PM Nguyen Tan Dung has asked for stronger and deeper international integration in politics, diplomatics, security and national defence to enhance support, mutual understanding and trust between Viet Nam and partners.
PM Dung made the statement when chairing the first plenary of the National Steering Committee on International Integration in Ha Noi on March 3 to review international integration activities in 2014, devise a working plan for 2015 and define key tasks for multilateral diplomacy until 2020.
The plenary saw the participation of Deputy PMs Vu Van Ninh, Vu Duc Dam and Pham Binh Minh, together with the Steering Committee's members.
In 2014, the country's international integration activities were implemented effectively in all fields of politics, security, national defence, economics, science, education, culture and society.
Viet Nam has contributed many important initiatives at international forums, actively participated in realizing targets of the ASEAN Economic Community, taken part in activities of the World Trade Organization responsibly and proactively involved in activities of multilateral economic cooperation forums.
Notably, Viet Nam has quickened negotiations for free trade agreements (FTAs). Leaders of Vietnam and partners signed joint statements on completing or concluding negotiations for three FTAs, including those between Viet Nam and the Customs Union of Russia-Belarus-Kazakhstan, between the EU and Viet Nam and between the country and the Republic of Korea.
Meanwhile, negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and an agreement between Viet Nam and the EU Free Trade Bloc have reached final steps.
Key tasks for multilateral diplomacy until 2020 suggested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) include making active preparations and hosting successfully big multilateral diplomatic events; actively making contributions to maintaining peace and security in the region and the world; contributing to strengthening the ASEAN Community, promoting the bloc's central role in the regional structure.
MOFA also suggested promoting effectiveness of signed FTAs; completing and implementing effectively FTAs to be signed in the 2015-2020 period; elevating the country's participation andcontribution at multilateral economic cooperation forums and mechanisms; and improving the effectiveness of international cooperation in all fields.
At the gathering, many delegates suggested that there should be closer coordination between bilateral and multilateral diplomacy and better collaboration among ministries, agencies, localities and businesses in interational integration.
Concluding the plenary, PM Dung asked the Government Office to collect ideas at the gathering to complete a report on international integration activities in 2014 and a plan for 2015, which should realize the Politburo's resolution on international integration through detailed plans and programs.
PM Dung highlighted achivements in international integration activities, contributing to the country's development and stated shortcomings to recover in the future.
Beside continuting implementing effectively international integration in all areas, further attention should be paid to strengthening the close unity between compatriots in the country with those living around the world, PM Dung said.
He also asked for better citizen protection work abroad and more effective utilization of resources from overseas Vietnamese for national construction, protection and development.
PM Dung asked the Steering Committee to improve its organization to fulfill all entrusted tasks and assigned the Ministry of Information and Communications to have practical plans to communicate about the country's international integration activities.
Source: Chinh Phu
Key words: Vietnam, enhance, international integration
