the Exchequer on the sidelines of the “Belt and Road” Forum in Beijing (May 2017), and with the British Secretary of State for International Trade (February 2017) and Minister of State for Defense (April 2017) in Viet Nam for signing the new MoU on Defense Cooperation to replace the MoU signed in 2011. Economic and trade cooperation continued to be the cornerstone of the Viet Nam - UK relations; bilateral trade turnover in 2017 exceeded $6 billion, up by roughly 11% compared to 2016, and UK became the 8th largest export market of Viet Nam. Regarding investment, the UK’s FDI capital in Viet Nam reached $3.47 billion with 313 active projects. With France, the Strategic Partnership continued to be strengthened: the Secretary of State for Administrative Reform and Simplification paid a visit to Viet Nam (February 2017). Culture - education and science - technology exchanges
Chapter Two
and most notably relations between sister cities and localities continued to be reinforced. The Viet Nam - France economic - trade relations continued to witness excellent developments. Bilateral trade turnover in 2017 reached $4.6 billion, an 11.5% year-on increase, out of which Viet Nam’s export was $3.3 billion, an 11.8% increase while import was $1.3 billion, up by 11.1%. With the Netherlands, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (July 2017) and Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dzung (April 2017) visited the Netherlands; her Majesty Queen Maxima Cerruti, as the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Comprehensive Finance for Development, paid a working visit to Viet Nam (May 2017). Economically, trade turnover between the two countries in 2017 reached $7.77 billion (the Netherlands became Viet Nam’s largest goods export market among countries in the EU). With total FDI capital of $8.17 billion, the Netherlands maintained its position as Viet Nam’s largest investor within the EU and ranked 11th out of 126 countries and territories investing into Viet Nam. Cooperation with other EU countries continues to be strengthened. Many important visits were exchanged: Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan paid visits to the Czech Republic, Hungary and Sweden (April 2017); Deputy Prime 37
Chapter Two
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs
to Sweden (September 2017). Viet Nam
Pham Binh Minh paid a visit to Spain
welcomed the President of the Czech
(May 2017); Chairwoman of the Party
Republic Milos Zeman (June 2017),
Central Committee’s Commission for
President of Poland Andrzej Duda
Mass Mobilization Truong Thi Mai
(November 2017), Prime Minister of
paid a visit to Hungary (September
Hungary Viktor Orban (September
2017); Vice State President Dang Thi
2017), Deputy Prime Minister of
Ngoc Thinh paid visits to Finland,
Slovakia Peter Pellegrini (November
Latvia and Lithuania (October 2017);
2017) and the Foreign Ministers of
Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh
Greece
Dzung paid a visit to Ireland (April
2017) and Sweden Margot WallstrĂśm
2017); Deputy Prime Minister Vuong
(November 2017). Through these
Dinh Hue paid visits to Switzerland,
visits, a series of concrete cooperation
Belgium and Slovakia (September
agreements were accordingly signed,
2017); Minister of Education and
and cooperation expanded. A number
Training Phung Xuan Nha paid a visit
of
Nikos
leading
Kotzias
Swedish
(February
companies
President of the Czech Republic Milos Zeman meeting with the Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan during his State visit to Viet Nam (07 - 08 June 2017) - VNA
38
Bilateral Diplomatic Activities
commenced notable projects: TetraPak launched the construction of a liquid packaging plant in Binh Duong with the investment capital of $110 million; Volvo and H&M have opened stores in Viet Nam, and IKEA expected to soon make direct investments into business in Viet Nam. With Germany in particular, during the majority of 2017, the two countries’ bilateral cooperation flourished. As leader of the host country, Chancellor Angela Merkel invited Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to attend the G20 Summit and pay a visit to Germany (July 2017). In terms of trade cooperation, Germany continued to be Viet Nam’s biggest trade partner with the trade turnover reaching $9.57 billion, accounting for nearly 19% of Viet Nam’s total import and export with the EU. However, due to particular issues, since late July 2017, Viet Nam - Germany relations have been affected (Germany announced a suspension of Strategic Partnership with Viet Nam), which led to the delay in the signing and ratification of the EU - Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). With other non-EU European countries, notable exchanges include President Tran Dai Quang’s visit to Belarus (June 2017), Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan’s visit to Kazakhstan (October 2017). At the same time,
Chapter Two
Viet Nam also received the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan, Serbia and Ukraine (September 2017). With Ukraine, the two countries jointly organized the 14th Meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee, and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc held a bilateral meeting with the President of Ukraine on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos (January 2017) to discuss the promotion of relations. 3. The Americas - With the US, Viet Nam has actively established early contacts and relations with President Donald Trump’s new administration to continue maintaining the positive momentum of the two countries’ Comprehensive Partnership. For the first time in the history of the two countries’ relations, their leaders paid visits to each other’s country in the same year. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc was the first Southeast Asian leader to visit the US during President Trump’s first year of office (May 2017) and Viet Nam was the first Southeast Asian country that President Donald Trump visited (November 2017) after assuming office. In addition, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh also held two meetings with the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Bonn in February 2017 39
Chapter Two
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc meeting with President Donald Trump during his official visit to the US (29 - 31 May 2017) - VNA
40
and during his visit to Washington
agreement to expand cooperation in
in April 2017). During the meetings,
new areas; the US side also completed
leaders of the two countries agreed to
the detoxification project in Da Nang
further strengthen the Viet Nam - US
airport and prepared to launch the
Comprehensive Partnership; foster
detoxification project in Bien Hoa
areas of substantive, comprehensive
airport.
and effective cooperation; maintain
Economically, the two sides agreed
candid and constructive dialogue in
that economic - trade cooperation
areas where differences remain so as
should remain the cornerstone of
not to undermine the development
bilateral relations, and that both sides
of bilateral relations. On defense and
would work together to advance
security cooperation, 2017 marked
cooperation on a mutually beneficial
the second consecutive year when
basis. The US continued to be Viet
Defense Minister Ngo Xuan Lich
Nam’s largest export market with a
paid a visit to the US (August 2017).
total export value of $41.6 billion in
The two sides also adopted the 2018-
2017, an increase of 8.2% compared
2020 Action Plan and reached an
to 2016, which accounted for 20% of
Bilateral Diplomatic Activities
Viet Nam’s total exports in 2017. Viet Nam’s import from the US reached $9.2 billion, which helped raise the total bilateral turnover to approximately $51 billion, a 40-fold increase compared to the year 2000. The US for the first time allowed the import of Vietnamese star apple and mango while still applying protectionist measures against Vietnamese export goods, most notably steel, aluminum and siluriformes (catfish). Regarding
regional
and
international issues, the US pledged to assist Viet Nam in its participation in the UN peacekeeping operations. The US also expressed its readiness to cooperate with Viet Nam in the fight against WMD proliferation, and in response to climate change, global health, as well as combating human and wildlife trafficking, etc. The US also supported the peaceful settlement of disputes over sovereignty in the East Sea with respect given to international law, and asserted that the US would continue to conduct naval patrols to maintain international freedom of navigation against the backdrop of the reclamation and militarization of islands and reefs in the East Sea. - With Canada, cooperation continued to be strengthened. For the first time in more than 20 years, the incumbent Prime Minister of Canada paid an official visit to
Chapter Two
Viet Nam and attended the APEC Summit (November 2017), officially establishing the Viet Nam - Canada Comprehensive Partnership. The Canadian Minister of International Trade and the former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien paid visits to Viet Nam (May 2017). The Viet Nam Canada bilateral trade turnover in recent years has been growing at approximately 20% per year, reaching $3.7 billion in 2017. Canada’s investment in Viet Nam was $4.1 billion, ranking 14th among countries and territories directly investing into Viet Nam. Canada continued to provide ODA grants to Viet Nam for climate change response, poverty reduction and food safety. In addition, there are approximately 7,000 Vietnamese students studying in Canada, the largest number among Southeast Asian countries. Cooperation between the two countries’ localities continued to flourish; in particular, the two countries successfully organized the “Meet Canada” seminar (January 2017). The Premier of Ontario paid a visit to Viet Nam (December 2017) and signed 6 MoUs with the city of Hanoi. - With Latin American countries, political relations continued to be promoted through the exchange of delegations and contacts at international forums. Relations with Cuba have been further strengthened with the exchange of such delegations 41
Chapter Two
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
as the visits to Viet Nam by the
in Cuba. With other Latin American
Cuban President of the National
countries, notable visits included the
Assembly (June 2017), Secretary of
Chilean President’s official visit to
the Party Central Committee (May
Viet Nam on the occasion of the APEC
2017), Minister of Foreign Trade and
Summit in Da Nang (November 2017)
Investment (October 2017) and Deputy
and the visit by the President of the
Minister of Foreign Affairs (September
Haitian Senate (June 2017). During
2017). The two sides successfully
the same period, President Tran Dai
organized the 35th Meeting of the
Quang held a meeting with President
Intergovernmental Committee and the
of Argentina on the sidelines of the
4 Political Consultation. In addition,
“Belt and Road” Forum in China
Cuba’s debt issue was also considered
(May 2017) and met with President
and addressed in accordance with
of Mexico at the APEC Summit
the two countries’ special friendship
(November 2017). Economic - trade
with a view to an early resolution.
relations between Viet Nam and Latin
Some Vietnamese companies have
American countries were growing
expanded their trade and investment
remarkably; bilateral trade turnover in
th
General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong receiving the Delegation of the Communist Party of Cuba, led by comrade Jose Ramon Balaguer Cabrera, Secretary of Party Central Committee (left) during their visit to Viet Nam to attend the theoretical symposium between the two Parties (24 May 2017) - VNA
42
Bilateral Diplomatic Activities
Chapter Two
2017 was about $15 billion, a 30% year-
Phung Quoc Hien to Morocco (July
on increase; Vietnamese enterprises
2017), by the Vice President of the
continued to cooperate with Latin
National Assembly Do Ba Ty to Iran
American countries in a number of
and South Africa (August 2017) and
areas: agriculture (with Venezuela),
by the Minister, Chairman of the
oil and gas (Peru and Venezuela),
Office of the President Dao Viet Trung
telecommunications (Peru and Haiti),
to attend the inauguration ceremony
and so on.
of the President of Iran (August 2017).
4. Middle Eastern - African Countries
Viet Nam received five high-level
In 2017, the relations between Viet
delegations from the Middle East -
Nam and Middle Eastern - African
Africa: President of Israel Reuven
countries achieved a wide range of
Rivlin (March 2017), President of
positive outcomes both politically
Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (September
and
the
2017), Prime Minister of Turkey
exchanges of delegations, notable
Binali Yildirim (August 2017), Prime
visits include those by the Vice
Minister
President of the National Assembly
Agostinho do Rosรกrio (August 2017),
economically.
Regarding
of
Mozambique
Carlos
Official welcoming ceremony for the President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on the occasion of his State visit to Viet Nam (06 - 07 September 2017) - VNA
43
Chapter Two
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
Speaker of the Moroccan House of Representatives Habid El Malki (December 2017) as well as many ministerial-level delegations, such as the delegation of the Madagascan Minister at the Presidency in charge of Agriculture and Livestock (May 2017), four delegations of the Foreign Ministers of Angola (April 2017), South Africa (September 2017), Cameroon and Liberia (December 2017); Head of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of Iran (October 2017), State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Qatar (December 2017); a delegation of two Tanzanian ministers (May 2017), and so on. Viet Nam also successfully co-organized five Joint Committee Meetings with Turkey, Iran and Israel (July 2017), Egypt (August 2017) and Algeria (November 2017), and two political consultations with Côte d’Ivoire and Mozambique. On economics, in 2017, trade turnover between Viet Nam and
44
Middle Eastern - African countries was $18.6 billion, a notable and encouraging result, especially amidst increasingly complicated regional outlook. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) remained Viet Nam’s largest trading partner in the region, with bilateral trade turnover exceeding $5.6 billion. Economic relations with Turkey saw robust development; trade turnover between the two countries in 2017 exceeded $2 billion, a year-on-year increase of over 40%. For other leading trade partners of Viet Nam in Africa, namely South Africa and Côte d’Ivoire, total trade turnover exceeded $1 billion. The Viet Nam - Algeria oil and gas joint venture maintained effective operation, producing 18,000 barrels per day. Viettel’s investment activities in four African countries (Mozambique, Tanzania, Cameroon and Burundi) achieved encouraging initial results.
Chapter Three
MULTILATERAL DIPLOMATIC ACTIVITIES
W
ith the motto “To make proactive contributions to the building and shaping of common play rules”, the year 2017 saw Viet Nam actively engaging in multilateral diplomatic activities, particularly within the framework
of APEC, ASEAN, ASEM and the United Nations (UN). This has proven Viet Nam’s mettle, responsibility and standing with high commendations from various countries and the international community at large.
I. APEC Viet Nam 2017 APEC Viet Nam 2017, culminating in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week (AELW) in Da Nang, was a resounding success in all areas. It placed Viet Nam at the global spotlight, created a historic milestone in the AsiaPacific economic and political integration process, brought Viet Nam’s standing, mettle, and intellect to the fore, generated new dynamism for economic development, and was among the finest pages in the annals of Vietnamese diplomacy. Through the theme of “Creating new dynamism, fostering a shared future”, Viet Nam stressed the common
need to create new dynamism for growth and integration in the region in a world full of changes, and to uphold the common interests as a basis for consensus: peace, stability, growth, integration, and the continuing role of the Asia-Pacific. Viet Nam’s four priority areas, being (i) Promoting sustainable, innovative and inclusive growth; (ii) Deepening regional economic integration; (iii) Enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture in response to climate change; and (iv) Strengthening MSMEs’ competitiveness and innovation in the digital age, demonstrated both the common concerns of APEC and 45
Chapter Three
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
APEC economies’ leaders taking commemorative photos on the occasion of the AELW in Da Nang (11 November 2017) - VNA
46
upheld Viet Nam’s interests and
4,000 businesses. 20 documents were
strengths along with our new role
adopted, with the highlight being
and new hallmark in international
the Leaders’ Declaration and the two
relations.
documents,
“APEC
Action
Agenda
APEC Viet Nam 2017 consisted
on Advancing Economic, Financial and
of nearly 250 events taking place
Social Inclusion” and “APEC Framework
in 10 provinces and municipalities
on Human Resources Development in
throughout the country, starting from
the Digital Age”; the Joint Ministerial
Working Group meetings to 8 Senior
Statement and the four documents,
Officials Meetings (SOMs), 8 Ministerial
“APEC
Conferences and Dialogues, with the
Facilitation Framework”, “APEC Strategy
AELW as its apex. The AELW was one
for Green, Sustainable and Innovative
of the very few over the last 10 years
MSMEs”, “APEC Food Security and
enjoying the participation of the leaders
Climate Change Multi-Year Action Plan”,
of all 21 APEC economies, including
and “APEC Action Plan on Rural -
the President of the US, the President of
Urban Development to Strengthen Food
China, and the President of Russia, along
Security and Quality Growth”. With these
with over 11,000 participants, including
documents, APEC 2017 was considered
4,500 delegates, 2,800 reporters and
to have brought about many practical
Cross-Border
E-commerce
Multilateral Diplomatic Activities
recommendations and initiatives, living up to the common interest of member economies. For the first time, APEC leaders reached an agreement on the need to promote economic, financial and social inclusion and strengthen innovative startups; they also discussed and agreed on the building of a post2020 vision for APEC. Notably, though differences remained among the members on the topic of support for the multilateral trading system, as the host country, Viet Nam joined hands with the members to maintain the momentum of cooperation and integration, and uphold APEC’s core value on promoting free and open trade and investment in support of the multilateral trading system. As the US withdrew from
Chapter Three
the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), Viet Nam worked with the remaining members and determined to continue the TPP process. This was expressed through the Ministerial Declaration on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) during the AELW itself. In addition, during the AELW, by Viet Nam’s initiative, the leaders of APEC for the first time held a dialogue with all 10 ASEAN members, thereby upholding the centrality of ASEAN on its 50th anniversary, as well as APEC’s role in the promotion of regional economic integration. The 2017 AELW also played an important part in deepening bilateral relations between Viet Nam and APEC
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh co-chairing the APEC Ministerial Meeting and taking commemorative photos with the delegates during the 2017 AELW in Da Nang (08 November 2017) - VNA
47
Chapter Three
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
member economies. On this occasion, Viet Nam welcomed 4 high-ranking leaders’ delegations paying bilateral visits. President Tran Dai Quang, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh held in sum 46 bilateral meetings, talks and dialogues with Heads of States, Heads of Delegations and Foreign Ministers of APEC members, as well as leaders
of international organizations and premier multinational corporations. Viet Nam also signed 4 joint declarations on bilateral relations, 121 cooperation agreements and economic contracts worth $20 billion in total. On this occasion, APEC partners also provided $9 million in emergency assistance to assist the Central provinces in addressing the aftermaths of Typhoon Damrey.
II. Diplomatic Activities at ASEAN
48
Viet Nam continued to responsibly
for the position of ASEAN Deputy
and actively participate in and made
Secretary-General for the Political -
positive
Security
contributions
to
ASEAN
Community. and
Information
solidarity. We have played a role in
exchange
training
the promotion of cooperation within
promoted through the ASEAN Police
and the role of ASEAN across the three
(ASEANAPOL) and the International
pillars: Political and Security, Economic
Criminal
and Socio-cultural.
(INTERPOL) to combat drug crimes,
Police
were
Organization
- Political and security cooperation:
trafficking in persons and high-tech
Viet Nam stands for the reinforcement
abuses, and a counterterrorism hotline
and promotion of ASEAN solidarity
was maintained with 11 partners of
and centrality. We promoted the
ASEAN. We hosted the 44th Meeting of
building and upholding of the value
the ASEAN Intelligence Community,
of the tools and mechanisms for
the 38th Meeting of the ASEAN Senior
ensuring regional security, building
Officials on Drug Matters, the ASEAN
confidence and standards of conduct.
Regional Forum (ARF) Workshop
We took an active part in and
on UN Peacekeeping Operations,
promoted cooperation within ASEAN
and the ASEAN Intergovernmental
mechanisms and forums (AMM, ARF,
Commission
ADMM+, AMMTC‌). We joined
(AICHR)
Regional
in the making of work plans and
Enhanced
Access
nominated
for
Vietnamese
personnel
on
Children
Human
Rights
Workshop to
with
on
Education Disabilities.
Multilateral Diplomatic Activities
Chapter Three
We worked with the US to host in
establishing the yearly priorities for
Viet Nam the Southeast Asia Counter-
the ASEAN Economic Community
terrorism Workshop and two training
(AEC). We contributed to the review
courses on preventing and countering
and enforcement of commitments
the proliferation of weapons of mass
in the trade in goods, services and
destruction. On the matter of the East
investment, and actively implemented
Sea, while differences remained within
measures to facilitate trade, develop
ASEAN, Viet Nam actively consulted
e-commerce and assist MSMEs. We
and discussed with all countries,
were actively engaged in the building
including China, and exhorted ASEAN
and adoption of strategic action plans
and China to adopt the framework for
in specialized areas in order to realize
the Code of Conduct in the South China
the AEC Blueprint 2025. We also made
Sea (COC), for which substantive
efforts in the ASEAN Trade in Services
negotiation would begin in 2018.
Agreement
-
Economic
cooperation:
As
(ATISA)
negotiation,
a
the finalization of ASEAN - Hong
member with a very open economy,
Kong Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
Viet Nam took the initiative to
negotiation as well as the ongoing
work with ASEAN countries in
Regional Comprehensive Economic
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and ASEAN leaders at the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Manila, the Philippines (13 - 14 November 2017) - VNA
49
Chapter Three
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
Partnership (RCEP) negotiation. As the country coordinator for ASEAN EU economic cooperation, Viet Nam contributed to the promotion of economic and trade relations between the two bodies, and explored the possibility of resuming negotiations for the ASEAN - EU Free Trade Agreement. In addition, Viet Nam also worked with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) in the organization of the conference “ASEAN at 50: ASEAN Economic Community and Opportunities for Vietnamese Businesses” to assist Vietnamese businesses in their participation in the ASEAN Economic Community. - Cultural and social cooperation: Viet Nam actively implemented the goals of the ASEAN Socio-cultural Community: holding training courses to raise awareness about the community, supporting the implementation of the priorities of the ASEAN Chair - the Philippines in healthcare, labor, women’s affairs and climate change, particularly contributing to ASEAN consensus on the promotion and protection of immigrant workers’ rights. We also actively collaborated in the organization of and participation in events celebrating the 50th anniversary of ASEAN at both the regional and national levels. In addition, Viet Nam also organized the ASEAN Golden 50
Festival, the ASEAN Countries and Peoples Photo Exhibition, and the Colors of ASEAN Competition. In particular, Viet Nam made active contributions to the implementation of the project “Establishing and Implementing the Plans to Achieve the Goals Laid out by the ASEAN Socio-cultural Community until 2025”. Within the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR), Viet Nam actively participated in regional cooperation projects on human rights as a channel to further enhance the protection of human rights in ASEAN countries. - Connectivity and narrowing the development gap: Viet Nam fulfilled its role as the Chair of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration Task Force (IAI-TF). The implementation of the third stage of its action plan resulted in positive outcomes, receiving the participation and assistance from many development partners and organizations. We worked with the Government of Australia in organizing the National Consultation on Food and Agriculture, and MSME development. We also organized a number of training courses on drafting projects within the ASEAN framework or as part of ASEAN cooperation with external partners. - Relations with ASEAN’s external partners: Viet Nam fulfilled its role as the country coordinator for ASEAN - India
Multilateral Diplomatic Activities
relations, including the preparations for the Commemorative Summit on the 25th anniversary of the ASEAN India Dialogue Partnership in 2018, the finalization of the MoU on the establishment of the ASEAN - India Center, and the hosting of the ASEAN India Conference on Blue Ocean Economy, among others. Viet Nam also performed well its role as the country coordinator for ASEAN Pacific Alliance relations (and chaired the ASEAN - Pacific Alliance Ministers’ Meeting on the sidelines of the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly). In addition, Viet Nam also made significant contributions to the drafting and adoption of documents for the Summits between ASEAN and its
Chapter Three
partners, Commemorative Summits on the 40th anniversary of relations between ASEAN and Canada, the EU and the US and the 20th anniversary of ASEAN Plus Three cooperation. We stepped up cooperation within the East Asia Summit (EAS), worked with Australia and EU in co-chairing the ARF Inter-Sessional Meeting on Maritime Security 2017-2020, and hosted the Symposium introducing the ASEAN - ROK Cooperation Fund. Through these events, Viet Nam not only made active contributions to the promotion of cooperation between ASEAN and its partners and the assertion of ASEAN centrality, but also helped ensure our own legitimate interests in relevant matters.
III. Diplomatic Activities at the United Nations and other Multilateral Mechanisms - At the United Nations (UN): The
Vuong Dinh Hue, the “Viet Nam’s
year 2017 marked the 40 anniversary
40 Years of UN Membership” photo
of Viet Nam’s official accession to
exhibitions in both Hanoi and Geneva.
the UN. On this occasion, Viet Nam
There was also a wide range of media
actively worked with the UN to hold
broadcasts to inform the public of the
a chain of events to celebrate the
effective and excellent cooperation
successful journey of cooperation
across many areas between Viet
between the two sides. The highlights
Nam and the UN through a series
were the ceremonies in New York
of
(May 2017) and Hanoi (September
interviews by reporters, experts and
2017) presided over by Prime Minister
high-level leaders. The two sides
Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and in Geneva
signed and began to implement
(September 2017) in the participation
the “Viet Nam - UN One Strategic
of
Plan
th
the
Deputy
Prime
Minister
documentaries,
2017-2021”.
articles
The
year
and
2017 51
Chapter Three
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
was also the pivotal one for Viet Nam to begin campaigning for nonpermanent membership of the UN
Security Council for the 2020-2021 term of office with promising initial results.
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh signing on behalf of the Vietnamese State the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, UN Headquarters (22 September 2017) - VNA
Viet Nam is one of the first countries in the world to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons under the UN’s auspices (September 2017), which is a clear expression of its consistent policy to stand by peace and support the total disarmament of nuclear weapons around the world. At the same time, Viet Nam also actively took part in the promotion of gender equality and enhancement of women’s role initiated by the UN. Vice State President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh attending and 52
delivering remarks at the Global Summit of Women (GSW) in Tokyo, Japan (May 2017) was both a direct contribution to the works of the UN and an expression of the importance Viet Nam attaches to the role of women in society, including in the promotion of economic development in every country. In the area of peacekeeping operations, in 2017 Viet Nam dispatched an additional 19 officers to the Peacekeeping Operations in South Sudan and the Central African Republic.
Multilateral Diplomatic Activities
Chapter Three
Vice State President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh delivering her remarks at the Global Summit of Women (GSW) in Tokyo, Japan (11 May 2017) - VNA
Viet Nam also actively worked towards promoting the agenda for water security and climate change, and is among the first countries to take the lead in the UN initiative on adapting to El Nino and La Nina. We took an active role in UN forums on the preservation and sustainable use of the seas and oceans, and strove for the implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction. Viet Nam successfully completed its last year of tenure as the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) member with concrete initiatives highly commended by ECOSOC members. In addition,
Viet Nam continued to work closely and effectively with other specialist bodies of the UN, including UNESCO and World Health Organization (WHO), through our efforts to substantively contribute to the common works, and receiving the director-generals of these agencies to pay working visits to Viet Nam. On Viet Nam’s candidacy for the position of Director-General of UNESCO for the 2017-2021 term of office, while the desired outcome was not possible, the fact that it was the first time we had a candidate for the position of the top leader of an UN specialized body has clearly expressed Viet Nam’s commitment to 53
Chapter Three
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
contributing ever more actively and responsibly to the common affairs of the world. It was also an opportunity for Viet Nam to learn useful lessons for the candidacies for international offices in the future. - At other multilateral forums: Viet Nam actively took part in and made responsible contributions to the works of the Mekong River Commission (MRC) and such sub-regional mechanisms as the 22nd Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) Ministerial Conference, the 10th Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI) Ministerial Meeting, the 10th Mekong - Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the 8th Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) Ministerial Meeting and the 7th Mekong - ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meetings. We made concrete contributions to the orientation of sub-regional cooperation in the new context, and exhorted interested partners to strengthen cooperation with the Mekong sub-region, thus mustering useful resources for the economic and social development of our country ($1.25 million in assistance towards the sharing of Mekong river water resource data, the adoption of five projects worth $250,000 for MGC cooperation, and persuading Japan to assist in the building of the Vientiane Hanoi expressway, to name a few). Viet Nam also actively participated in Mekong - Lancang Cooperation, and persevered in the promotion of matters of interest such as the protection and reasonable use of water resources and 54
sustainable development with concrete results (such as the five projects adopted worth $2.8 million). Viet Nam also attached great importance to and took an active part in the operation of regional and interregional forums, particularly President Tran Dai Quang’s participation in the “Belt and Road” Forum in Beijing (May 2017), Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s participation in the G20 Summit in Germany (July 2017) as a guest, and in the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland (January 2017) and the World Economic Forum on ASEAN (WEF-ASEAN) in Siem Reap, Cambodia (May 2017). Within the framework of the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM), Viet Nam actively proposed and took a leading role in promoting and implementing a wide range of initiatives that are in line with both the common interest and Viet Nam’s own. In 2017, Viet Nam successfully hosted the ASEM Conference on “Innovative Education and Human Resource Building for Sustainable Development” in Hue (March 2017) and the Asia-Europe Foundation’s 37th Board of Governors Meeting in Da Nang (November 2017), as well as the panel discussion “Building a Vision for Comprehensive Asia-Europe Partnership for the 21st Century”. Through these events, we have contributed to making recommendations on ASEM cooperation direction on its third decade, thus asserting Viet Nam’s
Multilateral Diplomatic Activities
Chapter Three
President Tran Dai Quang and Spouse paying a State visit to China and attending the “Belt and Road” Forum (11-15 May 2017) - VNA
role and status within ASEM as well
- At the International Organization
as the proactive and responsible
of the Francophonie (OIF) and the
participation in the common efforts
Non-Aligned Movement: Viet Nam
of the region and the world at large.
continued to be a driver in the Asia-
At the 13 ASEM Foreign Ministers’
Pacific region, actively participating
Meeting in Myanmar (November
and making constructive contributions
2017), Viet Nam worked closely
to the promotion of the OIF’s common
with ASEAN and other members to
interests. At the 34th OIF Ministerial
support the inclusion of appropriate
Conference in France (November
security and development issues of
2017),
common interest into the Chair’s
paying attention to the situation in
Statement, which includes upholding
the East Sea, particularly the peaceful
the importance of the maintenance
settlement of disputes on the basis of
of peace, security and stability, and
international law and the protection
the settlement of disputes through
of security and safety of navigation.
peaceful means in accordance with
OIF also highly commended Viet
international law in the East Sea.
Nam’s role, requested Viet Nam
th
OIF
countries
continued
55
Chapter Three
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
to bridge OIF-ASEAN relations, and invited Viet Nam to become a member of the University Agency of the Francophonie (AUF), Deputy Chair of the Economic Commission of OIF for the 2017-2018 term of office, and member of the Boutros-Ghali Observatory for the Maintenance of
Peace, to name a few. Within the NonAligned Movement, on 24 February 2017, Viet Nam officially became the 47th member of the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization (AALCO), another milestone in Viet Nam’s legal integration in particular and international integration at large.
IV. Diplomatic Activities Contributing to the Protection and Advancement of Human Rights Viet Nam welcomed the delegation of the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food of the UN Human Rights Council (November 2017). We continued to hold Human Rights Dialogues with Norway (February 2017), the US (April 2017), Australia (August 2017), and with the EU and Switzerland (December 2017). We have actively provided information on our policies, laws and efforts in the protection and promotion of human rights in Viet Nam. At the same time, Viet Nam stepped up its proactive participation at the UN’s human rights forums and other channels, and brought forward many initiatives that received widespread support such as the hosting of international symposiums on the dissemination of children’s rights on climate change response at the 34th Session of the Human Rights Council (March 2017), on coastal women in climate change adaptation at the 35th Session of the Human Rights Council (June 2017) 56
and the role of information and communication technology in poverty elimination (ECOSOC, July 2017). In particular, the 35th Session of the Human Rights Council adopted the draft resolution on climate change and human rights that we had proposed. In 2017, Viet Nam also actively implemented an action plan to realize the recommendations in the Universal Periodic Report (UPR) of the UN Human Rights Council; fulfilled all international human rights commitments through the National Report on the UN Convention against Torture (UNCAT) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and others; and adequately responded to all communications from the UN on the situation in Viet Nam. Also in 2017, Viet Nam published the book Protection and Promotion of Human Rights in Viet Nam available in Vietnamese, English and French, providing information on Viet Nam’s achievements, efforts and commitments in this matter.
Chapter Four
DIPLOMACY FOR NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION AND DEFENSE
I. Economic Diplomacy Economic diplomacy in 2017 took place robustly, vigorously and comprehensively both at home and abroad, thus making important contributions to national economic and social development and the protection of national sovereignty and territorial integrity. 1. Diplomacy continued to contribute to the building of national economic institutions and policies as well as international economic integration. The contribution of diplomacy was meaningful and direct in the formulation of the Party Secretariat’s Project and Directive on the promotion and enhancement of the effectiveness of multilateral diplomacy up to 2020 with a vision for 2030. Diplomacy played an active and proactive role in the negotiation and signing of such free trade agreements as the EU - Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA)
and the ASEAN - Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement (AHKFTA). We contributed in the effort to identify outlines and plans for negotiating the RCEP and the FTA with Israel, and actively took part in the preparations for the initiation of negotiation of the Trade Liberalization and Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement with
Chinese
Taipei.
We
also
coordinated closely with Japan and other constructive partners within APEC to arrive at suitable measures to address difficulties and hindrances following the US’s withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), thus resulting in the consensus reached among the remaining 11 members in Da Nang (November 2017) on the establishment of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for TransPacific Partnership (CPTPP). 57
Chapter Four
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc attending the G20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany (07 - 08 July 2017) - VNA
2. Diplomacy piloted the effort to
economy status, raising the number
raise awareness and foster internal
of countries having done so to 69,
consensus
ministries,
including the US. However, talks
agencies and localities on the role of
with EU countries to this effect did
international multilateral economic
not see clear progress, mainly as the
institutions. In particular, with the
EU is in the process of amending its
active contributions to the works of
anti-dumping and anti-subsidiary law
the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)
towards the possibility of no longer
and the proactive participation in
clearly distinguishing between market
shaping the direction of ASEM in the
and non-market economies.
among
the
upcoming decade, diplomacy has
Diplomacy
saw
the
added to the role and standing of Viet
comprehensive, vigorous and flexible
Nam at this forum, while deepening
application of various elements of
relations with many ASEM members
advocacy to address issues and further
who are also our important partners.
enable the export of Vietnamese
3. Through diplomacy we have
58
4.
commodities to the global markets
convinced eight additional countries
(notably
to
for market access for a number of
recognize
Vietnam’s
market
the
effort
to
negotiate
Chapter Four
Diplomacy for National Construction and Defense
Vietnamese fruits such as milk fruit, mangoes, dragon fruits and lychees into such stringent markets as Japan, Australia, and the US, etc.). This process also helped attract foreign direct investment and promote official development assistance. In 2017, Viet Nam’s gross trade turnover across all global markets was $425.12 billion, a 21% year-on increase. Export was $214.02 billion, a 21.02% increase, while import was $211.1 billion, a 20.8% increase. Trade surplus was $2.92 billion, a 64% year-on increase. Viet Nam’s exports to key partners increased, respectively: to China by over 60%, ROK by 30%, Latin America by 30%, ASEAN by 25%, Japan by 14%, the EU by 13% and the US by 8%. FDI attraction continued to witness positive developments with a total value of $25.48 billion, a 34% year-on increase. In ODA, we signed with Japan the financial assistance agreements for 5 projects worth more than $1 billion in total; with the ROK, a Framework Agreement for Financial Assistance in the 2016-2020 period worth $1.5 billion; with the UN, an Agreement for Financial Assistance for the 2017-2020 period worth $423 million; and with Spain, an Agreement for Financial Assistance for the 20162020 period worth €305 million, to name just a few. 5. Diplomacy played an active role in assisting ministries and agencies in
their respective international economic integration and fulfilled their role at multilateral forums and mechanisms within the frameworks of the UN, APEC, ASEM, ASEAN, ACMECS, CLVM, GMS, etc. We assisted and worked closely with other ministries, agencies, localities and businesses across the country in seeking partners, negotiating and signing cooperation agreements,
and
holding
export,
investment and tourism promotion events. Diplomacy has assisted the provinces in identifying and inviting international guests to the conference “Sustainable
Development
of
the
Mekong Delta to Adapt to Climate Change” held in Can Tho (September 2017). We also assisted businesses such as TH True Milk in operating their dairy cow farming and fresh milk production in
the
Russian
Federation,
and
Vietnam Military Telecommunications Group
in
implementing
telecommunications
their
projects
in
Tanzania, Cameroon, Mozambique, Burundi, etc. Given the aforementioned results, economic
diplomacy
has
indeed
played its part in the country’s overall achievements, boosting the growth of the Vietnamese economy to 6.81% in 2017, thus creating a strong momentum for the upcoming development stages. 59
Chapter Four
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
II. Cultural Diplomacy and External Information 1. Cultural Diplomacy In
2017,
cultural
active and responsible part in the works diplomacy
of the organization. We contributed to
continued to be comprehensively
the preservation and promotion of the
promoted across a wide range of areas,
value of UNESCO titles, strengthened
thus contributing to the elevation of
cooperation with UNESCO in the fields
national standing and overall power:
of education and training (including
- A series of cultural diplomacy
finalizing procedures to establish and
events consisting of symposiums, photo
commence operation of UNESCO
exhibitions and ceremonies celebrating
Category 2 Centers for Math and
the 30 anniversary of the UNESCO’s
Physics), and enhanced the operation
Resolution honoring President Ho
of schools within UNESCO’s network.
Chi Minh as the “Vietnamese hero
In a timely manner we discovered and
of national liberation and great man
exhorted UNESCO to use only maps
of culture” (24 November 1987 - 24
recognized by the UN rather than those
November 2017) was solemnly held
maps and documents having place
at both the UNESCO Headquarters in
names that might rouse controversy
Paris and Hanoi. Vietnamese foreign
on the sovereignty of the East Sea, and
representative
continued
not to consider recognizing national
to implement the project “Honoring
nominations of places within areas of
President Ho Chi Minh, the Hero of
territorial dispute. In particular, in the
National Liberation and Great Man of
area of heritages, Viet Nam successfully
Culture, in foreign countries”. The statue
campaigned for UNESCO recognition
“Uncle Ho Reading Newspaper” was
of the art of “Bai Choi” in Central Viet
presented to the municipal museum
Nam and “Xoan Singing” of Phu Tho
of Mimasaka, Japan (November 2017),
province as Representative Intangible
thus bringing the citizens of Mimasaka
Cultural Heritages of Humanity; and
in particular and Japan in general
the “Imperial Archives of the Nguyen
closer to the image of the great leader
Dynasty” as a World Documentary
of the Vietnamese people in particular,
Heritage, approved by UNESCO at
and the Vietnamese land and people as
the Memories of the World Program
a whole.
plenary meeting.
th
missions
- As a member of the Executive Board
60
and
the
World
- In addition, cultural diplomacy
Heritage
also contributed to the promotion of
Committee of UNESCO, Viet Nam took
the image of the Vietnamese land and
Diplomacy for National Construction and Defense
people through the organization of the following programs: (i) “Viet Nam Days in Spain 2017” (May 2017) on the 40th anniversary of Viet Nam - Spain diplomatic relations; (ii) “Vietnamese Fine Arts and Cultural Diplomacy”, encouraging artists to gift artworks for the purpose of promoting Vietnamese artistry to international friends, and redecorating Vietnamese foreign representative missions; (iii) “A Journey of Heritages”, a program for the Ambassadors and Heads of Missions of a number of UNESCO Executive Board members in Paris to visit Vietnamese heritages inscribed by UNESCO; (iv) the visit to Viet Nam (August 2017) by Madam Irina Bokova before the end of her tenure as Director-General of UNESCO; and (v) assistance granted to localities in the successful hosting of cultural events and festivals with foreign elements, thus helping to promote the image of the provinces and building their provincial brands. 2. External Information In the year 2017, external information continued to be actively and professionally implemented with a number of changes, through a new, modern approach focusing on the application of digital technology: - Information and media affairs for APEC Viet Nam 2017 was given priority, commenced early and highly focused, thus creating waves of
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media that brought about a positive image effect about Viet Nam, thus contributing to the overall success of APEC Viet Nam 2017. Through the application of digital technology and social networks, the success of APEC Viet Nam 2017 was spread far and wide across the society to all strata of citizens and international friends. During the 2017 AELW, the keyword “Viet Nam” appeared very frequently in the international media, receiving many positive feedback and comments. Diplomatic activities by Vietnamese high-level leaders to key partners and international organizations (including nine highlevel visits to partner countries), important national events and major relations anniversaries between Viet Nam and other countries (Viet Nam - Laos Year of Solidarity and Friendship, Viet Nam - Cambodia Year of Friendship, 40th anniversary of Viet Nam’s accession to the UN, 10th anniversary of WTO accession, 50th anniversary of ASEAN and 22nd anniversary of Viet Nam’s accession to this organization) were widely broadcast with due focus. Information dissemination pertaining to national boundaries and territory continued to be implemented along two main lines: (i) on the building and maintenance of a peaceful and friendly boundary 61
Chapter Four
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
with all neighboring countries, and (ii) for the purpose of informing and raising the people’s awareness that participating in the protection of national sovereignty and territory should go hand-in-hand with respect for international law. As the situation in the East Sea continued to develop in complicated ways, information dissemination to defend national sovereignty over our islands and waters was paid special attention, and was implemented in a comprehensive and flexible way. - On the spokesperson and public opinion front, Viet Nam has provided information to the public in a proactive and timely manner. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held 16 regular press conferences, responded to 212 questions from domestic and foreign correspondents, organized nearly 30 press briefings on foreign affairs activities, and supplied thousands of press releases. This helped foster the support and consensus at home and understanding from international friends for Viet Nam’s official positions and views on foreign relations matters, and allowed for timely countering the wrongful views and misinformation. - Support services for foreign correspondents continued to be effectively implemented. In 2017, Viet Nam welcomed 4,000 foreign correspondents to Viet Nam, a record figure over the past ten years. During 62
the 2017 AELW alone, there were nearly 2,000 foreign journalists reporting in Viet Nam. Notably, for the first time there were ten correspondents from Vietnamese American news outlets providing favorable news reports. In addition to the administrative support for and guidance of foreign correspondents to ensure their safety and effective reporting, we also paid due attention to the effective use of foreign news outlets as a channel to broadcast to the world the image of a reforming, dynamic and hospitable Viet Nam. - The external communication by Vietnamese foreign representative missions
was
promoted
through
the implementation of the project “Improving the effectiveness of external communication
by
Vietnamese
overseas diplomatic missions until 2020”.
Our
diplomatic
missions
actively disseminated information on the success of APEC Viet Nam 2017, organized commemoration of key anniversaries of bilateral relations as well as Viet Nam Days/Week in their respective countries, and in a timely manner informed the public of these countries about the bilateral relations on the occasion of the official visits by Vietnamese leaders. This helped
strengthen
relations
with
other countries while promoting our national image.
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III. Overseas Vietnamese-related Activities and Citizens and Legal Person Protection 1. The year 2017 saw the overseas Vietnamese communities enjoying stability and greater integration into the local societies, with many activities to connect with their homeland. Matters of boundary, islands and seas, and territorial sovereignty and integrity continued to be the focus of attention from the overseas Vietnamese community. Such events as requiems for heroes and martyrs, the collection and exhibition of photos, maps and documents asserting Viet Nam’s sovereignty over the Spratly and Paracel Archipelagos were organized at the initiative of the overseas Vietnamese communities. We continued to uphold and implement Directive No. 45/CT-TW dated 19 May 2015 by the Politburo as well as the Government’s Action Plan on the continued promotion of the implementation of the Resolution No. 36/NQ-TW dated 26 March 2004 by the Politburo (9th tenure) on overseas Vietnamese affairs for the 2016-2020 period. In so doing, overseas Vietnamese affairs in 2017 saw many positive outcomes, thus contributing to strengthening the ties between the overseas communities and the homeland, fostering the synergy of national unity in service of national defense, construction and
development. A variety of activities to disseminate and promote the Vietnamese culture and language teaching were continually held, including the “Homeland Spring” program on the occasion of the traditional Tet; “Viet Nam Summer Camp” during the summer, as well as major national celebrations such as the South Liberation and National Reunification Day (30 April) and National Day (2 September). We also welcomed the delegations of the overseas community to visit the homeland, including the delegation of students of Vietnamese origin in Laos (June 2017), the delegation of former teachers of Vietnamese origin in Thailand (October 2017), etc. Particularly, the continued organization of trips for overseas Vietnamese delegations to visit islands and rocks in the Spratly Islands and the DK1 Rig on Vietnamese continental shelf was well received by the community. Such visits helped them better understand the judicious policies and the enormous efforts of the Vietnamese Party and State in defending national seas and islands. The overseas community also contributed VND 3.5 billion in donation to purchase boats and build multi-purpose structures to assist our 63
Chapter Four
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
soldiers in defending the Motherland’s waters and islands day and night. In addition to concrete policies and measures to assist the overseas Vietnamese community, the leaders of the Vietnamese Party and State also consistently paid attention to their living standards and legal status. While visiting foreign countries or receiving foreign guests, Vietnamese leaders always requested their foreign counterparts to facilitate the Vietnamese community in legal aspects, particularly the communities in Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, in order to enable them to settle down legitimately in these respective countries, thus integrating themselves fully into their society of choice while still maintaining their Vietnamese core traditional culture. Mustering resources from the overseas community also saw positive developments both in quantity and quality. The amount of remittance in 2017 was $13.78 billion, accounting for roughly 6.7% of the total GDP, making Viet Nam the tenth largest recipient of remittance in the world. The community of entrepreneurs and intellectuals of Vietnamese origin have become increasingly keen on substantive cooperation with domestic partners. Many associations and organizations of skilled and talented overseas Vietnamese, including four overseas Vietnamese intellectuals who are members of the Prime Minister’s 64
Economic Advisory Group, provided consultation and support for the leaders, Central agencies and localities across the country. The overseas Vietnamese community effectively networked with localities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Binh Dinh, Quang Binh, Phu Tho, Quang Ninh and Ha Giang. Two particular events were successfully held, “Networking Forum for Vietnamese Innovative Startups in the US” (December 2017) and the conference “Overseas Vietnamese’s Contribution to the Development of Ho Chi Minh City” (August 2017). 2. As the region and the world continued to witness complex and unpredictable developments, overseas Vietnamese citizen protection affairs were implemented in a timely manner, resulting in positive outcomes. Examples included the case of Doan Thi Huong, who was arrested and brought to trial in Malaysia, and of the fishermen and fishing vessels from central provinces who were detained and tried by neighboring countries. Through diplomatic means, in 2017 Viet Nam successfully carried out the protection for 5,500 citizens, requested the release and repatriation of nearly 2,000 detained fishermen (the record number in one year), of which 1,000 fishermen were repatriated by Indonesia alone. Viet Nam also had appropriate diplomatic measures to
Diplomacy for National Construction and Defense
exhort the Philippines to seriously investigate and put on trial those involved in the incident of Filipino naval forces shooting and killing two Vietnamese fishermen, to protest the
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acts of threat or hindrance by foreign fishery surveillance force aimed at Vietnamese fishing vessels operating within Vietnamese waters, and to address the issue of IUU fishing.
IV. Diplomatic Activities Contributing to the Protection of National Territorial, Sea and Island Sovereignty, and the Defense of National Security 1. Throughout 2017, the situation along the borders between Viet Nam and China, Laos and Cambodia was generally stable. Order and security was well maintained along the border areas. Viet Nam worked actively in coordination with other neighboring countries in border demarcation, marker planting and management of land border and border checkpoints in accordance with the agreements and treaties signed with these countries, while promoting border and cross-checkpoint cooperation in the effort to further institutionalize the management of borderlines. - With Laos, the two sides successfully completed the project for thickening and renovating the national border marker system between the two countries, and completed necessary legal procedures so that the protocol on Viet Nam - Laos borderline and national border markers and the treaty on the regulations for management of the Viet Nam - Laos borderline and checkpoints would come into effect on 5 September 2017.
This is a solid legal foundation for the two sides to work together in protecting and building a Viet Nam Laos border of peace, friendship and long-term stability. The two countries also worked together in promoting and monitoring the implementation of the governmental agreement on addressing unregulated cross-border migrants and unregistered marriages in the Viet Nam - Laos border areas. The two countries were also coordinating the implementation of the project for the planning and development of Viet Nam - Laos border checkpoints until 2025 with a vision until 2035. - With Cambodia, in implementing the agreements of the two sides’ high-level leaders, both countries coordinated actively to identify and plant auxiliary and additional markers to clarify the directions of the borderline, and to establish and complete the dossier for border marker planting. By the end of 2017, the two sides had completed more than 92% of the workload on identifying marker positions, nearly 70% of actual border 65
Chapter Four
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
planting, and accepted nearly 70% of the border marker dossier. In addition, the two sides also coordinated in implementing the 1983 Treaty on Borderline Rules and the 1995 press statement on de facto borderline management, as well as in safeguarding the results achieved. The two sides established a Joint Working Group on Border Checkpoints in order to reach agreements on issues pertaining to the planning and development of the two countries’ border checkpoint system so as to ensure practicality and effectiveness, prevent inefficiencies and align the system with the real needs of each locality and the law of each country. - With China, the two sides had been able to make good use of the Viet Nam - China Land Boundary Joint Committee in the coordination for border management. In particular, the two sides organized the 7th and 8th sessions (January and December 2017, respectively), plus an extraordinary session to discuss the agreement on cooperation in use and protection of the tourism resource of Ban Gioc Waterfall (October 2017). We had also addressed in a timely and satisfactory manner border incidents to maintain a peaceful and stable boundary, thus creating an environment that facilitated cooperation and development in the two countries’ border areas. The two sides completed the procedures for opening 66
the bilateral border checkpoints of Ly Van (Cao Bang) - Shuo Long (Guangxi) (officially unopened now), the Po Hen (Quang Ninh) - Tan San (Guangxi) pass, the specialized goods transport pass along the area between the markers No. 1119 and 1120 in Lang Son. More border checkpoint openings were in the work: Chi Ma (Lang Son) - Ai Dian (Guangxi), Hoanh Mo (Quang Ninh) Dong Zhong (Guangxi), Xin Man (Ha Giang) - Du Long (Yunnan), as well as the upgrade of the Ta Lung (Cao Bang) Shui Kou (Guangxi) checkpoint and the work towards the opening of temporary pontoons past Km 3+4 border area. In addition, the two sides also coordinated actively in implementing the agreement on cooperation in use and protection of the tourism resource of Ban Gioc Waterfall and the agreement on navigation of vessels in the Beilun Estuary free passage zone. Both sides also assisted Vietnamese border provinces to sign agreements on the administration of unskilled labor in the border area with Chinese localities (between Viet Nam’s Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Lang Son and Quang Ninh, and China’s Guangxi). Their relevant ministries and agencies had also been working closely in exploring new areas of cooperation, such as cross-border economic cooperation zones and tourism cooperation at the border areas. 2. Concerning the complex incidents in the East Sea, Viet Nam
Diplomacy for National Construction and Defense
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worked with China to maintain a
General of the UN Permanent Court
number of negotiation channels for
of Arbitration paying a working
maritime issues so as to steadfastly
visit to Viet Nam, and welcomed the
defend our national independence,
Court’s inauguration of a permanent
sovereignty and territorial integrity
office in Viet Nam, thereby promoting
in the East Sea, while maintaining the
more
environment of peace and stability for
between the two sides. Within the
national development. At the same
ASEAN framework, particularly at
time, Viet Nam also took the initiative
the 50th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting
to organize or take part in a number of
and related meetings (August 2017),
formal round-tables and discussions
Viet Nam continued to make positive
on the East Sea as well as discourse
contributions to the confidence-building
with
academia,
efforts between ASEAN and China,
including participants from the US,
including the adoption of a framework
Australia, Japan, ROK, Singapore,
for the Code of Conduct in the South
India, the UK and Denmark. Viet
China Sea (COC), thus officially kick-
Nam also welcomed the Secretary-
starting the COC negotiations.
the
international
substantive
cooperation
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc meeting with Mr. Hugo Hans Siblesz, Secretary-General of the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration visiting Viet Nam (21 April 2017) - VNA
67
Chapter Four
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
Viet Nam also made efforts to strengthen marine law enforcement. For the first time, we cooperated with China in fish stocking and protecting aquatic resources in the Gulf of Tonkin (May 2017), and coordinated with the Chinese Coast Guard in the 13th joint patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin (April 2017). We also stepped up the early warning, prevention and suitable handling of cases of foreign vessels entering Viet Nam’s exclusive economic zone and internal waters to illegally fish or smuggle petroleum. Additionally, Viet Nam also undertook suitable measures to address cases of arrest by foreign navies or coast
guards of Vietnamese fishermen and fishing vessels who were carrying out normal fishing activities within Viet Nam’s exclusive economic zone, and in a timely manner carried out diplomatic communication to request the countries concerned, in the spirit of good neighborliness, to humanely treat the Vietnamese fishermen in distress at sea, or those violating the latter’s respective waters. We also strengthened the information and education of fishermen to respect other countries’ waters and fully observe the Vietnamese State’s policies and international law when fishing in the East Sea.
Minister of Defense Ngo Xuan Lich welcomed the Lao Minister of National Defense Chansamone Chanyalath to Viet Nam (08 - 11 January 2017) - People’s Army Newspaper
68
Diplomacy for National Construction and Defense
3. On defense and security diplomacy, in addition to the continual promotion of defense and security cooperation with neighboring countries and important partners such as Russia, Japan, India and the US, Viet Nam also engaged in active cooperation within the ASEAN-led forums such as ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+) and ASEAN Police (ASEANAPOL). We also took part in the Shangri-La Defense and Security Dialogue held in Singapore (June 2017), the Interpol General Assembly held in Beijing (September 2017). We welcomed the Secretary-General of Interpol
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(July 2017) and the Chairman of the EU Military Committee (December 2017) to Viet Nam to discuss concrete ways and means to further develop security and defense cooperation. In 2017, Viet Nam also signed defense cooperation agreements with various partners, and welcomed a number of port calls by foreign naval ships. These concrete activities helped build trust and improve the capacity for defense and security coordination between Viet Nam and its partners, thus directly contributing to the protection of national sovereignty and security as well as the elevation of national status.
69
Chapter Five
THE COMMUNIST PARTY, THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND THE PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE’S EXTERNAL ACTIVITIES
I. The Communist Party’s External Activities As a ruling party, the Communist Party of Viet Nam continued to proactively expand and advance its relations with political parties around the world, which served as the political foundation and driver for Viet Nam’s relations with other countries. - The Communist Party of Viet Nam’s relations with ruling parties in socialist countries and bordering neighbor countries continued to be strengthened and saw significant developments, which contributed to the promotion of trust and the creation of the essential political foundation and overall direction for Viet Nam’s comprehensive cooperation with other friendly countries. With the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the special political trust and solidarity continued to be deepened. On the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 40th anniversary of the Friendship and 70
Cooperation Agreement between Viet Nam and Laos, a series of commemorative activities diverse in form and substantive in content were organized. This was a vivid expression of the traditional friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, two States and two peoples. Through the Party channel, in 2017, Viet Nam exchanged 39 high-level delegations, hosted the 5th theoretical symposium between the two Parties and offered a number of training courses for Laotian officials at all levels. With the Communist Party of China, the meetings and exchanges between the top leaders of the two Parties had helped strengthen mutual understanding and arrive at important common understanding, thereby increasing the mutual political trust. The two Parties successfully convened the 13th
The Communist Party, the National Assembly and the People-to-People’s External Activities
theoretical symposium and continued to strengthen cooperation in personnel training. With the Cambodian People’s Party, the exchange of high-level delegations between the two Parties increased during the Viet Nam Cambodia Year of Friendship marking 50th anniversary of the Viet Nam Cambodia diplomatic relations. Most notably, the State visit to Cambodia by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong
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was a historic milestone, awakening the potentials of the bilateral relationship and advancing it to a new height with greater substance and effectiveness. With the Communist Party of Cuba, the faithful and pure friendship and solidarity and political trust between the two sides continued to be strengthened. The two Parties had also successfully convened the 3rd theoretical symposium.
Member of the Politburo, Permanent Secretary of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Quoc Vuong meeting with the Member of the Politburo Standing Committee, Secretary of the Communist Party of China’s Central Secretariat Liu Yunshan during his official visit to Viet Nam (18 - 19 September 2017) - VNA
- The relations between the Communist
creating the political foundation and drivers
Party of Viet Nam and other ruling parties,
to expand Viet Nam’s relations with other
political parties and major parties in the
countries. In 2017, the historic visits by
regional countries, major powers and key
General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong
partners had seen new breakthroughs,
to Indonesia and Myanmar helped 71
Chapter Five
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
deepen
the
partnership,
the sphere of the Party’s external affairs.
enhance political trust and foster
At the same time, Viet Nam welcomed
substantive cooperation with Indonesia
various delegations headed by leaders
while injecting new momentum for
and members of other ruling parties,
more substantive and effective Viet
political parties and major parties,
Nam
comprehensive
which included the delegation of the
cooperation. In addition, overseas
ruling Liberal Democratic Party of
visits by the Permanent Secretary of the
Japan, the Progressive Party of Japan,
Party Central Committee’s Secretariat,
the ruling People’s Action Party of
members of the Politburo, members
Singapore,
of the Party Central Committee’s
Proposal of Argentina and the Alliance
Secretariat, and members of the Party
of
Conservatives
Central Committee and the multiple
in
Europe.
agreements signed during the visits
divergence in political orientation,
had helped foster relations with other
almost all those political parties deeply
ruling and political parties and expand
appreciated the Communist Party of
-
strategic
Myanmar
the
ruling and
Republican Reformists
Notwithstanding
the
Member of the Party Central Committee, Chief of the Central Commission on External Affairs Hoang Binh Quan visiting Canada and presenting a token to Mdm. Anna Di Carlo, leader of the Marxist Leninist Party of Canada (05 - 08 September 2017) - VNA
72
The Communist Party, the National Assembly and the People-to-People’s External Activities
Viet Nam’s leadership and extended their willingness to strengthen cooperation with the Communist Party of Viet Nam. - The Communist Party of Viet Nam’s relations with other communist parties, workers’ parties and leftist parties continued to be substantively strengthened. This had been the Communist Party of Viet Nam’s traditional and crucial direction for external relations. In 2017, Viet Nam welcomed delegations from the communist parties of Italy, France and Bangladesh. In addition, the Communist Party of Viet Nam had sent delegations to the congresses of the Communist Party of Brazil, the Labor Party of Mexico, the Liberation Front Party of Mozambique, the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) of Malaysia, engaged in the 7th Theoretical Exchange with the Communist Party of Japan and hosted the 6th Dialogue with the Social Democratic Party (SPD) of Germany.
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- The Communist Party of Viet Nam continued to proactively and effectively engage in multilateral forums for political parties in order to provide the international community with accurate insights of the reform process in Viet Nam, exhorting other political parties and politicians to concur with Viet Nam’s positions over regional and international issues, thus safeguarding national interests and elevating Viet Nam’s status in the region and the world. Viet Nam actively participated in the 19th International Meeting of Communist and Workers’ Parties, the activities to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Great October Revolution in Russia, the International Workshop of Communist and Workers’ Parties in India, the 23rd Sao Paulo Forum, the 21st International Conference on Political Parties and a New Society and other annual events of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP).
II. The National Assembly’s External Activities The National Assembly’s external
and international integration process,
activities were vigorously implemented
effectively
to
diplomacy in this regard.
become
more
extensive
and
supporting
the
State’s
substantive, and hence attained various
- With regard to bilateral relations,
important outcomes. Leaders of the
in 2017, the National Assembly of
National Assembly and its committees
Viet Nam sent 19 delegates on
had
the
overseas visits, including two by the
implementation of the foreign policy
Chairperson of the National Assembly
proactively
engaged
in
73
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and four by Vice Chairpersons of the National Assembly. Highlights included the visits by Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan to Laos, Singapore, Australia, Sweden, Hungary, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan and the bilateral visit to Russia while attending the International Parliamentary Union (IPU)’s Assembly in Saint Petersburg, as well as the visits by the National Assembly Vice Chairpersons to Laos, Japan, Morocco, Iran and Mongolia. At the same time, the National Assembly of Viet Nam welcomed 43 parliamentarian delegations, including 16 visits by Speakers of Parliament, 5 visits by Deputy Speakers of Parliament, and other visits by leaders of parliamentary committees to Viet Nam in 2017. Notably, the National Assembly of Viet Nam hosted a series of events to celebrate the Viet Nam - Laos Year of Solidarity and Friendship and the Viet Nam - Cambodia Year of Friendship. With Laos, to celebrate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 40th anniversary of the Friendship and Cooperation Agreement, the President, Vice Presidents and leaders of the National Assembly’s committees of the two countries exchanged various visits. In addition, the two National Assemblies worked in coordination to organize such events as the Viet Nam Laos women parliamentarians’ meeting 74
in Da Nang, the workshop on “sharing experience on decision-making and supervisory role of the people’s councils in land affairs”, inaugurate the Viet Nam - Laos historical revolutionary relic site at Lao Kho, and convene other meetings, exchanges and experience sharing discourses between the two countries’ National Assembly delegations and committees. With Cambodia, despite the complicated developments in Cambodia’s political situation before the parliament election, the National Assembly of Viet Nam managed to coordinate effectively with the Cambodian side to successfully convene commemorative activities for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The National Assembly of Viet Nam also welcomed Cambodian National Assembly President Heng Samrin and the Senate’s First Vice President Nay Pena on their visits to Viet Nam. The National Assembly of Viet Nam’s external activities with other parliaments had contributed significantly to maintaining peace and stability conducive for national building, development and defense as well as to elevating Viet Nam’s standing in the international arena. Those activities had also helped advance cooperation in economy, trade, investment, science and technology, culture, education and training between Viet Nam and other countries; and contributed to influencing
The Communist Party, the National Assembly and the People-to-People’s External Activities
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the policies of other countries and
and shaping of the common rules”.
thus reducing unfavorable impacts
The
for Viet Nam, and assisted the cause
Nam collaborated with the IPU to
of defending Viet Nam’s sovereignty
successfully host the Symposium of the
and territorial integrity and legitimate
Asia-Pacific region on “Climate Change
interests in the East Sea, and narrowing
Response - Actions of Lawmakers
differences in areas such as democracy
towards
and human rights.
Goals” in May 2017, engaged in and
- At
Sustainable
of
Viet
Development
contributed substantively to regional
National Assembly’s foreign affairs
and international parliamentary forums.
saw new steps forward as it proactively
Those included the 136th IPU Assembly
and
in Bangladesh in April 2017 and the 137th
actively to
joined
address
forums,
Assembly
the
efforts
multilateral
National
international issues.
IPU Assembly in Russia in October 2017,
That was in line with the shift from
the 2nd Eurasian Parliamentary Summit
“participating”
active
in the Republic of Korea in June 2017
and substantive part in the building
and the 38th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary
to
global “taking
First Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Tong Thi Phong addressing the 136th Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly (IPU-136) in Dhaka, Bangladesh (01 - 05 April 2017) - VNA
75
Chapter Five
Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
Assembly (AIPA) in the Philippines in September 2017, the 25th Annual Meeting of the Asia - Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) in Fiji in January 2017. In addition, as the Francophone Parliamentary Assembly (APF) Chair for the Asia-Pacific region, the National Assembly of Viet Nam hosted the APF’s Meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Affairs in Ho Chi Minh City in March 2017, attended the APF’s Executive Committee meeting in Quebec, Canada in February 2017, and the 43rd APF’s General Assembly in Luxembourg in July 2017. Those multilateral parliamentary activities helped affirm the National Assembly of Viet Nam’s role as an active and responsible member of the international parliamentary community, expanding parliamentary cooperation in particular and Viet Nam’s cooperation with the international community in general. - In carrying out its legislative and supervisory mandates, in 2017, the National Assembly adopted several laws and resolutions related to foreign affairs: the Foreign Trade
Regulation Law, Tourism Law, the Treaty supplementing the National Boundary Demarcation Treaty between Viet Nam and Laos on revision of the starting point of the Viet Nam - Laos national borderline. The National Assembly also provided feedback and participated in the oversight of the negotiation for and signing of international treaties and agreements, such as the Framework Convention between Viet Nam and the US on the Use of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes, Customs Transit System Protocol 7 - part of the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Goods in Transit, the MoU on the “Early Harvest” of the Greater Mekong Subregion Cross-Border Transportation Facilitation Agreement, to name a few. In particular, at the October 2017 Session, the National Assembly passed the Law Amending and Supplementing Articles of the Law of Overseas Diplomatic Missions of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to standardize the operation of the overseas diplomatic offices.
III. The People-to-People’s External Activities Heeding
76
the
the
improving the effectiveness of people’s
Resolution of the 12th Party Congress,
diplomacy in the new circumstances,
and
implement
the Viet Nam Fatherland Front and
Directive 04-CT/TW of the Politburo
mass associations and organizations
on
at the central and local levels took
continuing continually
spirit to
of
reforming
and
The Communist Party, the National Assembly and the People-to-People’s External Activities
proactive steps to implement people’s diplomatic activities. More than 2,300 Vietnamese delegates had taken part in 630 overseas trips, and more than 4,100 foreign delegates were welcomed in 450 respective trips to Viet Nam. The exchanges played an important role in promoting the friendship between Viet Nam and mass organizations in the region and the world at large, while maximizing external resources for the national economic and social development. - People’s diplomacy helped us strengthen and develop the solidarity, friendship and cooperation with the neighboring peoples, and expand our ties with international friends and partners. In 2017, mass associations and organizations, such as the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, the Viet Nam Women’s Union, the Central Youth League, and the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations launched a series of people-to-people exchange activities on the occasion of the Viet Nam - Laos Year of Friendship and Solidarity and the Viet Nam Cambodia Year of Friendship. These activities, rich and diverse, were held at both the central and local levels, particularly in border provinces, bilaterally as well as among the three countries. They included the Meeting of the Presidents of the Fatherland Fronts of the three countries Viet Nam Laos - Cambodia, the Viet Nam - Laos -
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Cambodia Youth Cooperation Conference, the Viet Nam - Laos Cambodia Women’s Forum. In particular, Viet Nam coordinated with Laos to convene the 4th Viet Nam - Laos Peoples’ Friendly Exchange Festival in Laos, and welcomed Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen paying a friendly visit to meet with the people of Binh Duong province as part of his journey commemorating the 40th anniversary of his arrival in Viet Nam in quest for ways to rescue his country from the genocidal regime. With China, the Vietnamese mass organizations and associations maintained relations with their Chinese partners through the exchange of delegations, experience sharing and friendly exchanges as well as through joint organization of sideline events on the occasion of the high-level mutual visits, including the inauguration of the Viet Nam - China Friendship Palace in Hanoi. With traditional friends, major powers and important partners, associations and mass organizations continued to organize rich and diverse activities such as exchanging delegations, holding cultural festivals and participating in forums and conferences in commemoration of major bilateral milestones. In terms of the multilateral activities, in 2017, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations and its member organizations took active 77
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Diplomatic Bluebook - 2017
part in regional and global people’s mechanisms and forums, such as the ASEAN People’s Forum (APF), Asia Europe People’s Forum (AEPF), the non-governmental mechanism of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) and the Afro-
Asia People’s Solidarity Organization (AAPSO). We also successfully hosted the World Peace Council Executive Committee Meeting, thus contributing to the promotion of solidarity and friendship between the Vietnamese people and all others around the world, and to the protection of Viet Nam’s image and national interest.
Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and her Lao counterpart Pany Yathotou attending the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Festival in the Vietnam - Laos border area in Son La province (05 July 2017) - VNA
-
78
Localities’ external
activities
Particularly, in the APEC Viet Nam
and international integration in 2017
2017, multiple networking activities
continued to grow vibrantly across
between our localities and local and
many
important
foreign partners and businesses were
contributions to the promotion of
held across the country. Friendly
friendship,
socio-
exchanges and mutual visits between
economic development in the provinces.
Vietnamese localities and foreign
areas,
making
solidarity
and
The Communist Party, the National Assembly and the People-to-People’s External Activities
counterparts from Laos, Cambodia, China, ROK and Japan also took place vibrantly; the number of subnationallevel cooperation agreements grew by 9% compared to that of 2016. In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs actively assisted the localities in organizing a total of 28 conferences and round-tables within the “Meet the Ambassadors”, “Viet Nam Provincial Roadshow (VPR)” and “Introduction” chain of events. These included the roadshow in the US where six cities and provinces of Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Dong Nai, Long An, Quang Tri, Hanoi and Thai Nguyen co-signed the “MoU on the Establishment of a Joint Working Group between the State of Virginia and Vietnamese Localities”. - Through people’s diplomatic activities, Vietnamese mass organizations,
Chapter Five
unions and localities were able to win the support of international friends for Viet Nam’s position in resolving disputes in the East Sea, introduce and defend Viet Nam’s views on democracy and human rights, and unite and foster solidarity with the overseas Vietnamese communities and reconnect them with the Motherland. With regard to the foreign nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), thanks to a wide range of newly issued legal documents, the exhortation and management of the aids and operations of foreign NGOs had been conducted in increasingly organized and effective manner. In 2017, Viet Nam welcomed more than 1,000 NGO delegations and received a total of $280 million in aid from these organizations.
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In charge of publication ACTING DIRECTOR – EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PHAM CHI THANH
In charge of content VICE DIRECTOR – DEPUTY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dr. DO QUANG DUNG
Copy editors:
Book cover designer: Digital pre-press specialist: Proof print technician: Proof-reader:
MSc. CU THI THUY LAN HOANG THU QUYNH
LE THI HA LAN HOANG MINH TAM HOANG THU QUYNH NGUYEN THU HUONG
Printing 510 copies, size 18.2x25.7 cm, at Tien Bo Printing Company. Address: 175 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hanoi. Publication Plan Registration No.: 4324-2018/CXBIPH/9-211/CTQG. Publication Decision No.: 3560-QĐ/NXBCTQG, dated December 11, 2018. ISBN: 978-604-57-4400-0. Completed and registered in December 2018. 80