Not only the first Foreign Minister, President Ho Chi Minh also lays the foundations for modern Vietnamese diplomacy. In photo: President Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi citizens welcome Kliment Voroshilov, Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, on his visit to Vietnam, May 20, 1957. (Photo: VNA)
From 1945 to 1954, Vietnam’s diplomacy pushes forward political and legal struggles, while wining international support and establishing relations with 10 socialist countries. In photo: President Ho Chi Minh and Chairman of the People's Republic of China, Mao Zedong, in Beijing, 1960. (Photo: VNA)
At midnight on July 20, 1954, in Geneva, Switzerland, the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities in Vietnam is signed. This is a historic turning point in Vietnam’s arduous struggle against French colonialists and a landmark achievement of the country’s revolution and diplomacy. (Photo: VNA)
In 1973, the Vietnamese diplomacy records a great success through the signing of the Agreement on ending the war and restoring peace in Vietnam. The United States and other countries recognise the Vietnamese people’s right to self-determination. In photo: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Duy Trinh signs the agreement in Paris, France, Jan. 27, 1973. (Photo: VNA)
Nguyen Thi Binh, Foreign Minister of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam (first row, third from left), signs the Paris agreement on ending the war and restoring peace in Vietnam, January 27, 1973, France. (Photo: VNA Archives)
After the national reunification, the diplomacy sector plays an essential role in gradually integrating Vietnam into the region and the world with the signing of hundreds of international treaties and agreements. In photo: Vietnam’s flag flying at the 5th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Colombo, Sri Lanka, 1976. (Photo: VNA)
After reunification, diplomacy is pivotal in integrating Vietnam internationally. In photo: Vietnam’s flag-raising ceremony is held at the United Nations Headquarters on Sept. 20, 1977, marking the country’s official membership of the world’s largest international organisation. (Photo: VNA Archives)
Diplomacy continues advancing cooperation worldwide. In photo: Foreign Minister Nguyen Duy Trinh and Malaysia’s Minister of Trade and Industry Mahathir Mohamad sign the Vietnam–Malaysia Agreement on Trade and Economic-Technical Cooperation in Kuala Lumpur, Jan. 3, 1978. (Photo: VNA)
Diplomacy paves the way for deeper regional and global integration, marked by milestones such as joining ASEAN, APEC, and the WTO. In photo: Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cam (second from right), ASEAN Secretary-General and ASEAN Foreign Ministers at the meeting admitting Vietnam as ASEAN’s seventh member, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, July 28, 1995. (Photo: VNA)
Since 2011, Vietnam’s diplomacy has advanced external relations in depth, achieving comprehensive international integration and reinforcing the country’s role as a responsible member of the international community. In photo: Delegates congratulate the Vietnamese delegation after the UN General Assembly votes to elect Vietnam as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2008–2009 term, Oct. 16, 2007. (Photo: VNA)
Vietnam’s diplomacy continues to contribute to deepening external relations and international integration. In photo: State President Tran Dai Quang with foreign leaders at the 25th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting themed “Creating New Dynamism, Fostering a Shared Future,” in Da Nang, 2017. (Photo: VNA)
Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong attends the 32nd National Diplomatic Conference themed “Promoting the pioneering role, building a comprehensive, modern and strong diplomacy, successfully implementing the Resolution of the 13th Party Congress,” held in hybrid format, Hanoi, Dec. 19, 2023. (Photo: VNA)
Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son holds talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his visit to Vietnam, April 14–16, 2023. (Photo: VNA)
Party General Secretary and State President To Lam works with the Party Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the implementation of the 13th Party Congress’s foreign policy and the development of Vietnam’s diplomacy, Hanoi, Aug. 29, 2024. (Photo: VNA)
Vietnamese diplomacy continues to promote comprehensive international integration. In photo: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet at a working breakfast during the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related meetings, Vientiane, Laos, Oct. 9, 2024. (Photo: VNA)
Party General Secretary To Lam presents the title of Hero of Labour to Nguyen Thi Binh, former Vice State President, and former Foreign Minister of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)
Vietnam’s diplomacy: A pillar of national construction and defence
On August 28, 1945, the Provisional Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam issues a declaration of establishment along with the list of cabinet members. At that time, President Ho Chi Minh concurrently serves as Minister of Foreign Affairs, officially opening the first chapter of Vietnam’s revolutionary diplomacy. Over the past 80 years, diplomacy has remained one of the three fundamental pillars of national construction and defence, always devoted to serving the country and the people, and contributing greatly to the nation’s historic achievements.
