DIPLOMATIC BLUEBOOK 2018 SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ------
DIPLOMATIC BLUEBOOK 2018
NATIONAL POLITICAL PUBLISHING HOUSE HA NOI - 2019 SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ------
DIPLOMATIC BLUEBOOK 2018
NATIONAL POLITICAL PUBLISHING HOUSE HA NOI - 2019 4 PUBLISHER’S NOTE
he year 2018 distinguished itself Security Council for the 2020-2021 Tas a triumphant year of Vietnamese term, and Viet Nam’s first-ever election diplomacy. As a continuation of as member of the United Nations an immensely successful 2017, the Commission on International Trade Law, diplomatic work of the Party and State are also remarkable accomplishments. was an exemplary element among the The year also saw numerous official nation’s overall achievements with visits to other countries and attendance a great wealth of important results. of prestigious international conferences Proactive and innovative in method and by the high-level leaders of the Party effective in execution, the diplomatic and State and equally many visits to work has made their mark and Viet Nam by foreign leaders in return, as performed their share in bolstering Viet an effective channel for forging stronger Nam’s national standing and power and more meaningful diplomatic ties. in the international arena. The many Citizen protection has been timely and successes in foreign relations in the effectual. The overseas Vietnamese year bore the distinguished hallmark community has been well engaged of the Vietnamese diplomatic service. through a diverse range of meaningful A wide range of important international events, through which the great bulwark conferences were hosted, namely the of national unity was strengthened and 26th Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum, the support of the overseas community the 6th Greater Mekong Subregion for the Fatherland marshaled, in talent (GMS) Summit, the 10th Cambodia - and in material, for the cause of national Laos - Viet Nam Development Triangle construction and defense. (CLV) Summit, and the seminal World To provide a panorama of Economic Forum on ASEAN (WEF- Vietnamese diplomatic activities and its ASEAN). The Asia-Pacific group’s most salient achievements in 2018, the unanimous nomination of Viet Nam as National Political Publishing House, its sole candidate for non-permanent in partnership with the Department membership of the United Nations of Emulation, Commendation and
5 Diplomatic Bluebook - 2018
Diplomatic Traditions of the Ministry the overseas Vietnamese community, of Foreign Affairs, is honored to and the protection of overseas publish Diplomatic Bluebook - 2018. Vietnamese citizens and legal entities. The book consists of five chapters. It also stresses the contribution of Chapter One provides an overview diplomatic work to the protection of of the global and regional landscape, sovereignty over Vietnamese territory, and the guideline and policy for islands and waters, and to the defense foreign relations of the Party and State of national security. for the year 2018. Chapter Five outlines external Chapter Two presents the multitude relations at the Party, National Assembly of bilateral diplomatic activities: with and people-to-people levels. neighboring countries, ASEAN members, The bluebook, as an official and other partners of note. publication, seeks to provide a Chapter Three highlights diplomatic wealth of comprehensive information activities at the multilateral level: at for a wide range of audience, both ASEAN, the United Nations, and Vietnamese and international, who are various other multilateral mechanisms. interested in the work of Vietnamese Chapter Four lists the achievements diplomacy. in economic and cultural diplomacy, We are honored to present this external information, engagement with publication to you, dear readers.
June 2019 NATIONAL POLITICAL PUBLISHING HOUSE
6 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page Publisher’s Note...... 5
FOREWORDS...... 9
GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS...... 11
Chapter THE INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL SITUATION AND THE FOREIGN One POLICY OF THE VIETNAMESE PARTY AND STATE IN 2018...... 13
I. The International and Regional Situation in 2018 ...... 13
II. Foreign Policy Guidelines of the Vietnamese Party and State...... 18
Chapter BILATERAL DIPLOMATIC ACTIVITIES ...... 20 Two
I. Bilateral Relations with Neighboring and ASEAN Countries...... 20
II. Bilateral Relations with other Partners...... 29
Chapter MULTILATERAL DIPLOMATIC ACTIVITIES ...... 47 Three
I. Diplomatic Activities at ASEAN...... 47
II. Diplomatic Activities at the United Nations and other Multilateral Mechanisms...... 51
III. Diplomatic Activities Contributing to the Protection and Advancement of Human Rights...... 53
Chapter DIPLOMACY FOR NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION AND DEFENSE...... 55 Four
I. Economic Diplomacy...... 55
II. Cultural Diplomacy and External Information...... 58
7 Diplomatic Bluebook - 2018
III. Overseas Vietnamese-related Activities and Citizens and Legal Person Protection...... 61
IV. Diplomatic Activities Contributing to the Protection of National Territorial, Sea and Island Sovereignty, and the Defense of National Security...... 64
Chapter THE COMMUNIST PARTY, THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY Five AND THE PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE’S EXTERNAL ACTIVITIES...... 69
I. The Communist Party’s External Activities...... 69
II. The National Assembly’s External Activities...... 72
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
n 2018, the world and the Asia- while the tendency towards dialogue IPacific region witnessed rapid and on the Korean Peninsula was promoted, profound changes. While much of the East Sea situation still saw ongoing the unpredictability and instability complex developments. was fueled by the fiercest great-power Against this backdrop, as 2018 competition since the end of Cold War, was a pivotal year in implementing peace, cooperation and development the foreign policy orientation set by remained the prevailing trend, the the 12th Party Congress and the Socio- aspirations and shared interests of economic Development Plan 2016-2020, all humankind. The global economy the diplomatic activities of the Party and continued its moderate growth but State were conducted in a professional, was also faced with many risks. cohesive and comprehensive manner, International cooperation and the role reflecting the mettle and strategic vision of of multilateral institutions such as the the Vietnamese diplomacy. With initiative, United Nations (UN), the Asia-Pacific innovation, and efficiency, Vietnamese Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC), diplomacy reached new peaks in 2018, and the World Trade Organization making substantial contribution to (WTO) were affected in part by the rise the construction and defense of our of self-centered nationalism and great- Fatherland and the elevation of Viet power competition. In the Asia-Pacific, Nam’s status in the world.
9 Diplomatic Bluebook - 2018
With regard to bilateral relations, and Progressive Agreement for Trans- our Party and State leaders made 28 trips Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and with for official visits and major international our efforts to promote the signing and events, received 33 delegations led by ratification of the EU - Viet Nam Free foreign high-level leaders visiting and Trade Agreement (EVFTA). We have attending important events in Viet Nam, engaged in international integration in and conducted hundreds of high-level political, economic, defense, security, meetings on the sidelines of multilateral cultural and social affairs in a proactive, forums. As a result, relations with our vigorous and innovative manner. partners were not only bolstered but In conjunction with the State’s also deepened and rendered more diplomatic activities, the external substantive and effective. Political trust activities of the Party, the National and substantive cooperation were further Assembly and the people were bolstered. strengthened in a wide range of areas. Defense and security diplomacy, In multilateral diplomacy, building economic diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, upon the success of APEC Viet Nam 2017, external communication, overseas we actively took part in and successfully Vietnamese affairs and citizen protection, organized important multilateral events, and boundary and sea and island including the World Economic Forum on affairs continued to be implemented in ASEAN (WEF-ASEAN). It was regarded a cohesive and effective manner. The as the most successful WEF regional event success of these diplomatic activities as in 27 years. Notably, the promulgation a whole has substantively contributed of the first ever Party-level document dedicated to multilateral diplomacy, to national socio-economic development namely Directive No. 25-CT/TW dated and the steadfast safeguard of national August 8, 2018 by the Party Secretariat on sovereignty and territorial integrity. strengthening and elevating multilateral An overview of international and diplomacy until 2030 demonstrates the regional state of affairs, along with a critical development of our thoughts on comprehensive and detailed panorama foreign affairs and the institutionalization of the foreign policy orientation and of the 12th Party Congress guideline on activities of the Vietnamese Party and State proactive international integration. in 2018, is fully provided in this volume - Amidst rising protectionism and the Diplomatic Bluebook - 2018, which is the escalating trade war, Viet Nam continued fifth annual publication by the Ministry asserting its role as an important link in of Foreign Affairs. It is my hope that this promoting regional economic integration volume would be of great interest to our with the signing of the Comprehensive many distinguished readers. PHAM BINH MINH Member of the Politburo, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs
10 GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS
ACMECS Ayeyawady - Chao Phraya - DOC Declaration on the Conduct of Mekong Economic Parties in the South China Sea Cooperation Strategy EAS East Asia Summit ADMM+ ASEAN Defense Ministers’ ECOSOC United Nations Economic Meeting Plus and Social Council AICHR ASEAN Intergovernmental EU European Union Commission on Human EVFTA EU - Viet Nam Free Trade Rights Agreement AIPA ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary FDI Foreign Direct Investment Assembly FTA Free Trade Agreement APEC Asia-Pacific Economic GMS Greater Mekong Subregion Cooperation Forum G7 Group of Seven APF Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie G20 Group of Twenty ARF ASEAN Regional Forum ICAPP International Conference of Asian Political Parties ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations IMCWP International Meeting of ASEM Asia - Europe Meeting Communist and Workers’ Parties CLV Cambodia - Laos - Viet Nam Development Triangle Area IMF International Monetary Fund COC Code of Conduct in the IPU International Parliamentary South China Sea1 Union CPTPP Comprehensive and MRC Mekong River Commission Progressive Agreement for ODA Official Development Trans-Pacific Partnership Assistance
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 - 2018
PCA Partnership and Cooperation UNESCO United Nations Educational, Agreement between the EU Scientific and Cultural and Viet Nam Organization PKO United Nations UNICEF United Nations Children’s Peacekeeping Operation Fund SOM Senior Officials’ Meeting USD United States Dollar UNDP United Nations Development WB World Bank Programme WEF World Economic Forum
12 Chapter One THE INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL SITUATION AND THE FOREIGN POLICY OF THE VIETNAMESE PARTY AND STATE IN 2018
he year 2018 saw the international backdrops, the diplomatic activities Tand regional state of affairs of the Party and State continued to be transformed by complex developments conducted in a proactive, vigorous, characterized by an intertwining innovative and effective manner, of tension and rapprochement, of with further deepened international cooperation and competition. The integration. The tremendous recorded global economic growth was sustained achievements contributed to the but beset by significant risks, including protection of national interests, mounting protectionism and the mobilization of resources for national United States (US) - China trade war. development, steadfast safeguard of Strategic competition among major national sovereignty and territorial powers increased in intensity, while integrity, and elevation of Viet the mustering of forces observed Nam’s standing in the region and new developments. Against these the world.
I. The International and Regional Situation in 2018
1. Economic Situation economies experienced declining a) The global economy in 2018 growth and encountered difficulties, was relatively stable and maintained a particularly China, which experienced growth of 3.6% from 2017. The US and the lowest growth in 10 years of 6.6%, India saw moderately high economic and Japan, whose growth declined growth: 2.9% for the US, 7.1% for to 0.8%. The EU and Russia achieved India (the highest among the major 2.1% and 2.3% respectively. The Asia- economies). Meanwhile, some major Pacific region witnessed a growth of
13 Chapter One Diplomatic Bluebook - 2018
nearly 6% and the Southeast-Asia the unpredictability in the global region managed to expand their economy and politics. economies by roughly 5.1%. c) Some global and regional Global trade growth fell to just economic integration arrangements 3.8%, primarily due to the impacts encountered difficulties. There of protectionism, the inward-looking remained a wide gap in the perspectives policies of the US, frictions and trade of countries toward WTO reforms, wars between and among major particularly with regard to WTO’s role economies. In the early half of 2018, in the multilateral trading system. The global foreign direct investment (FDI) Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation dropped by 59.2% year-on-year, from Forum (APEC) failed to agree on a joint $794 to $470 billion, the lowest over statement for the first time. The Group the past decade. of 20 top developed countries (G20) b) The global economy became failed to deliver on key commitments in more volatile due to rising elements of trade and anti-protectionism. However, unpredictability. Strategic competition the mustering of forces through global among major powers, in particular, the and regional economic linkages was fiercest competition between the US advanced to varying extents, notable and China seen in years, gave rise to of which were negotiations on bilateral trade war. Political, social instabilities, and multilateral free trade agreements and populism are on the rise. The (FTAs), namely the revised US - Korea resistance movement in France may Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), the spread to the rest of Europe. This new US - Mexico - Canada Agreement reflects the widening disparities and (USMCA) in replacement of the North unsustainable development in many countries. If left unchecked, economic American Free Trade Agreement and social crisis may break out in (NAFTA), the EU - Japan Economic these countries, adversely affecting Partnership Agreement, the Economic - the global political and economic Trade Cooperation Agreement between stability. International financial and China and the Eurasian Economic monetary risks exhibited an upward Union (EAEU), the Comprehensive trend. The US tightened its monetary and Progressive Agreement for Trans- policy by raising the interest rate four Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and times in 2018 (the highest frequency the African Continental Free Trade of interest rate increases since 2015). Agreement (AFCFTA) - the first ever The value of the US dollar and the continental-level FTA signed by 44 oil price were fluctuating, reflecting African countries.
14 The International and Regional Situation and the Foreign Policy Chapter One of the Vietnamese Party and State in 2018
d) The Fourth Industrial Revolution to “Make America Great Again”, (Industrial Revolution 4.0) has been which involved withdrawing from one of the key drivers of economic many multilateral institutions and growth, yet it also posed political, agreements (the UN Human Rights security, economic, social and Council, the Iran nuclear deal), environmental issues to be resolved launching a trade war against China, at the global, regional and national and bolstering advantages in balance levels. In addition, it also pushed of power through the announcement regions and countries into fiercer the Indo-Pacific Strategy with competition, particularly in fields of details of its key elements. China, new technology. following the 19th National Congress 2. Political and Security Situation of the Communist Party, amended its In 2018, the global political and constitution with President Xi Jinping’s security situation continued to see power strengthened. The Chinese complex developments with the economy faced certain difficulties due unfolding of hot spots and tensions in to domestic issues and trade tensions international relations. Nonetheless, with the US. The implementation peace, cooperation, stability, and of the “Belt and Road” Initiative development remained the prevailing continued to be promoted, though it trend and the aspiration and interest of also encountered many difficulties all countries and peoples. Multilateral and obstacles. The EU continued to institutions, though faced with much face many internal challenges such pressure, maintained an important as Brexit, policies on immigrants and role in international relations. economic development. In foreign a) All major powers faced the need affairs, the EU still attached importance to address domestic problems, and to strengthening its alliance with the made a number of important foreign US. However, some certain leading policy adjustments for their domestic members of the EU also looked to politics and international standing. increase their independence from the The US encountered difficulties US and sought to boost relations with due to profound internal political China and improve relations with division, notably after the Democratic Russia. In Russia, upon his re-election, Party regained control over the President V. Putin focused on domestic House of Representatives. In foreign affairs to tackle the prolonged socio- policy, President Donald Trump’s economic difficulties. In foreign administration continued making affairs, while seeking to improve policy adjustments with the aim relations with the US and the EU,
15 Chapter One Diplomatic Bluebook - 2018
Russia also enhanced cooperation major powers did not break the with China and bolstered relations framework of cooperation coexisting with the Association of Southeast with competition. China, the US, Asian Nations (ASEAN). Japan, upon Russia and Japan still maintained the re-election of Prime Minister cooperation in issues of common Shinzo Abe as President of the Liberal interest, such as the denuclearization Democratic Party, continued on the of the Korean Peninsula and the fight path of strengthening relations with against terrorism. The mustering of the US, improving relations with forces was conducted in a flexible China, and vigorously promoting the manner and based on the convergence Indo-Pacific strategy, while taking of interests on each issue and timing the lead in advancing the CPTPP and of the matter. Multilateral institutions, proactively promoting the rallying of notably the UN and the WTO, despite forces. India, on one hand, strove to the great pressure to undergo reforms, maintain stable relations with China; still played an indispensable role in on the other hand, heightened its the existing world order. All countries, strategic cooperation with the US, including the US, felt the need to Japan, and Australia through the employ and participate in multilateral “Indo-Pacific” vision and stepped up institutions to protect their interests the realization of its “Act East” policy. and influences and resolve global b) Changes in the balance of power and issues. (The 24th UN Conference of policy adjustments of major powers led to Parties (COP-24) reached an agreement mounting competition and friction in on the implementation of the Paris their relations. The China - US relations Agreement; many countries adopted clearly revealed the increasingly the Global Compact for Migration). heated and fierce competition, as Global forums and institutions such as friction emerged in all areas, including the G7, the G20, the association of five economics, trade, high technology, major emerging economies (BRICS), geo-strategic influence, and security. and the World Economic Forum Relations between Russia and the (WEF) still played an important role US and the EU continued to be beset in the global governance. by difficulties as friction between c) New developments were seen in the Russia and the US escalated over regional situation and hot spots. international and regional issues The Asia-Pacific continued acting such as control of strategic weapons, as the driver of the global economy Syria, and Ukraine. Despite its fiercer and the area of top strategic priority nature, strategic competition among for major powers. In the context of
16 The International and Regional Situation and the Foreign Policy Chapter One of the Vietnamese Party and State in 2018 rising strategic competition between Operations (FONOP) in the East China and the US, countries in the Sea. The possibility of clash between region made policy adjustments China and the US rose, particularly to adapt to the new environment, after their warships nearly collided securing their relations with both in the proximity of the Johnson and China and the US. In Northeast Asia, Gaven Reefs on September 30, 2018. the situation on the Korean Peninsula Given this context, ASEAN took took a rapid turn from confrontation a balanced, constructive position to rapprochement and dialogue. Three based on its common principles to inter-Korean summits and the first US - uphold ASEAN’s credibility and DPRK Summit (June 2018) were held strengthen its community-building, but had yet to result in breakthroughs while tightening relations with major due to the differences in positions and partners (including the upgrade of interests among the parties concerned. relations with Russia to strategic Meanwhile, tensions escalated over partnership). ASEAN and China the Taiwan Strait issue, which became agreed to conduct negotiations on even more complex after the US’ the substance of the Code of Conduct adoption of the Taiwan Travel Act, in the South China Sea (COC) on the continued sale of weapons, and the basis of the single draft negotiating multiple passage of US warships text. Nonetheless, the conclusion of through the Taiwan Strait. a legally binding and effective COC In Southeast Asia, the situation remained on an uphill path. basically remained stable. Cambodia, The situation in Latin America, Malaysia and the Philippines held Middle East and Africa continued to elections. Despite the region’s relative unfold in complex and unpredictable stability, the East Sea issue moved ways. Left-wing movements in Latin into a new phase of more complex America encountered great difficulties developments due to disputes over as major countries in the region were sovereignty and natural resources undergoing leadership transition; between China and the ASEAN-4 and and as the bilateral relations between the escalating tension and friction the US and Venezuela and Cuba, between China and the US. The US, respectively, were worsening. In the Japan, Australia, India and a number Middle East, while relations between of EU major powers such as the United Israel and the Arab countries showed Kingdom (UK) and France increased signs of warming up, the protracted their engagement and conducted conflicts in Syria, Yemen and Libya, multiple Freedom of Navigation and the Gulf diplomatic crisis remained
17 Chapter One Diplomatic Bluebook - 2018
unresolved. In addition, tension over disorder, which resulted in the transfer the Iran nuclear issue and the Middle of power in many countries. Major East Peace Process resurfaced with powers maintained their influence new and unexpected developments. in Africa while some emerging In Africa, economic difficulties, powers and Middle East countries corruption and internal conflicts gave actively increased their presence, even rise to a wave of protests and political militarily, in this continent.
II. Foreign Policy Guidelines of the Vietnamese Party and State
The complex developments at the continue consolidating and deepening global and regional levels impacted cooperation with countries, political the external environment of Viet Nam. parties, and priority and key partners, Amidst intertwining opportunities and to enhance intertwining interest: and challenges, Viet Nam enjoyed consolidate the special solidarity many favorable conditions. Building and political trust with Laos through on the diplomatic achievements cooperation in all areas; strengthen and success of the APEC Viet Nam the traditional friendship and 2017, the diplomatic activities of the promote effective cooperation with Party and State were conducted in a Cambodia; maintain stable relations, proactive, vigorous, innovative and strengthen political trust and promote effective manner in 2018. During the cooperation with China; sustain the year, the high-level leaders of the momentum of relations with the US Party and State made 28 trips for and promote relations with the EU; (ii) official visits and major international to actively carry out many multilateral events, received 33 high-level diplomatic activities, proactively delegations visiting and attending contribute to the shaping of important important conferences in Viet Nam. multilateral institutions (Directive No. The assumption of the two highest 25-CT/TW dated August 8, 2018 by leadership positions by General the Party Secretariat on strengthening Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (he was and elevating multilateral diplomacy elected to the Presidency in October until 2030, the first Party-level 2018) also placed new demands on directive dedicated to multilateral Vietnamese diplomacy. diplomacy); (iii) to advance Specifically, the key tasks of international integration across foreign affairs in 2018 were (i) to areas, make effective use of economic
18 The International and Regional Situation and the Foreign Policy Chapter One of the Vietnamese Party and State in 2018 diplomacy, expand cooperation for about Viet Nam and its people; attracting resources to serve Viet and (vi) to raise the effectiveness of Nam’s development and establish and citizen protection and assistance to consolidate its position in the global overseas Vietnamese; proactively and value chain; (iv) to steadfastly protect resolutely defend Viet Nam’s views national independence, sovereignty on human rights and democracy, and territorial integrity, engage engage in frequent information in cooperation to find mutually exchange and dialogue to enhance beneficial, long-term solutions on mutual understanding and narrow the basis of international law and the differences. respect for the legitimate interests of Thanks to the effective the parties concerned (on October 22, implementation of the afore- 2018, the 12th Party Central Committee mentioned policy guidelines and adopted the Resolution No. 36-NQ/ the smooth coordination between TW on the Strategy for the Sustainable the core external affairs activities Development of Viet Nam’s Marine of the Party, State and National Economy until 2030 with a vision to Assembly and the people’s diplomacy 2045. It stated that Viet Nam must activities, Vietnamese diplomacy become a strong marine country, achieved a number of outstanding and that sustainable development accomplishments in 2018. At the 30th of the marine economy shall be Diplomatic Conference in August linked with the protection of national 2018, leaders of the Party and State independence, sovereignty, and regarded the achievements in foreign territorial integrity, thus contributing affairs as a highlight among the overall to the maintenance of a peaceful and national achievements, contributing stable environment for development); to reinforcing the stable and (v) to innovate the formats and peaceful environment, mobilization contents of cultural diplomacy and of resources for development, and external communication, heighten the elevation of Viet Nam’s international effectiveness of promotional activities standing.
19 Chapter Two BILATERAL DIPLOMATIC ACTIVITIES
I. Bilateral Relations with Neighboring and ASEAN Countries
1. Lao PDR: The special relations Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh - of traditional friendship, solidarity during which he attended the and comprehensive cooperation Foreign Ministerial Political Dialogue between Viet Nam and Laos has been (December 2018), Chairman of the Party going from strength to strength across Central Committee Communication the board with added substances and Education Commission Vo Van and productivity. The two countries Thuong (July 2018), Chief Justice of exchanged some 300 delegations the Supreme People’s Court Nguyen across all levels, sectors and Hoa Binh (August 2018). From Laos localities, an increase in number and to Viet Nam, there were the visits effectiveness. From Viet Nam to Laos, by General Secretary and President there were the visits by Prime Minister Bounnhang Vorachith (July 2018), Nguyen Xuan Phuc to attend the 40th Vice President Phankham Viphavan Meeting of the Viet Nam - Laos Inter- (September 2018), Prime Minister Governmental Committee (February Thongloun Sisoulith (October 2018), Executive Standing Member 2018), Head of the Party Central of the Party Central Committee Organization Commission Chansi Secretariat Tran Quoc Vuong (October Phosikham (May 2018), Deputy 2018), First Vice President of the Prime Minister, Chairman of the National Assembly Tong Thi Phong Party Central Inspection Commission (April 2018), Vice President Dang and Chairman of the State Inspection Thi Ngoc Thinh (June 2018), Deputy Committee Bounthong Chitmany (July Prime Minister and Minister of 2018), President of the Lao Front for
20 Chapter Two Bilateral Diplomatic Activities
General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong welcoming General Secretary, President of Lao PDR Bounnhang Vorachith during his official visit to Viet Nam (Ha Noi, July 3, 2018) - VNA.
National Construction Saysomphone two countries. These mechanisms Phomvihane (September 2018), Vice facilitated information exchange, President of the National Assembly coordination of positions and mutual Sengnouane Sayalat (July 2018), support between the two countries Minister, Chairman of the Office of at international and regional forums. the Prime Minister (October 2018), Both sides also regularly held and Minister of Justice (December discussions to share information on 2018), among many others. Both defense and security, and effectively sides effectively maintained various collaborated to counter the plots and cooperation mechanisms between activities of reactionary and hostile ministries and agencies, including forces attempting to impinge upon consultations between the Central their respective national security and Foreign Relations Commissions and jeopardize the excellent traditional Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the bond between the two countries;
21 Chapter Two Diplomatic Bluebook - 2018
and to combat transnational crimes, eight new Vietnamese projects worth particularly drug and human $95.2 million granted investment trafficking. Collaboration in education, licenses in Laos. Various investment training, culture and arts, and between projects, including the key projects of Viettel, Bank for Investment and the two sides’ localities, particularly Development of Viet Nam (BIDV), those sharing land border, was all Petrolimex and PVOil, proved their bolstered. effectiveness, and greatly contributed Bilateral economic, trade and to each country’s economic and social investment collaboration was actively development. promoted to translate the signed 2. Cambodia: The bond of agreements into reality, particularly “good neighborliness, traditional the minutes of the 40th Meeting of the friendship, comprehensive, long-term Viet Nam - Laos Inter-Governmental cooperation” continued to be duly Commission. Bilateral trade turnover cultivated by both sides. Both sides in 2018 exceeded $1.03 billion, a 13% maintained regular exchange of high- year-on increase. The year also saw level delegations. From Viet Nam to
Member of the Politburo, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc holding talks with Prime Minister of Cambodia Samdech Techo Hun Sen during his official visit to Viet Nam (Ha Noi, December 7, 2018) - VNA.
22 Chapter Two Bilateral Diplomatic Activities
Cambodia, there were the visits by greater depth to the friendship First Vice President of the National and collaboration between the two Assembly Tong Thi Phong (April countries. 2018), Minister of Public Security The bilateral economic and trade To Lam (January 2018), Minister of relations continued to improve in 2018. National Defense Ngo Xuan Lich Bilateral trade turnover amounted to (December 2018), Chairwoman of $4.7 billion, a 20% year-on increase. the Central Commission on Mass There was a total of 210 Vietnamese Mobilization Truong Thi Mai (October investment projects in Cambodia, 2018), and Chairman of the General worth $3.3 billion in registered capital, Political Department Luong Cuong making Viet Nam one of the five (September 2018). From Cambodia largest foreign investors in Cambodia. to Viet Nam, there were the holiday Cambodia’s investment in Viet Nam visit by His Majesty King Norodom also witnessed an increase with 18 Sihamoni (December 2018), the active projects worth $58 million. official visit by Prime Minister Hun More than 835,000 Vietnamese tourists Sen (December 2018), Deputy Prime visited Cambodia in 2018. Minister and Minister of Foreign 3. China: The Viet Nam - China Affairs and International Cooperation Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Prak Sokhonn’s visit to co-chair the 16th Partnership maintained a stable Meeting of the Viet Nam - Cambodia trajectory. Political trust was Joint Committee (May 2018) and for improved, and collaboration across official bilateral purpose (November the board grew more effective. Both 2018), Deputy Prime Minister and sides maintained regular exchange Minister of Defense Samdech Pichey of high-level visits and contacts Sena Tea Banh’s visit to celebrate the between the two Parties and States, 41th anniversary of the Road to the most notably the meetings between Overthrow of the Pol Pot Genocidal Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc Regime (June 2018), among others. with General Secretary and President In addition, Prime Minister Nguyen Xi Jinping on the occasion of the first Xuan Phuc and Prime Minister Hun China International Import Expo Sen also held a number of meetings on (CIIE) held in Shanghai (November the sidelines of multilateral forums. 2018), and with Premier of the Such bilateral visits and meetings, Council of State Li Keqiang on the in addition to the effective operation sidelines of the Second Mekong- of the 22 bilateral dialogues and Lancang Cooperation Summit held collaboration mechanisms, added in Cambodia (January 2018) and
23 Chapter Two Diplomatic Bluebook - 2018
Member of the Politburo, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc introducing to General Secretary, President of China Xi Jinping the Vietnamese booth at the opening ceremony of the 1st China International Import Expo (CIIE) and Hongqiao International Economic and Trade Forum (Shanghai, November 5, 2018) - VNA.
the 12th Summit of the Asia-Europe (June 2018). From China to Viet Nam, Meeting in Belgium (November 2018). there were the visits by Secretary of In addition, visits from Viet Nam to the Central Commission for Discipline China included those of Executive Inspection Zhao Leji (September Standing Member of the Party 2018), Vice Premier of the State Central Committee Secretariat Tran Council Hu Chunhua to attend the Quoc Vuong (August 2018), Deputy World Economic Forum on ASEAN Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue to (September 2018), and Member of the attend the th 15 China - ASEAN Expo State Council and Minister of Foreign (September 2018), Deputy Prime Affairs Wang Yi to attend theth 6 Minister Vu Duc Dam to attend the 5th Greater Mekong Subregion Economic China - South Asia Expo and the 25th Cooperation Summit (GMS-6) (March Kunming Expo in Kunming, Yunnan 2018) and to co-chair the 11th Meeting
24 Chapter Two Bilateral Diplomatic Activities of the Steering Committee for Viet Locality cooperation and people-to- Nam - China Bilateral Relations people exchanges between the two (September 2018), among others. countries also saw good progress. The Various cooperation mechanisms two sides collaborated in organizing saw effective operation: at the Party the third Spring Meeting between the channel, between the National Provincial Party Secretaries of the four Assembly of Viet Nam and the Vietnamese border provinces, namely National People’s Congress of China, Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang and between the Central Committee of the Ha Giang - and the Party Secretary Viet Nam Fatherland Front and the of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Chinese People’s Political Consultative Region in February 2018; and the fifth Conference, and in other pertinent Viet Nam - China Friendly Border areas such as diplomacy, defense Defense Exchange in Cao Bang and and security, law enforcement, and Guangxi in November 2018. During so on. For example, Head of the those meetings and exchanges, both Central Publicity Department Huang Kunming paid a visit to Viet Nam sides underlined their commonalities and attended the th 14 Conference and agreed to remain respectful to each on Political Thoughts between the other, promote strategic exchanges, Communist Party of Viet Nam and bolster political trust, deepen mutually the Communist Party of China (July beneficial cooperation, control and 2018); Vice Chairman of the Standing satisfactorily address outstanding Committee of the National People’s disputes and emergent issues, and Congress of China Chen Zhu attended promote a sustained healthy and the 26th Annual Meeting of the Asia- stable relationship. Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF- The bilateral trade turnover in 2018 26) (January 2018), Chief Justice exceeded the $100 billion milestone, of the Supreme People’s Court of standing at $106.7 billion (a year-on China Zhuo Qiang visited Viet Nam increase of 12.2%), out of which Viet (September 2018). In reciprocity, Nam exported $41.27 billion and there were visits by Chief Justice imported $65.44 billion. By the end of of the Supreme People’s Court of December 2018, Chinese investments Viet Nam Nguyen Hoa Binh (May in Viet Nam stood at $13.35 billion 2018), Minister of Public Security To Lam, Minister of National Defense across 2,149 projects, ranking seventh Ngo Xuan Lich (October 2018), and out of the countries and territories with Chairman of the Viet Nam Fatherland investments in Viet Nam. During 2018 Front Central Committee Tran Thanh alone, there were 381 new projects Man (November 2018) to China. worth $2.4 billion in registered capital.
25 Chapter Two Diplomatic Bluebook - 2018
In tourism, China continued to top the Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to Bali chart of foreign tourists visiting Viet in October 2018. Both sides issued Nam, with nearly 5 million arrivals in a Joint Statement on strengthening 2018, a 20% year-on increase. the Strategic Partnership and signed 4. Viet Nam consistently attaches the 2019-2023 Strategic Partnership importance to advancing the Action Plan to add greater substances comprehensive cooperation with to the Strategic Partnership and other ASEAN member countries. elevate bilateral ties to a new height. The Strategic Partnership with Bilateral trade in 2018 registered at Indonesia witnessed extraordinary $8.45 billion (a 30% year-on increase), growth, particularly following out of which Vietnamese export was the State visit by President Joko $3.53 billion and import was $4.92 Widodo to Viet Nam in September billion. By the end of December 2018 and the working visit by Prime 2018, Indonesia ranked 28th among
General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong holding a cordial meeting with President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo during his State visit to Viet Nam (Ha Noi, September 12, 2018) - VNA.
26 Chapter Two Bilateral Diplomatic Activities
Viet Nam’s foreign investors with 74 diplomatic relations (August 1, 1973 - projects worth $565.1 million. Viet August 1, 2018) and the 5th anniversary Nam had 13 investment projects in of the Viet Nam - Singapore Strategic Indonesia with capital worth $54.7 Partnership (2013-2018). By the end million. The two countries signed of 2018, Singapore maintained its a Joint Communiqué on voluntary third place among the countries and international cooperation to combat territories investing in Viet Nam, with illegal, unreported and unregulated 2,159 projects worth over $46.6 billion fishing (IUU) and promote sustainable in total capital. Bilateral trade turnover fisheries governance (September in 2018 exceeded $7.6 billion (in which 2018). The two sides also agreed to Vietnamese exports exceeded $3.1 work towards establishing a fishery billion and imports were over $4.5 hotline and a mechanism for maritime billion). The two sides continued to collaboration, and to expedite coordinate closely and effectively at negotiations for the demarcation of multilateral forums such as the UN, exclusive economic zones. ASEAN, APEC, ASEM, and so on. The Strategic Partnership with The Strategic Partnership with Singapore continued to grow in Thailand progressed positively. substance and in trust. Prime Minister Both sides increased contacts and Nguyen Xuan Phuc paid an official exchange of delegations. Visits from visit and attend the nd 32 ASEAN Thailand to Viet Nam included Summit (April 2018); Deputy Prime those of Prime Minister Prayuth Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Chan-o-cha to attend the GMS-6 Pham Binh Minh paid an official visit (March 2018), Deputy Prime Minister and attend ASEAN meetings (July Prajin Juntong to attend the WEF- 2018). Visits from Singapore to Viet ASEAN, and Deputy Prime Minister Nam included those of Prime Minister Chatchai Sarikulya (September Lee Hsien Loong to attend the WEF- 2018). Vietnamese Prime Minister ASEAN (September 2018), Minister of Nguyen Xuan Phuc visited Thailand Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan to (June 2018) for the 8th Ayeyawady - attend the rd3 Indian Ocean Conference Chao Phraya - Mekong Economic in Ha Noi (August 2018), Deputy Prime Cooperation Summit (ACMECS-8). Minister and Coordinating Minister The two sides successfully held the for National Security Teo Chee Hean 10th Meeting of the Joint Working (September 2018), among others. Both Group on Political and Security sides held a wide range of activities Cooperation and the 3rd Meeting to celebrate the 45th anniversary of of the Joint Commission on Trade
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(August 2018). Cooperation between year-on increase. By the end of 2018, the localities of the two sides grew Malaysia ranked eighth among considerably. To date, 17 Vietnamese the countries and territories with provinces and municipalities have investments in Viet Nam, with 586 signed cooperation agreements or projects worth $12.478 billion in total established sisterhood with Thai of registered capital. localities. Regarding economic and The Strategic Partnership with trade within ASEAN, Thailand was the Philippines saw positive growth. our largest trade partner and we were While no high-level visit took place their second largest export market. during the year, Prime Minister Bilateral trade turnover in 2018 Nguyen Xuan Phuc twice met with amounted to $17.2 billion, a 13.4% President Rodrigo Duterte on the year-on increase. Thailand was the sidelines of the 32nd ASEAN Summit ninth largest among the countries and in Singapore (April 2018) and the territories investing in Viet Nam with Annual Meeting of the International 521 projects worth $10.38 billion in Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World total registered capital. Viet Nam had Bank (WB) in Bali, Indonesia (October 17 investment projects in Thailand 2018). Both sides signed an agreement on the establishment of Party-to-Party with $29.2 million in total capital. relations between the Communist The Strategic Partnership with Party of Viet Nam and the ruling Malaysia maintained a sound growth party in the Philippines PDP-Laban, trajectory. The two sides were actively during the visit to Viet Nam by implementing the 2017-2019 Action Deputy President of PDP-Laban and Program for the Strategic Partnership, Secretary of Energy Alfonso G. Cusi and collaborated effectively to (August 2018). Bilateral trade turnover organize events commemorating in 2018 hit $4.71 billion, a 18% year-on th the 45 anniversary of diplomatic increase, in which Vietnamese exports relations (1973-2018). Deputy Prime were over $3.46 billion and imports Minister Wan Azizah Ismail paid exceeded $1.25 billion. Viet Nam two visits to Viet Nam, in September topped the list of countries exporting and October 2018, respectively. Prime rice to the Philippines with over one Minister Mahathir Mohamad and million tons in 2018. There were 79 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc Filipino FDI projects in operation in met twice on the sidelines of the Viet Nam, with total registered capital ASEAN summits in Indonesia and worth $349 million. Viet Nam had five Singapore. Bilateral trade turnover investment projects in the Philippines, in 2018 reached $11.5 billion, a 13.2% with $4 million in total capital.
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The Comprehensive Cooperative trade turnover in 2018 reached $873.9 Partnership with Myanmar has been million, a 5.5% year-on increase. increasingly strengthened. During Bilateral relations with Brunei the official visit to Viet Nam by the Darussalam maintained encouraging State Counsellor of Myanmar Aung growth trajectory at both bilateral San Suu Kyi (April 2018), the two and multilateral levels. Two-way countries’ leaders issued a Joint trade in 2018 was $50 million. Brunei Statement, expressing satisfaction Darussalam became the fourth largest over the recent positive developments investor into Viet Nam out of the in the bilateral cooperation. Viet Nam became Myanmar’s seventh largest ASEAN members, with 179 projects foreign investor with 18 projects worth worth more than $1 billion. There over $2.1 billion in registered capital, were two Vietnamese investment accounting for 2.8% of total foreign projects worth $3.6 million in Brunei investment into Myanmar. Bilateral Darussalam.
II. Bilateral Relations with other Partners
1. The Asia-Pacific Abe on the sidelines of the 44th G7 - Japan: The Extensive Strategic Summit (June 2018), and the official Partnership between Viet Nam and visit to Japan by Minister of National Japan continued to grow strongly and Defense Ngo Xuan Lich (April 2018). substantively across the board. The In return, from Japan to Viet Nam, two countries effectively collaborated there were the visits by Minister for in the successful organization of Foreign Affairs Taro Kono to co-chair nearly 250 events celebrating the 45th the 10th Meeting of the Viet Nam - Japan anniversary of diplomatic relations Cooperation Committee (September (September 21, 1973 - September 21, 2018), Minister of Land, Infrastructure, 2018). The highlights of the year were Transport and Tourism Keiichi Ishii the State visit to Japan by President (December 2018), State Minister for Tran Dai Quang (May 2018), the visit Foreign Affairs Kazuyuki Nakane, and by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Chairman of the Committee on Budget Phuc during his attendance of the 10th of the House of Representatives Takeo Mekong - Japan Cooperation Summit Kawamura (August 2018), among (October 2018), the meeting between others. Both sides signed the Joint Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc Vision Statement on Japan - Viet Nam and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Defense Cooperation towards the next
29 Chapter Two Diplomatic Bluebook - 2018
Member of the Politburo, President Tran Dai Quang in the audience with H.M. Emperor of Japan Akihito during his State visit to Japan (Tokyo, May 30, 2018) - VNA.
decade. Regarding economic and Viet Nam, ranking third behind China trade relations, Japan was Viet Nam’s and the Republic of Korea. fourth largest partner with bilateral - The Republic of Korea (ROK): The trade turnover in 2018 amounting Strategic Cooperative Partnership to $37.86 billion (year-on increase of between the two countries continued 11.9%), of which Viet Nam exported to flourish in many areas. With regards $18.85 billion and imported $19.01 to the exchange of delegations, from billion. By the end of 2018, Japan Viet Nam to the ROK, there were ranked second out of the countries and the official visits by President of the territories with investments in Viet National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Nam, employing 3,996 projects worth Ngan and Deputy Prime Minister $57.02 billion in total registered capital. Trinh Dinh Dzung (December 2018). Japan continued to be Viet Nam’s top From the ROK to Viet Nam, there were official development assistance (ODA) the State visit by President Moon Jae- donor. In tourism, the year 2018 saw in, and the visits by Minister of Foreign 826,674 Japanese tourists’ arrivals to Affairs Kang Kyung-wha (March 2018)
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Member of the Politburo, President of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan meeting President of the ROK Moon Jae-in during her official visit to the ROK (Seoul, December 6, 2018) - VNA. and Minister of Defense Song Young- ROK topped the chart of countries moo (June 2018). Cooperation and territories investing in Viet Nam between the two sides’ localities with more than 7,300 projects totaling and people-to-people exchanges saw $62.5 billion in registered capital robust progress with six newly signed (accounting for 18.3% of total FDI). In cooperation agreements. Economic, development cooperation, the ROK trade and investment cooperation was the second largest ODA donor to continued to be the highlight in the Viet Nam, only behind Japan. The two bilateral relations. The ROK became sides signed a Framework Agreement Viet Nam’s second largest trade for credit lines from the Economic partner behind China: bilateral trade Development Cooperation Fund for turnover in 2018 was $66.2 billion (a 2016-2020, worth $1.5 billion. The 7.1% year-on increase), out of which number of Korean tourists into Viet Viet Nam exports were worth $18.3 Nam continued to rise significantly billion and imports were $47.9 billion. throughout 2018, to 3.5 million arrivals In investment, by the end of 2018, the (a year-on increase of 32.2%), ranking
31 Chapter Two Diplomatic Bluebook - 2018
second only to China. By December and Indian President Ram Nath 2018, the Vietnamese community in the Kovind paid a State visit to Viet ROK numbered nearly 197,000, while Nam (November 2018). These the Korean community in Viet Nam visits contributed to deepening the numbered approximately 150,000. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership - India: The relations between between the two countries. Both sides the two countries was strengthened held the 16th Joint Commission Meeting through mutual visits of high-level (August 2018). Defense and security leaders. President Tran Dai Quang maintained their role as a strategic and paid a State visit to India (March 2018), effective area of cooperation between Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc the two countries. The Indian Minister attended the Commemorative Summit of Defense paid an official visit to Viet celebrating the 25th anniversary of Nam (June 2018); the two sides held ASEAN - India dialogue (January 2018), the first Deputy Ministerial Security
General Secretary, President Nguyen Phu Trong and his spouse welcoming President of India Ram Nath Kovind and his spouse during his State visit to Viet Nam (Ha Noi, November 20, 2018) - VNA.
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Dialogue between the Vietnamese Indian investments in Viet Nam was Ministry of Public Security and the $878.1 million across 208 projects, Office of National Security Council of while Viet Nam had eight investment India (July 2018). A Vietnamese Coast projects in India, worth nearly $6.16 Guard vessel paid a port call to India, million in registered capital. Progress and Indian Coast Guard and naval has been achieved in other areas of vessels paid three port calls to Viet cooperation, such as science and Nam. India maintained its position technology, education and training, as one of Viet Nam’s ten largest trade culture and tourism, and people-to- partners. Bilateral trade turnover in people exchange. 2018 reached $10.68 billion, a year- - Australia: Bilateral cooperation on increase of nearly 40%. By the end in 2018 witnessed a leap forward, of 2018, total registered capital of highlighted by the upgrade to Strategic
Member of the Politburo, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at the signing ceremony for the Joint Statement on the establishment of the Viet Nam - Australia Strategic Partnership during his official visit to Australia (Canberra, March 15, 2018) - VNA.
33 Chapter Two Diplomatic Bluebook - 2018
Partnership on the occasion of Prime 2018-2019 fiscal year (on par with Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s official the 2017-2018 fiscal year). Education visit to Australia in March 2018, and training cooperation was another making Australia the 11th economy in highlight in the bilateral relations. the G20 to become Viet Nam’s strategic Both sides signed the Viet Nam - partner. Both sides collaborated Australia Education and Training effectively in the organization of Cooperation Agreement and events celebrating the 45th anniversary Vocational Training Agreement for of diplomatic relations (1973-2018) 2018-2023. As many as nearly 30,000 and the 20th anniversary of defense Vietnamese students are presently relations (1998-2018). In the exchange in Australia, being the fifth largest of delegations, from Viet Nam to foreign student community in this Australia, in addition to the visit by country. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, - New Zealand: The two sides Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh regularly exchanged visits at all levels. attended the World Women Summit in Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc Australia (April 2018), and Minister of paid an official visit to New Zealand National Defense Ngo Xuan Lich also (March 2018). From New Zealand to paid a visit to Australia (November Viet Nam, there were the visits by 2018). In the other direction, there were the Minister of Agriculture Damien the State visit by Governor-General O’Connor (August 2018) and the Peter Cosgrove and the official visits Deputy Secretary for Foreign Affairs by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Trade and Economics Vangelis Vitalis, the latter to co-chair the 6th Julie Bishop (May 2018) and Speaker Meeting of the Joint Committee on of the House of Representatives Tony Economics and Trade (October 2018). Smith (July 2018). Bilateral trade Bilateral trade turnover climbed to turnover amounted to $7.7 billion nearly $2 billion, a year-on increase (a year-on increase of 19.3%), out of 7.6%. In investment, by the end of of which Viet Nam’s exports were 2018, there were 28 New Zealand’s worth nearly $3 billion. In investment, investment projects in Viet Nam worth by the end of 2018, there were 426 $102 million in registered capital. Viet active Australian projects in Viet Nam invested in 6 projects worth Nam worth $1.9 billion in total capital, $25.6 million in New Zealand. The ranking 19th out of all countries and Parliament of New Zealand approved territories with investment in Viet ODA funding of NZ$26.7 million for Nam. Australia provided AU$84.2 Viet Nam, on par with the 2015-2018 million of ODA to Viet Nam for the period.
34 Chapter Two Bilateral Diplomatic Activities
Member of the Politburo, President of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan welcomed Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Karu Jayasuriya during his official visit toiet V Nam (Ha Noi, April 23, 2018) - VNA.
- Relations with other Asian countries included the official visit by Speaker were further bolstered. President of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Karu Tran Dai Quang paid an official visit Jayasuriya (April 2018) and the two to Bangladesh (March 2018). The visits by the Prime Minister of Sri Chairman of the Viet Nam Fatherland Lanka to attend multilateral meetings Front Central Committee Tran (August and September 2018); visits Thanh Man visited the Democratic by Mongolian Chairman of the State People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Great Khural (January 2018) and and attended the celebration of its Minister of Justice and Home Affairs 70th National Day (September 2018). (October 2018); Minister of Foreign Visits from other countries to Viet Nam Affairs (December 2018) and President
35 Chapter Two Diplomatic Bluebook - 2018
President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin holding talks with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong during his official visit to the Russian Federation (Sochi, September 6, 2018) - VNA.
of the Women’s Union of the DPRK of National Defense Ngo Xuan Lich, (November 2018), among others. Viet Minister of Public Security To Lam Nam and Pakistan held the Second (April 2018), Party Secretary of Ho Chi Political Consultation in Islamabad Minh City Nguyen Thien Nhan (May (April 2018). 2018), Chairman of the Viet Nam 2. Europe Fatherland Front Central Committee - Russian Federation: The Tran Thanh Man (September 2018). Comprehensive Strategic Partnership In the other direction, there were between the two countries was the visits by Russian Prime Minister continuously bolstered. The two sides D. A. Medvedev (November 2018), exchanged multiple high-level visits. Chairman of the State Duma From Viet Nam to Russia, there were Vyacheslav V. Volodin (December the visits by the General Secretary 2018), Deputy Chairman of the State Nguyen Phu Trong, Vice President Duma Olga Epifanova (September Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh (September 2018), Minister of Foreign Affairs 2018), Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Sergei Lavrov (March 2018) and Dinh Dzung (October 2018), Minister Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu
36 Chapter Two Bilateral Diplomatic Activities
(January 2018). In addition, the two investment projects in Russia with the sides actively lent each other support total capital of nearly $3 billion. The at multilateral forums, particularly number of visitors from Russia to Viet the UN and ASEAN (The relations Nam in 2018 exceeded 606,000, a 10% between Russia and ASEAN was increase since 2017. upgraded to Strategic Partnership in - European Union: Cooperation 2018). In economic matters, bilateral between the two sides continued trade turnover in 2018 was $4.57 billion, to be strengthened and advanced, growing by 28.6% against 2017. By the particularly through the visit to the end of 2018, Russia ranked 23rd out EU by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan of the countries and territories with Phuc (October 2018). Highlights investment in Viet Nam, employing included the two sides’ adoption of 114 projects worth $1.03 billion in total the Viet Nam - EU Joint Committee registered capital. Viet Nam had 20 on the Partnership and Cooperation
President of European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker welcoming Member of the Politburo, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc during his official visit to the EU (Brussels, October 19, 2018) - VNA.
37 Chapter Two Diplomatic Bluebook - 2018
Agreement (PCA) (September 2018) Bilateral relations between Viet Nam after three years of negotiation; and EU member states continued to be and the signing of the Voluntary strengthened. Economic collaboration Partnership Agreement on Forest was a highlight in our relations with Law Enforcement, Governance and Germany. Germany consistently Trade (VPA/FLEGT), laying the maintained its position as Viet Nam’s largest trade partner in the groundwork for market expansion EU. Bilateral trade turnover in 2018 and improvement of export value for exceeded $10 billion, a 10% year-on timber products from Viet Nam to the increase. German investments into EU. Of particular note, in October 2018, Viet Nam reached $1.9 billion, growing the European Commission approved by 35% since 2017 and maintained the the submission of the EVFTA to the fourth place among the EU member European Council for consideration states. Germany was also a major of official signing. The EU maintained and effective partner among EU its position as the fourth largest trade members in scientific, technological partner (only behind China, the ROK and vocational training cooperation. and the US) and the second largest While the UK was occupied with Brexit export market (only behind the US) negotiations, the two sides maintained of Viet Nam. Bilateral trade turnover regular exchange of delegations. in 2018 exceeded $55.7 billion, out From Viet Nam to the UK, there were of which Viet Nam exported $41.9 the visits by Deputy Prime Minister, billion and imported $13.8 billion. Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh The EU ranked fifth among the largest Minh (October 2018) and Minister of Public Security To Lam (November investors into Viet Nam (behind the 2018). Vice versa, there were the visits ROK, Japan, Singapore and Chinese by His Royal Highness Prince Andrew Taipei). By the end of August 2018, (December 2018), Minister of State at 24 out of the 28 EU members had the Foreign Office Mark Field (January investments in Viet Nam, boasting 2018), and Minister of State for Trade a total of 2,141 projects worth $24.17 and Export Promotion the Baroness billion in registered capital. In Fairhead (July 2018). The two sides development cooperation, the EU made effective use of the Strategic remained the largest grant donor for Dialogue and the Joint Economic Viet Nam (the EU pledged €400 million and Trade Committee. A wide range in aid to Viet Nam for 2014-2020), of activities were organized in with the focus on sustainable energy celebration of the 45th anniversary development and climate change of diplomatic relations (1973-2018). adaptation. Economic cooperation between
38 Chapter Two Bilateral Diplomatic Activities
Member of the Politburo, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh meeting with Lord Speaker of the UK, Baron Fowler during his official visit to the UK of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (London, October 9, 2018) - VNA. the two countries was bolstered: diplomatic relations (1973-2018) and two-way trade in 2018 exceeded the 5th anniversary of the Strategic $6.5 billion, growing by 9.5% since Partnership. The highlights were the 2017, while British investment into official visit to France by General Viet Nam was $3.5 billion. Defense Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (March cooperation between the two sides 2018) and the official visit to Viet progressed in substance, particularly Nam by the French Prime Minister in peacekeeping. Collaboration in Édouard Philippe (November 2018). education and training between the France remained the fifth largest two sides was also maintained through European trade partner of Viet Nam English-language programs aimed (behind Germany, the Netherlands, at Vietnamese officials and teachers. the UK and Italy). Bilateral trade The Strategic Partnership with France turnover in 2018 was $5.1 billion. continued to flourish; the two sides France also ranked third among stepped up the exchange of delegations European countries (behind the UK to celebrate the 45th anniversary of and the Netherlands) and 16th out
39 Chapter Two Diplomatic Bluebook - 2018
President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron welcoming General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong during his official visit to the French Republic (Paris, March 27, 2018) - VNA.
of all countries and territories with three important partners of Viet Nam investments in Viet Nam, with $2.8 in Europe - Austria, Belgium and billion in total registered investment Denmark, during which the Strategic capital. The year 2018 saw more than Partnership in Agriculture with 260,000 French tourists visiting Viet Belgium was signed (October 2018); Nam, growing by 10% since 2017. the official visit to the Netherlands by - Cooperation between Viet Nam President of the National Assembly and other European countries was also Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (March 2018); cultivated through various visits: the working visits by Vice President the official visit by General Secretary of the National Assembly Uong Chu Nguyen Phu Trong to Hungary, Luu to Bulgaria and Macedonia during which relations between (April 2018), Romania (May 2018) the two countries was upgraded and Azerbaijan (September 2018). The to Comprehensive Partnership Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of (September 2018); the official visit by Deputies of the Czech Republic paid a Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to visit to Viet Nam (June 2018).
40 Chapter Two Bilateral Diplomatic Activities
3. The Americas Carl Vinson paid a port visit to Viet - The United States: Viet Nam Nam (March 2018). The two sides also proactively promoted relations with celebrated the 30th anniversary of joint the Trump’s administration, thus MIA works in Viet Nam (1988-2018) maintaining the growth momentum and the official completion of the of and further deepening the Viet dioxin remediation project in Da Nang Nam - US relationship. The two airport (November 2018). Bilateral sides maintained regular exchange trade turnover in 2018 exceeded $60 of visits across all levels, particularly billion, growing by 7.78% since 2017, the high-level. From Viet Nam to the out of which Viet Nam exported US, there were the visits by Prime $47.52 billion and imported $12.75 Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc - during billion. US exports into Viet Nam grew his attendance of the 73rd UN General in excess of 20%, while Viet Nam’s Assembly (September 2018), Deputy exports grew by 5.8%. With regards Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue (June to regional and international issues, 2018), Chairwoman of the Central Viet Nam and the US worked actively Committee for Mass Mobilization together in the implementation of the Truong Thi Mai (December 2018), UNSC Resolutions on the DPRK. Both and Vice President of the National sides also held regular discussions Assembly Do Ba Ty (July 2018). From on the Indo-Pacific Strategy. The US the US to Viet Nam, there were the maintained its attention on the East visits by Secretary of State Mike Sea issue and supported Viet Nam’s Pompeo (July 2018) and Secretary of position in this regard at multilateral Defense James Mattis (January and forums. The US pledged to assist October 2018). In addition, President Viet Nam in the United Nations Tran Dai Quang had a telephone Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO) conversation with President Donald participation. Both sides also Trump (February 2018) and Prime collaborated in other matters, such as Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc had a climate change and weapon of mass meeting with Vice President Mike destruction (WMD) non-proliferation. Pence on the sidelines of the ASEAN - - Canada: During the 45th year US Summit (November 2018). The two of diplomatic relations, the Viet sides held successful annual dialogues Nam - Canada Comprehensive (on political - security - defense Partnership was substantively and matters, defense policy, maritime law, effectively advanced across the the Asia-Pacific, and human rights). board. The two sides stepped up For the first time, the US carrier USS high-level engagement and visits.
41 Chapter Two Diplomatic Bluebook - 2018
Member of the Politburo, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh holding talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during his official visit to Viet Nam (Ha Noi, July 9, 2018) - VNA.
These included, from Viet Nam to Viet Nam. Bilateral trade turnover in Canada, the working visits by Prime 2018 was nearly $4 billion. Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc - during - Latin American countries: his attendance of the G7 Summit Relations with key partners in this Outreach (June 2018), Chairwoman region has been constantly bolstered of the Central Committee for Mass and cultivated in many areas. The Mobilization Truong Thi Mai special solidarity and comprehensive (November 2018), and Minister of partnership with Cuba continued to Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen be strengthened with increasing trust. Ngoc Thien (September 2018). In the This was evident in the regular mutual other direction, there were the first visits by the high-level leaders of the visit by Minister of National Defence two countries, the highlights of which Harjit Singh Sajjan (June 2018) were the State visit to Cuba by General and the delegation of 18 Canadian Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (March parliamentarians attending the 26th 2018) and the friendly visit to Viet Nam Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific by President of the Council of State and Parliamentary Forum (APPF-26) in the Council of Ministers Miguel Diáz-
42 Chapter Two Bilateral Diplomatic Activities
Canel Bermúdez (November 2018). other notable visits. In addition, there In addition, there were also the visits were the bilateral meetings by Prime to Viet Nam by First Vice President of Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc with the Council of State and the Council Chilean President Sebastian Pinera on of Ministers Salvador Valdés Mesa the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit (celebrating the 45th anniversary of the in Singapore (November 2018), with visit by the Cuban leader Fidel Castro Argentinian President Mauricio Macri to the liberated zone in the South of on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Viet Nam) and Vice President of the Canada (June 2018) and with Prime Council of State and the Council of Minister of Saint Lucia Allen Chastanet Ministers Roberto Morales Ojeda on the sidelines of the 73rd UN General (September 2018), among others. In Assembly (September 2018), to name a particular, in 2018, the two sides signed few. Through these visits and contacts, various cooperation agreements, various agreements of importance including the Viet Nam - Cuba Trade were signed, thus establishing a legal Agreement and the agreement on debt framework conducive to cooperation cancellation for Cuba. Political and between Viet Nam and Latin American diplomatic ties with other countries in countries. Viet Nam also established the region continued to be reinforced diplomatic relations with Saint Lucia, through high-level visits and contacts. raising the number of countries having The highlights of the year were, from formal diplomatic relations with Viet Nam to the region, the visits by Viet Nam to 31 out of 33 countries in Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh the Latin America region. Bilateral Hue to Brazil and Chile, and Vice cooperation mechanisms with these President of the National Assembly countries continued to be promoted Do Ba Ty to Argentina (July 2018). and became an effective channel to From the region to Viet Nam, there seek solutions to roadblocks and were the visits by Brazilian Minister explore opportunities for cooperation. of Foreign Affairs Aloysio Nunes Economic and trade relations with Ferreira (May 2018), Argentinian Latin American countries continued Minister of Foreign Affairs and to grow steadily. Bilateral trade (with Worship Jorge Faurie (July 2018), the five top trade partners alone: Chilean Minister of Foreign Affairs Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Roberto Ampuero Espinoza - to attend Peru) in 2018 was $12 billion, growing the WEF - ASEAN (September 2018) by nearly 5% since 2017. Viet Nam and former President of Haiti Joseph maintained technical cooperation Martelly (December 2018), among with various countries in several areas:
43 Chapter Two Diplomatic Bluebook - 2018
General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba, President of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers Raul Castro Ruz after the signing ceremony of bilateral cooperation documents during his State visit to Cuba (La Havana, March 29, 2018) - VNA.
agriculture (with Cuba, Argentina diplomatic affairs, security and and Venezuela), and investment in oil defense, and economic ties. Viet Nam and gas (with Peru and Venezuela), dispatched about 100 delegations at all telecommunications (with Peru and levels to the region, and received about Haiti), consumer goods, construction 30 delegations at all levels from the materials and industrial park region. The most notable visits from development (with Cuba). Viet Nam to these countries included 4. Middle East and Africa the State visit by President Tran Dai Cooperation between Viet Nam Quang to Ethiopia and Egypt (August and countries in the Middle East 2018), the official visit by President of and Africa continued to be bolstered the National Assembly Nguyen Thi throughout 2018: political and Kim Ngan to Turkey to attend the 3rd
44 Chapter Two Bilateral Diplomatic Activities
Meeting of Speakers of Eurasian by the Chairman of the Defense and Countries’ Parliaments (October Security Committee Vo Trong Viet 2018), the visit by Executive Standing (August 2018) and by the Head of Member of the Party Central the Supreme People’s Procuracy Le Committee Secretariat Tran Quoc Minh Tri (September 2018), among Vuong to Mozambique and Angola other visits. Viet Nam also welcomed (December 2018), the visit by the Speaker of the Parliament of Iran Ali Party Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City Ardeshir Larijani on his official visit Nguyen Thien Nhan to Israel, and (April 2018), and five Foreign Ministers’ the working visit by Chairman of delegations from Algeria (July 2018), the Party Central Communication Rwanda, Guinea and Mauritius and Education Commission Vo Van (August 2018) and Tanzania (October Thuong to Egypt (May 2018), the visit 2018), to name a few. The exchange to Tanzania and Madagascar by Vice of delegations helped maintain and President of the National Assembly strengthen the close friendship with Phung Quoc Hien (March 2018), and the countries in the region, and the working visits to South Africa foster mutual understanding and
Member of the Politburo, President Tran Dai Quang holding talks with President of Ethiopia Mulatu Teshome during his State visit to Ethiopia (Addis Ababa, August 23, 2018) - VNA.
45 Chapter Two Diplomatic Bluebook - 2018
support, particularly at regional and of Kuwaiti investors, began international forums. Viet Nam also commercial operation in December successfully mustered the support 2018. Viet Nam’s investment in this from a large number of countries in region, especially in oil and gas (in the region for Viet Nam’s bid for non- Algeria) and telecommunications (in permanent membership of the UNSC Mozambique, Burundi and Tanzania, for the 2020-2021 term of office. We to name a few) continued to record also actively dispatched our forces to positive outcomes. In development the UN peacekeeping missions in the cooperation, the development funds region. In economic terms, bilateral trade of a number of Gulf countries, such as turnover between Viet Nam and the the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic region in 2018 stood at around $17.5 Development, Saudi Arabia’s Arab billion, decreasing by 6% since 2017. Fund for Economic and Social However, this result was promising Development (AFESD), continued to given complex developments in the provide ODA for four projects in Thai region. Viet Nam maintained trade Binh, Ha Giang, Yen Bai, and Dak Nong surplus with the region (exports provinces. Scientific and technological of $10.3 billion and imports of $7.2 collaboration and startup cooperation billion). The year 2018 saw 30 countries between Viet Nam and Israel were in the region commencing new also advanced. The two sides worked investments in Viet Nam worth $253 together in organizing Techfest 2018, million in registered capital, highest being Seychelles ($207 million) and Viet Nam’s biggest annual event for Nigeria ($27 million). Most notably, the innovative startup community, and the Nghi Son Petrochemical Refinery, continued to discuss the possibility of with total investment in excess of $9 co-sponsoring bilateral cooperation in billion and involving the participation innovative technologies.
46 Chapter Three MULTILATERAL DIPLOMATIC ACTIVITIES
ollowing the highly successful on strengthening and upgrading FAPEC Viet Nam 2017, multilateral multilateral foreign affairs by 2030 diplomatic activities in 2018 continued marked a paradigm shift in foreign to register enormous accomplishments. affairs thinking, and institutionalized The issuance of Directive No. 25- Guideline of the 12th National Party CT/TW dated August 8, 2018 by the Congress on proactive international Party Central Committee’s Secretariat integration.
I. Diplomatic Activities at ASEAN
Viet Nam continued to participate in and active contributions to enhancing and contribute to cooperation activities ASEAN’s solidarity, unity and self- in ASEAN in a proactive, vigorous and reliance with a greater role and responsible manner, thereby playing voice in regional and international a significant role in implementing issues, hence the elevation of the the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, effectiveness and value of forums bolstering and deepening ASEAN’s established and led by ASEAN, external relations. This also provides such as the East Asia Summit (EAS), building blocks for strengthening ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and ASEAN’s solidarity and centrality in ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting regional cooperation mechanisms and Plus (ADMM+). Multiple activities in response to regional pressing issues, aimed at implementing the ASEAN including the East Sea. Political - Security Community (APSC) - Political and security cooperation: Blueprint 2025 were organized or co- Viet Nam continued to make positive organized by Viet Nam, such as the 1st
47 Chapter Three Diplomatic Bluebook - 2018
Member of the Politburo, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh and the ASEAN Foreign Ministers at the 17th ASEAN Political - Security Community Council Meeting (APSC-17) (Singapore, April 27, 2018) - VNA.
ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) on cooperation priorities. Viet Nam Strengthening Cooperation among was among the first six members Maritime Law Enforcement Agencies to officially join the ASEAN Single (January 2018), the 23rd ASEAN - Window (ASW). Three representative China Joint Working Group (JWG) cities of Viet Nam (Ha Noi, Da Nang, meeting on the Implementation of the and Ho Chi Minh City) have joined Declaration on the Conduct of Parties the ASEAN Smart Cities Network. in the South China Sea (DOC) in Nha Viet Nam successfully organized the Trang, the 12th meeting of ARF Experts 40th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on and Eminent Persons in Ha Noi, and Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF-40) the ARF Inter-Sessional Meeting on and other relevant conferences. Maritime Security in Australia (all in Notably, the country successfully March 2018). hosted the WEF-ASEAN (September - Economic cooperation: Viet Nam 2018) under the theme “ASEAN 4.0: fully participated and actively Entrepreneurship and the Fourth collaborated with member states and Industrial Revolution” with the the ASEAN Chair 2018 - Singapore participation of nine heads of states in the implementation of economic or governments from ASEAN and
48 Chapter Three Multilateral Diplomatic Activities
General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Member of the Politburo, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Dr. Klaus Schwab - founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF) and heads of delegations attending the Opening session of the WEF-ASEAN 2018 (Ha Noi, September 12, 2018) - VNA. other countries, 60 ministers, over frameworks and working groups, 800 leaders of major businesses and such as health care, environment, renowned international experts and labor and welfare, rights of women, scholars. Over the course of more than children, and people with disabilities, 60 sessions, a range of issues important women and gender equality, youth, to the development and integration information and communication, of ASEAN countries in the context of among others. Particularly, Viet the Fourth Industrial Revolution were Nam successfully organized the discussed. A number of initiatives put 3rd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on forward by Viet Nam were widely Women (AMMW) (October 2018) appreciated. under the theme “Social Security for - Cultural and social cooperation: Women and Girls: Towards ASEAN Viet Nam played an active role in Vision 2025”. Within the ASEAN promoting the implementation of the Intergovernmental Commission on ASEAN Socio-cultural Community Human Rights (AICHR), Viet Nam (ASCC) Blueprint 2025. We actively proposed and successfully organized proposed activities within the work a regional workshop on prevention plans under sectoral cooperation strategies to combat trafficking in
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persons, especially women and the 25th Anniversary of the ASEAN - children, entitled “Enhancing Access India Dialogue Relations and to Information and Community-based Partnership in New Delhi (January Protection System” (June 2018). 2018), organized and co-chaired the - Connectivity and narrowing 20th ASEAN - India Senior Officials’ the development gap: Viet Nam Meeting (SOM) in Viet Nam (April actively promoted projects within 2018), and coordinated in organizing nd the framework of the Master Plan the 2 ASEAN - India Workshop on on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) Blue Economy in India (July 2018). 2025, and the Initiative for ASEAN We officially assumed our role as the Integration Work Plan III (IAI-WP3). country coordinator for ASEAN - Japan dialogue relations (August 2018 - We held the 2nd training course on August 2021). Viet Nam also fulfilled project development using ASEAN its role as the coordinator for ASEAN - cooperation funds. the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) - Relations with ASEAN’s partners: relations. We successfully promoted Viet Nam continued bolstering and held the ASEAN - GCC Foreign relations with ASEAN’s partners Ministers Meeting on the sidelines of through cooperation mechanisms the 73rd UN General Assembly after a launched and led by ASEAN, five-year pause. In addition, Viet Nam including ASEAN+1, ASEAN+3, EAS, actively participated in the drafting ARF, ADMM+, and other formats and approval of important statements of partnership. Viet Nam made and cooperation documents between practical contributions to building ASEAN and partners, including the the ASEAN Community, establishing ASEAN - China Strategic Partnership ASEAN linkages and connectivity Vision 2030 at the 21st ASEAN - and narrowing the development gap. China Summit to Commemorate At the same time, Viet Nam positively the 15th Anniversary of ASEAN - contributed to peace, security, stability, China Strategic Partnership, the and prosperity in the region. In that Joint Statement of the 21st ASEAN - spirit, Viet Nam excellently fulfilled Japan Summit to Commemorate the its role as the country coordinator 45th Anniversary of ASEAN - Japan for ASEAN - India relations (August Friendship and Cooperation, the Joint 2015 - August 2018), successfully Statement of the 3rd ASEAN - Russian co-chaired the ASEAN - India Federation Summit on Strategic Commemorative Summit to mark Partnership, among others.
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II. Diplomatic Activities at the United Nations and other Multilateral Mechanisms
- At the United Nations: Viet ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition Nam actively rallied support for its of Nuclear Weapons (May 2018) and candidature to the non-permanent fulfilled its role as a member of the membership of the UN Security Executive Council of the Organization Council for the 2020-2021 tenure and for the Prohibition of Chemical was nominated by the Asia - Pacific Weapons (OPCW) for the 2016-2018 grouping as the only candidate for term. Within the UN Economic and this term of office. We also actively Social Council (ECOSOC), Viet Nam contributed to the activities of the UN actively promoted the implementation and its specialized agencies. Prime of the UN Framework Convention on Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the and delivered remarks at the high- Paris Agreement on Climate Change, level General Debate of the 73rd UN effectively contributing to the 2030 General Assembly (September 2018). Agenda for Sustainable Development Viet Nam was the 10th country to and the ECOSOC’s High-level
Member of the Politburo, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivering his remark at the high-level Genenal Debate of the 73rd UN General Assembly (New York, September 27, 2018) - VNA.
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Political Forum (HLPF). Regarding prestige. Notably, Prime Minister cooperation with other UN bodies, Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended the Viet Nam participated in the meetings 12th Asia - Europe Meeting (ASEM) of the UN Educational, Scientific and Summit in Belgium (October 2018), Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the and Viet Nam successfully organized annual Meeting of States Parties to the ASEM Conference on Climate the 1982 UN Convention on the Law Action to Achieving the Sustainable of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), and the Development Goals (June 2018). Viet annual session of the International Nam also actively contributed to Seabed Authority (ISA). We continued addressing the common concerns of the performing our role as a member of Asia - Pacific Economic Cooperation UNESCO’s Executive Board for 2015- 2019 and held a number of important (APEC) through promoting the positions in UNESCO’s specialized implementation of important agencies. We actively took part in results of the APEC Viet Nam 2017, developing international law within particularly the formulation of the the framework of the International APEC Vision beyond 2020, and taking Law Commission (ILC) and the UN part in APEC’s important events as Commission on International Trade shown by the attendance of Prime Law (UNCITRAL)1. Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the 26th - At other multilateral mechanisms: APEC Summit in Papua New Guinea Viet Nam strongly advocated the (November 2018). Viet Nam was policy to reform and modernize the nominated to be Vice Chair of APEC World Trade Organization (WTO). Vision Group (AVG) and successfully Accordingly, we have expedited the organized the Conference “Viet Nam domestic preparations for this process and APEC: A Journey of 20 Years and to contribute to building WTO’s the Path Ahead”. Besides, Viet Nam institutions and maintaining WTO’s attended the P4G Summit: Partnering key role in the global multilateral for Green Growth and the Global Goals trading system. Viet Nam actively 2030 in Denmark (October 2018). At participated in and effectively the same time, we made responsible contributed to the activities of inter- contribution to activities with regional organizations such as the partners within the framework of the Asia - Europe Meeting (ASEM), Mekong River Commission (MRC). thus enhancing Viet Nam’s role and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc
1. At the 73rd UN General Assembly (December 2018), Viet Nam was elected as the UNCITRAL member during 2019-2025.
52 Chapter Three Multilateral Diplomatic Activities attended notable events such as the - Within the International 2nd Mekong - Lancang Cooperation Organization of the Francophonie (OIF), (MLC) Summit (January 2018) and Viet Nam continued to play a leading the 3rd MRC Summit in Cambodia role in the Asia - Pacific region in (April 2018), the 8th ACMECS promoting the common benefit of Summit in Thailand (June 2018), Francophone countries, most strongly and the 10th Mekong - Japan Summit seen at the 17th Francophonie Summit Meeting in Japan (October 2018). in Erevan, Armenia (October 2018). In particular, Viet Nam asserted its Viet Nam also actively engaged in active role in the Greater Mekong the activities of the Non-Aligned Subregion cooperation mechanism by Movement, making effective successfully organizing the 6th Greater contribution to the 18th Midterm Mekong Subregion (GMS-6) Summit Ministerial Meeting of the Non- and the 10th Cambodia - Laos - Aligned Movement in Azerbaijan Viet Nam Summit on Development (April 2018), and attending the 57th Triangle Area (CLV-10) (March 2018) Annual Session of the Asian - African with the participation of nearly 3,000 Legal Consultative Organization delegates and businesses. (AALCO) (October 2018).
III. Diplomatic Activities Contributing to the Protection and Advancement of Human Rights
Viet Nam’s policies, laws and rights. We submitted national reports on efforts to protect and advance human the implementation of the Convention rights were made public in the book against Torture and Other Cruel, titled The Protection and Advancement Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or of Human Rights in Viet Nam (January Punishment, the Convention on the 2018). We conducted human rights Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the dialogues with the US (May 2018) and Convention on the Rights of the Child, Australia (August 2018), which helped and the International Covenant on enhance mutual understanding and Civil and Political Rights. The national bilateral relations with these partners. report on human rights protection and Viet Nam continued to fully deliver advancement under the 3rd cycle of the on its human rights commitments Universal Periodical Review (UPR) of and participated in almost all core the UN Human Rights Council was international instruments of human successfully drafted with inputs widely
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Member of the Party Central Committee, Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh addressing the Plenary session of the 2nd Eurasian Women’s Forum (St. Petersburg, September 21, 2018) - VNA.
gathered from relevant agencies, as well as Viet Nam’s co-authorship social and political organizations, of the “Resolution on Human Rights trade associations, non-governmental and Climate Change” approved in organizations and people from all the 38th session of the UN Human walks of life. Rights Council (July 2018) were an Viet Nam continued to actively expression of the importance Viet take part in the promotion of gender Nam attaches to the role and rights equality and women empowerment of women in the society. Besides, Viet initiated by the UN. The participation Nam also organized an international of Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc seminar on the role of information Thinh at the Global Summit of and communication technology in Women (GSW) in Australia (April eliminating inequality and ensuring 2018) and the Eurasian Women’s economic, cultural, and social rights Forum in Russia (September 2018) (March 2018).
54 Chapter Four DIPLOMACY FOR NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION AND DEFENSE
I. Economic Diplomacy
Economic diplomacy recorded economic relations. At the multilateral many positive achievements in level, negotiation, signing and 2018, contributing to national ratification of Free Trade Agreements development thanks to the effective (FTAs), particularly new-generation implementation of the Minister of FTAs, were expedited as a result of Foreign Affairs’ Directive No. 03/CTBT efforts by the Ministry of Foreign dated March 22, 2017 on enhancing Affairs in conjunction with other economic diplomacy for sustainable ministries and agencies in coordinating development in the 2017-2020 period. with relevant foreign partners. This 1. Securing an international helped ensure Viet Nam’s essential environment favorable for economic interests and diplomatic posture, development is always a top priority and deepen the country’s relations for the diplomatic service. At the with key trading partners. Viet Nam bilateral level, diplomacy has has signed the CPTPP with other been taking the lead in selectively ten member countries, and was one promoting the establishment of new of the first seven states to ratify the long-term and practical cooperation agreement, which solidified Viet channels - particularly with strategic Nam’s role as part of the prominent and comprehensive partners - while regional economic linkages1. Viet resolving bottlenecks in bilateral Nam and the EU also worked towards
1. It is expected that upon entry into force, CPTPP shall boost Viet Nam’s GDP growth by 4.7% until 2035 and lift 600,000 out of poverty by 2030 (poverty defined as income below $5.5 a day), thereby making tangible contribution towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Member of the Party Central Committee, Minister of Industry and radeT Tran Tuan Anh and representatives from signatory states of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) (Santiago, March 8, 2018) - Xinhua/VNA.
completing the final technical steps events in multilateral diplomacy to sign and ratify the EU - Viet Nam hosted by Viet Nam in the year, was Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and recognized as the most successful Investment Protection Agreement forum organized by the WEF in the (IPA). region in 27 years; the vigor and 2. The Ministry of Foreign hospitality of Viet Nam has left a deep Affairs made every effort to advance impression on all participants. meaningful national economic 3. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs interests and elevate the image and actively supported other ministries, role of Viet Nam at multilateral agencies, localities and enterprises in forums, including ASEAN, APEC deepening international cooperation, and ASEM, and at sub-regional exploring and expanding markets cooperation platforms, such as GMS, for Vietnamese commodities and CLV, ACMECS, and so forth. In labor, and attracting more foreign particular, the WEF-ASEAN 2018 in investment through hundreds of Ha Noi, one of the most important economic diplomacy promotion
56 Chapter Four Diplomacy for National Construction and Defense events both at home and via development. It leveraged the role diplomatic missions overseas, in of the Vietnamese community and addition to trade promotion events businesses to broaden the market hosted by specialized authorities. for Vietnamese commodities and Diplomatic missions proactively services in various markets all over engaged in networking and policy the world. A range of forums were advocacy, and assisted in resolving organized to facilitate networking bottlenecks and securing legitimate between overseas businesspeople and interests of the Vietnamese State domestic partners. Emergent trends and enterprises in doing business were proactively grasped, including with foreign partners. In addition to the forum “Connecting Vietnamese trade and investment promotion, the Startups at Home and Abroad” held Ministry of Foreign Affairs actively in Ho Chi Minh City (June 2018) and stepped up the dissemination of a series of meetings with overseas information on Viet Nam’s economic intellectuals in Ha Noi, Quang Ninh, and investment policies, and widely and Ho Chi Minh City (August 2018). promoted Viet Nam’s achievements in 5. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs economic diplomacy and its favorable stepped up research and projection business and investment climate to and provided advice on the global the domestic and international public. economy to support the Government Acting in the spirit of an enabling and other ministries and agencies in government, for the first time ever, the regulating the domestic economy. Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized A unique strength of the diplomatic a roundtable talk between the chiefs service is the information gathered by of diplomatic missions and more a network of Vietnamese diplomatic than 300 businesses and associations missions overseas working in close leaders at the 30th Diplomatic coordination with the respective Conference (August 2018). This was local agencies. As such the Ministry an opportunity to better understand of Foreign Affairs has produced the needs of the business community high quality reports on a variety of and provide them with support in emergent trends and issues of the the most substantive, direct and global economy and their possible productive manner. impact on Viet Nam, lessons from 4. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs the developmental process of other exhorted the contribution from countries, and new economic growth overseas Vietnamese, in intellectual models. Great efforts have also been and material terms, to national made to diversify and multilateralize
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sources and channels for information increasing trade turnover between and consultation both at home and Viet Nam and major partners such as abroad, to provide multi-dimensional China, the US, the ROK, Japan and the and multi-angled insights and EU. This played a part in achieving the produce reports, studies, evaluations, record trade turnover of $475 billion, and recommendations of greater in which trade surplus reached $7.7 quality and relevance. billion, FDI inflow of $18 billion and Economic diplomacy activities the decade-record GDP growth of substantively contributed to 7.08% in 2018.
II. Cultural Diplomacy and External Information
1. Cultural Diplomacy to turn their hearts and minds towards In 2018, cultural diplomacy their fatherland. continued to be extensively conducted - The Viet Nam Day in India through a range of diverse events as (March 2018) and the Vietnamese follows: Culture Week in Canada (September - A series of events and 2018) have contributed to the Viet celebrations under the theme of Nam - India Comprehensive Strategic “Honoring President Ho Chi Minh, Partnership and the Viet Nam - the Vietnamese hero of national Canada Comprehensive Partnership, liberation and great man of culture” particularly in cultural exchange, and were organized all around the world, were occasions to promote the image not only in places where President and people of Viet Nam worldwide. Ho Chi Minh used to stay but also in In addition, Vietnamese diplomatic each and every Vietnamese diplomatic missions overseas took the initiative to mission and wherever his thoughts hold a series of cultural exchange events and image are honored. Such events in various countries, namely the Viet play their part not only in honoring Nam Day and the Vietnamese Culture President Ho Chi Minh’s thoughts, Week events in Cambodia, Myanmar morals, personality and esteem as a and Thailand; the Vietnamese Cultural true hero of national liberation and Festival in Mexico; the Vietnamese as a great man of culture, but also in Cultural Festival in Poland; the Taste of raising national pride, cohesion and Viet Nam Day in the Netherlands and unity among overseas Vietnamese South Africa; and locality promotion communities and encouraging them events in France and the US; and so on.
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UNESCO Executive Board adopting the Resolution awarding Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark the title of UNESCO Global Geopark at its 204th session (Paris, April 12, 2018) - MOFA.
- Different ministries, agencies the Vietnamese Fine Arts and Cultural and localities also actively engaged in Diplomacy program helped promote cultural diplomacy to promote local the Vietnamese image culture, land images and brands through cultural and people, particularly its art, to the festivals and events involving foreign international audience. stakeholders. - Regarding UNESCO work, The “Discover Viet Nam Day” in Viet Nam has proactively engaged 2018 oriented towards new members in multilateral fora on culture. This of the Diplomatic Corps in Ha Noi is particularly upheld within the has become an annual event of framework of UNESCO as a channel cultural diplomacy and was greatly for shaping international rules and appreciated by the Diplomatic Corps deepening Viet Nam - UNESCO and the media. It is an effective channel ties. Notably, Viet Nam took part in for providing basic information on the and made contributions to the 204th history, tradition, policy, culture, land and 205th sessions of the UNESCO and people of Viet Nam. Exhibiting Executive Board and the 42nd Session more than 100 paintings of diverse of the World Heritage Committee. In themes, materials, and subject matters, 2018, several additional Vietnamese
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heritage sites and artifacts received carried out. The Ministry of Foreign UNESCO titles, including the Non Affairs developed 65 communication Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global projects and mass media plans on Geopark and the documentary heritage outbound trips of Vietnamese leaders “Envoy Ship Journeys to China” (or for bilateral visits and attendance at multilateral fora, as well as inbound “Hoàng hoa sứ trình đồ” in Vietnamese) visits by leaders of other countries. inscribed in the Memory of the World The Ministry also led and coordinated Register of the Asia-Pacific. At the communication efforts on major same time, Viet Nam was able to tap international events hosted by Viet into UNESCO initiatives and intellect Nam (such as APPF-26, GMS-6, through promoting activities related CLV-10, WEF-ASEAN 2018) and to education and natural sciences, anniversaries of Viet Nam’s diplomatic particularly in oceanographic studies relations with other partner, and other through the joint organization of the activities. All these activities have Conference on Marine Spatial Planning helped elevate the image of Viet Nam at the national and international levels. worldwide. In education, Viet Nam has made Communication for the defense of Vietnamese border and territorial preparations for hosting the Forum sovereignty was professionally on Global Citizenship Education, implemented in diverse forms. The developed educational assessment e-portal on border and territory indicators, and resumed participation (biengioilanhtho.gov.vn) was updated in the UNESCO’s associated schools frequently and got more than 5,000 network. visitors per day. Eight workshops 2. External Communication on disseminating information about The year 2018 saw external border and territory affairs were communication actively conducted with convened. Various publications on timelines, closely following diplomatic border, sea and islands were produced. activities. The quality of content was Most noteworthy is the successful improved, communication formats organization of the 10th South China diversified, and new communication Sea International Conference, which technologies effectively utilized, with helped muster international support focus given to the following: for Viet Nam in this matter. - Information dissemination - Great attention has also been and communication about the high- paid to the timely provision of level leaders’ diplomatic activities, information, spokesperson work, and major national events, and important public opinion and press guidance. international events were effectively The Ministry of Foreign Affairs held 17
60 Chapter Four Diplomacy for National Construction and Defense regular press conferences chaired by YouTube orienting towards faster the Ministry’s Spokesperson and 5 and broader audience access (nearly international press conferences, and 5,000 updates on the activities of supplied over 3,000 press briefings the Vietnamese diplomatic service). on foreign affairs activities. This Simultaneously, attention was also has helped the public at home and paid to external information and abroad better understand Viet Nam’s communication training for officials foreign policy and official positions (100 professional training courses concerning domestic and international were held, and expertise sharing issues of public interest. events stepped up with partners such - Guidance and facilitation for as Laos, Russia, China, and so on). activities of foreign reporters and - Overseas Vietnamese diplomatic media agencies based in Viet Nam missions continued to actively were effectively provided. The implement the project “Improving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs acted effectiveness of external information as the focal point or collaborated and communication until 2020” and with other ministries, agencies and proactively developed communication localities in welcoming 300 foreign plans to provide information on media delegations totaling 2,100 issues of public interest, including the reporters to Viet Nam, coordinated diplomatic protection of Vietnamese with our overseas diplomatic missions nationals, fishermen and fishing in calling on local newspapers and vessels, to name a few. They also media agencies to write articles and organized the Viet Nam Day/Week, do reports on Viet Nam, and so on. photo exhibitions, film showings, - IT application has been bolstered, and cultural performances in their particularly new media channels, respective countries to promote the with the active employment of social image of Viet Nam and its people media such as Facebook, Twitter and among local communities.
III. Overseas Vietnamese-related Activities and Citizens and Legal Person Protection
1. Overseas Vietnamese affairs ongoing innovation, as seen in the have been proactively and effectively successes of the “Homeland Spring” implemented throughout 2018: program, the pilgrimage to the - The format and content of annual Hung Kings’ Temple, the trips by events for overseas Vietnamese saw distinguished overseas Vietnamese to
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meet with soldiers and locals at the - Work in support of overseas Spratly Islands and DK1 Rig, and the Vietnamese community was homeland visit of overseas Vietnamese implemented in a timely and to attend the National Day celebration professional manner. This has helped on September 2. In addition, the 15th strengthen the legal status of overseas “Viet Nam Summer Camp” was Vietnamese in various places, and organized and participated by 120 play a role in consolidating the overseas Vietnamese youth and organizational structure of country- students from 30 countries. A training and locality-level overseas Vietnamese course on Vietnamese language associations as a channel to foster teaching was held for 50 overseas solidarity and coordinate the work Vietnamese teachers in Chinese Taipei. of these associations. The Ministry of Domestic performance troupes often Foreign Affairs pays special attention went abroad to perform for overseas to improving the legal standing of Vietnamese communities in Canada, the Vietnamese community and Laos, Thailand, Japan and the ROK. protecting Vietnamese nationals - A variety of diverse and overseas, and mainstreaming these meaningful events were organized matters in the agenda of the visits so as to strengthen the great bulwark and diplomatic activities by the of national solidarity in service leaders of the Party and State. The of the Fatherland such as the Viet diplomatic service, in collaboration Nam Innovation Network Program with competent authorities at home (August 2018) and the Global and overseas missions, took various Young Vietnamese Intellectual measures, urging local governments Forum (November 2018). Notably, to issue necessary legal documents for the conference to connect overseas overseas Vietnamese to pursue stable Vietnamese with localities under livelihood in their respective countries the theme of “Overseas Vietnamese of residence. join hands to accelerate Viet Nam’s - The legal system concerning integration and development” overseas Vietnamese continued to be (December 2018) was held, providing reviewed and improved for greater an opportunity for the signing relevance and effectiveness. This of a number of agreements with includes the draft revision of the Vietnamese localities. The Business Government’s Decree No. 78/2009/ND-CP Association of Overseas Vietnamese dated September 22, 2009 on the has opened seven new branches in eligibility of application for and Vietnamese provinces. resumption of Vietnamese citizenship
62 Chapter Four Diplomacy for National Construction and Defense for overseas Vietnamese, the project on citizen Doan Thi Huong arrested “Policy concerning overseas Vietnamese and brought to court in Malaysia, with contributions to the revolutionary the evacuation of the 10 Vietnamese cause”, the guiding Decree and Circular students during the earthquake and for the implementation of Decree No. tsunami dual disaster in Indonesia 102/2018/ND-CP dated July 20, 2018 (September 2018), the protection of of the Government on policies for Vietnamese workers aboard the Air assistance and other concessions for Niugini flight accident on September overseas Vietnamese in recognition of 28, 2018, the handling of the escape their contribution to the revolution, of the 152 Vietnamese tourists upon the struggle for national defense and entry to Chinese Taipei in December international duties. Policies and 2018, and the notice for and protection measures were proposed to assist core of Vietnamese citizens attending associations and elements among the major sport events abroad such as the overseas Vietnamese communities. Asian Games (ASIAD) in Indonesia, Assistance was also provided to the the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, practice of religions and beliefs among the AFF Suzuki Cup, and so on. overseas Vietnamese communities and The Ministry of Foreign Affairs facilitated their participation in religious worked alongside competent and belief activities in Viet Nam. ministries and agencies in providing citizen protection services to 10,378 As of 2018, there were nearly overseas nationals, a 22% year-on 3,000 enterprises owned by overseas increase. These included 6,546 cases Vietnamese investing in Viet Nam in Northeast Asia (6,266 in China), with total capital of $4 billion. In 2,498 in Southeast Asia, and 1,334 in 2018, remittance was $15.9 billion, other regions (820 in Europe, 104 in equivalent to 6.6% of GDP, keeping Americas, 394 in Africa). Regarding Viet Nam on the list of top recipient the protection of fishing vessels and countries for remittance. fishermen, the Ministry performed 118 2. The complicated global and cases of citizen protection involving regional security landscape, traditional 189 vessels and 1,589 fishermen and non-traditional alike, has resulted detained by other countries, a 23% and in high-profile and complex cases 20% year-on decrease in the number requiring citizen protection, which of vessels and fishermen respectively. drew extensive public attention in At the same time, the Ministry in 2018. These included the continued conjunction with the Central Steering legal assistance for the Vietnamese Committee on Natural Disasters
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Prevention and Response and the joined the efforts for crisis response, National Committee on Search and search and rescue and other assistance Rescue took the initiative in requesting for overseas Vietnamese citizens relevant countries/territories to during earthquakes, natural disaster, permit Vietnamese fishing vessels fires, terrorist attacks, and other and fishermen to seek refuge during incidents causing major losses in lives storms, and contributed to the search, or property. The performance of the rescue and repatriation of 8 cases call center for citizen protection was involving 148 fishermen caught in improved and the citizen protection storms or tropical depressions. We fund was put to effective use.
IV. Diplomatic Activities Contributing to the Protection of National Territorial, Sea and Island Sovereignty, and the Defense of National Security
During the year 2018, Viet on unregulated immigrants and Nam continued to advance work unregistered marriage in the border on boundary and territory and areas between the two countries, and defense-security diplomacy aimed the 28th Annual Meeting of the Viet at preserving a peaceful and stable Nam - Laos Border Area Delegations environment, and resolutely defend (December 2018) were both held. Lao the national sovereignty, boundary People’s Democratic Republic issued and territory. Laotian citizenship to 930 Vietnamese 1. With regards to land border, unregulated immigrants and people the boundary between Viet Nam and with unregistered marriages in the its neighboring countries - China, border area between two countries. Laos and Cambodia - continued With Cambodia, the two sides to be effectively managed, and has convened the 29th, 30th and 31st Technical truly become a border area of peace, Working Group meetings under the friendship and development. Joint Committee on Land Border With Laos, the two sides conducted Demarcation and Marker Planting, the bilateral on-site surveys at a number 10th and 11th Meetings of the Mapping of border gates for the project on Coordination and Monitoring Group. the Planning of the Viet Nam - Laos Of particular importance were the border gates system until 2025, with meeting of the Joint Committee on a vision until 2035. The 4th Meeting of Land Border Demarcation and Marker the Joint Working Group to implement Planting and the signing ceremony of the Governmental agreements the MoU between the two co-chairs of
64 Chapter Four Diplomacy for National Construction and Defense the Joint Committee, recognizing that The 6th Meeting of the Cooperation 84% of the workload for land border Committee on Viet Nam - China demarcation and marker planting on Border Checkpoint Management the ground had been completed, and was also held (December 2018). In outlining the future work plan, under addition, the two sides organized the the witness of the Prime Ministers Spring Meeting event among four of both Viet Nam and Cambodia provinces of Northeast Viet Nam (Ha (December 2018). Giang, Cao Bang, Lang Son, Quang With China, the two sides actively Ninh) and Guangxi province of China implemented the agreement on the (February 2018); held the 7th meeting navigation of vessels in the Beilun river of the Joint Working Committee estuary. The two sides organized two among the four Northwest provinces conferences for the implementation of of Viet Nam (Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Lao the agreement, one for the discussion Cai, Ha Giang) and Yunnan province of the draft Working Mechanism of of China (December 2018) to promote the Joint Committee and the draft cooperation among border localities regulation on “Management of the of both sides. Free Navigation Area in the Beilun 2. At sea, Viet Nam and Malaysia River Estuary” (January 2018), and the conducted the 18th (January 2018) and other to prepare for the establishment 19th (November 2018) meetings of the of the Joint Committee to carry out the Joint Technical Expert Commission agreement (December 2018). The two on the Joint Submission on the sides conducted a survey at the Ban delimitation of the Continental Shelf Gioc waterfall and organized a meeting beyond 200 nautical miles according to discuss for arriving at an agreement to Article 76 of the 1982 UNCLOS on a number of issues to accelerate the implementation of the agreement (JTEC-18,19) urging the Commission on cooperation in protection and on the Limits of the Continental Shelf exploration of tourism at Ban Gioc (CLCS) to consider and put forward a waterfall (Viet Nam) - Detian (China) recommendation regarding the 2009 (May 2018). Two additional border Viet Nam - Malaysia Joint Submission. checkpoints were opened: Xin Man Viet Nam and China also held the 9th (Ha Giang) - Dulung (Yunnan) (March 2018) and 10th (November (March 2018) and Chi Ma (Lang Son) - 2018) negotiation rounds of the Joint Aidian (Guangxi) (September 2018), Working Group on waters beyond thus raising the number of officially the mouth of Tonkin Gulf; the 11th opened border checkpoints between (May 2018) and 12th (December 2018) Viet Nam and China to 12 pairs. rounds of the Joint Working Group
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Member of the Politburo, Minister of National Defense Ngo Xuan Lich meeting with US Secretary of Defense James Mattis during his working visit to Viet Nam (Ho Chi Minh City, October 16, 2018) - VNA.
on cooperation in less sensitive areas other legitimate rights and interests in at sea between Viet Nam and China; the East Sea, and promotes exchange and the 11th meeting of the Steering of views, and negotiation to settle Committee for Viet Nam - China disputes at sea with China and other Bilateral Cooperation (September countries. On the other hand, Viet 2018) in Ho Chi Minh City. Nam actively cooperated with various In the East Sea, the situation partners within and beyond the continued to undergo complicated region in harnessing and conserving developments, primarily due to the marine resources and maritime illegal reclamation, construction and research. At the same time, Viet Nam, installation of materiel by China, ASEAN member states and China including the militarization of maintained the dialogue mechanism geographical features in the Paracel at the Senior Officials’ Meetings and Spratly archipelagos. Viet Nam, (SOM) and the Joint Working on the one hand, persistently and Group (JWG) on implementing resolutely defended its sovereignty, the DOC. The first substantive sovereign rights, jurisdiction and negotiation round on the COC was
66 Chapter Four Diplomacy for National Construction and Defense held in Nha Trang (March 2018). New Zealand (November 2018), and At the ASEAN - China Summit in Cambodia (December 2018); and by Singapore (November 2018), the two Minister of Public Security To Lam sides expressed hope that the first to Laos, Cambodia (January 2018), Russia, Kazakhstan (April 2018), reading of the draft COC would be China (October 2018), and the UK concluded within 2019. (November 2018). Delegations from 3. Defense and security other countries visiting Viet Nam diplomacy in 2018 also achieved included those led by the Defense important results. Viet Nam’s Ministers of Russia and Lao People’s defense and security cooperation Democratic Republic (January 2018), with other countries continued to the US Secretary of Defense (January be strengthened, especially through and October 2018), and the Defense exchange of high-level delegations. Ministers of Cambodia, India, the From Viet Nam to other countries, ROK, Canada (June 2018), Cuba, there were visits by Minister of Belarus (November 2018). In addition, National Defense Ngo Xuan Lich to Viet Nam attended the th 18 Shangri- Laos (January 2018), Russia, Japan, the La Dialogue (June 2018) and the ROK (April 2018), France (September 12th ADMM and the 5th ADMM+ in 2018), China (October 2018), Australia, Singapore (October 2018); conducted
The Ministry of National Defense holding the launching ceremony for the level-2 Field Hospital No. 1, dispatched on the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (Ho Chi Minh City, October 1, 2018) - VNA.
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security dialogues with India and the Viet Nam also made great efforts US; sent warships to visit Japan, the as part of the UN Peacekeeping ROK, China, and India and welcomed Operations (PKO) and signed with the many foreign naval vessels, including UN agreements on PKO. In October the fleet carrier USS Carl Vinson 2018, for the first time, Viet Nam (CVN-70) on its very first visit to Viet dispatched a unit on a PKO mission - Nam, held the 5th exchange between the level-2 Field Hospital No. 1 with Viet Nam and China’s border defense 63 personnel to South Sudan. By forces (November 2018) and celebrated November 2018, Viet Nam had sent 27 the 30th anniversary of MIA operation officers to the Central African Republic in Viet Nam (December 2018). and South Sudan.
68 Chapter Five THE COMMUNIST PARTY, THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND THE PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE’S EXTERNAL ACTIVITIES
I. The Communist Party’s External Activities
In 2018, the Communist Party Party-to-Party relations and political of Viet Nam continued to expand trust continued to be deepened. and deepen its external relations in This contributed to fostering the a proactive and vigorous manner special relations of solidarity and with remarkable success, enhanced comprehensive cooperation between efficiency and practicality, helping the two Parties and States. The strengthen the Party’s stature. Some strategic guidelines and measures of the accomplishments were seen as of cooperation were implemented breakthroughs. This helped provide in diverse and flexible forms, and so solid political foundations for Viet were the exchanges of information, Nam to advance relations with its ideologies and experience. The two partners, maintain and strengthen Parties successfully co-organized the the peaceful and stable environment 6th Theoretical Symposium under for national development, while the theme “Ideological Work in the contributing to the struggle for peace, Current Situation: Reality, Challenges national independence, democracy and Solutions”. Moreover, Viet and social progress around the world. Nam launched productive training 1. The Communist Party of Viet programs for Laotian officials. Nam’s relations with the ruling parties The official and private visits of in socialist countries and bordering the two Parties’ high-level leaders neighbor countries continued to go were strongly promoted. With the from strength to strength. With the Communist Party of China, annual Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, the exchanges of Party delegations were
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actively promoted. The Party-to-Party Training Officials for 2016-2020, and cooperative mechanisms were fostered the Agreement on Training High- with added depth and substance. level Party Officials for 2017-2020 on This helped strengthen mutual schedule. In 2018, Viet Nam sent 21 understanding, thus control and delegations with the total number address the outstanding issues. The of 423 officials to China for training two Parties successfully co-organized programs. With the Cambodian People’s the 14th Theoretical Symposium Party, the two Parties’ relationship named “Viet Nam’s Experience continued to underpin the two during its “Doi moi” (Renewal) countries’ relations. The annual Process and China’s Open-door cooperation mechanisms and high- and Reform Policy”. Both sides also level leaders’ visits, including the promoted exchange and consultations visit to Viet Nam by President of the on Party building and anti-corruption. Cambodian People’s Party, Prime In addition, the two Parties continued Minister Hun Sen, significantly working in coordination to effectively strengthened the common ground implement the Cooperation Plan on on advancing the two Parties and
Member of the Politburo, Executive Standing Member of the Party Secretariat Tran Quoc Vuong holding talks with Secretary General of the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) Alvarro De Boavida Neto during his working visit to Angola (Luanda, December 6, 2018) - VNA.
70 The Communist Party, the National Assembly Chapter Five and the People-to-People’s External Activities countries’ relations. With the Communist milestones in the bilateral relations, Party of Cuba, the political trust and generated new drivers for between the two Parties continued effective cooperation in all areas. to be bolstered. Notably, the State In addition, overseas visits by the visit to Cuba by General Secretary of Executive Standing Member of the the Communist Party of Viet Nam Party Central Committee Secretariat, Nguyen Phu Trong reinforced the members of the Politburo, members strong ties between the two Parties, of the Party Central Committee’s States and peoples. Cooperation Secretariat and members of the Party continued to be deepened through Central Committee, and the multiple exchange of practical experiences and agreements signed during these visits discussions on theoretical issues. The fostered relations with other ruling two sides successfully organized the 4th and political parties, thus expanding Theoretical Symposium under the the Party’s external relations. theme “Socio-economic Development 3. The Communist Party of Viet and Political - Ideological Work: Top Nam’s relations with communist Priority of the Communist Party of parties, workers’ parties and left-wing Cuba and the Communist Party of parties having important role in their Viet Nam”. countries’ political sphere continued to 2. The relations between the be substantively strengthened with clear Communist Party of Viet Nam and other focus. The Communist Party of Viet countries’ ruling parties and political Nam continued to foster relations with parties continued to receive due attention, important partners’ communist parties laying the political foundation for and workers’ parties. The political trust expanding and strengthening Viet Nam’s and depth of cooperation continued bilateral relations. The Communist to be enhanced. Given numerous Party of Viet Nam continued to challenges faced by communist actively promote relations with many ruling parties, political parties, and parties and workers’ parties around other parties that play instrumental the world, the Communist Party of roles in forming and implementing Viet Nam attached great importance their countries’ policy towards Viet to exchanges of delegations to Nam. Notably, in 2018, significant strengthen friendship and solidarity and successful visits to France, Russia while promoting discussions on both and Hungary by General Secretary theoretical matters and practical of the Communist Party of Viet Nam experience on building socialism, and Nguyen Phu Trong marked new other significant issues of the new era.
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4. The Communist Party of Viet dynamic and substantive actions. Nam continued to proactively and Notable examples included the 10th effectively engage in multilateral forums ICAPP, the Asia - Europe Political for political parties. As a member of Forum (AEPF) within the framework the International Conference of Asian of ICAPP, and the 20th IMCWP, and so Political Parties (ICAPP)’s Standing on. In addition, the Communist Party Committee, and a member of the of Viet Nam continued to actively International Meeting of Communist participate in the 24th Sao Paulo and Workers’ Parties (IMCWP)’s Forum in Cuba, the “Political Parties Working Group, the Communist and a New Society” international Party of Viet Nam made significant workshop in Mexico, and many other contributions to promoting these periodic international workshops forums’ solidarity, consensus and of communist parties and workers’ coordination, aiming towards more parties around the world.
II. The National Assembly’s External Activities
The National Assembly’s external by the President of the National activities in 2018 continued to witness Assembly (President of the National significant success, contributing Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan’s remarkably to the achievements official visits to the Netherlands, the of the State’s foreign affairs. This ROK and Turkey on the occasion of contribution was most remarkable in attending a multilateral forum) and bilateral and multilateral relations, five by Vice Presidents of the National external communication, and Assembly (First Vice President of the legislative activities. National Assembly Tong Thi Phong’s 1. On bilateral relations, the National visits to Laos and Cambodia, Vice Assembly of Viet Nam continued to President of the National Assembly expand and promote relations with Uong Chu Luu’s visits to Romania, special partners, neighboring and Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Azerbaijan traditional partners, foster mutual to attend the 100th anniversary of understanding and enlist the support the Azerbaijani Parliament, Vice of other countries’ parliaments and President of the National Assembly parliamentarians for Viet Nam. Do Ba Ty’s visits to Argentina and the In 2018, the National Assembly of US, and Vice President of the National Viet Nam sent 30 delegations on Assembly Phung Quoc Hien’s visits overseas visits, including three to Madagascar and Tanzania). The
72 The Communist Party, the National Assembly Chapter Five and the People-to-People’s External Activities
National Assembly also sent seven participant”, the National Assembly delegations led by its Committees’ of Viet Nam emerged as a leading Chairpersons and nine delegations led member. Notably, the National by Vice Chairpersons on overseas visits Assembly of Viet Nam successfully for experience exchange and studies. organized the 26th Annual Meeting The National Assembly of Viet Nam of the Asia - Pacific Parliamentary also welcomed 33 parliamentarian Forum (APPF-26, January 2018) delegations, including five visits by with the participation of 22 foreign Speakers of Parliaments (Chairman parliamentary delegations. With the of the Mongolian Parliament, Speaker theme “Parliamentary Partnership of the Iranian Parliament, Speaker of for Peace, Innovation and Sustainable the Sri Lankan Parliament, Speaker Development”, and its highlight, of the Congress of Micronesia, and the Ha Noi Declaration, the Forum Speaker of the Australian House reviewed 25-year journey of the APPF, of Representatives), three visits by and shaped the direction for APPF’s Deputy Speakers of Parliament, and future development until 2030. In many other visits by Chairpersons and addition, the National Assembly of Vice Chairpersons of parliamentary Viet Nam also successfully hosted the committees and parliamentary Conference on the National Assembly friendship groups to Viet Nam. and the Sustainable Development Through the aforementioned Goals (SDGs) in Da Nang (December exchanges of delegations and other 2018), which was highly acclaimed bilateral activities, the relations between by the Secretary General of the Inter- the National Assembly of Viet Nam Parliamentary Union (IPU) and and other countries’ legislative bodies participating delegations. were significantly strengthened, with Furthermore, the National added depth and substance. Bilateral Assembly of Viet Nam continued to activities of the National Assembly proactively and effectively engage in not only contributed to fostering and multilateral activities. President of the expanding parliamentary cooperation, National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim but also actively bolstered multi- Ngan attended the General Assembly faceted cooperation between Viet Nam of the 138th IPU in Switzerland, and and many other countries. the 3rd Meeting of the Speakers of 2. The National Assembly of the Eurasian Countries’ Parliaments Viet Nam engaged robustly in (MSEP-3) in Turkey. The National multilateral external activities. From Assembly of Viet Nam also sent various an “active, proactive and responsible delegations to attend other forums
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Member of the Politburo, President of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and participants at the 26th Annual Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF-26) (Ha Noi, January 18, 2018) - VNA.
such as the 139th IPU1, the ASEAN as the UN Development Program Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), (UNDP), WB, IMF and UNICEF, to the Asia-Europe Parliamentary enhance the role and effectiveness Partnership Meeting (ASEP), the 44th of the National Assembly’s work. Francophone Parliamentary Assembly Multiple activities of parliamentary (APF), the Global Parliamentary friendship organizations were actively Conference organized by the World and effectively conducted, with more Bank (WB) and the International diverse themes and participants. Monetary Fund (IMF), and the Forum These contributed to promoting the on Gender Equality. The committees organizations’ role as a bridge for and departments of the National cooperation between the National Assembly also implemented various Assembly and other countries’ cooperation programs and organized parliamentarians and legislative many workshops in coordination bodies, as well as diplomatic missions with international organizations such of Viet Nam’s partners in Ha Noi.
1. In the 139th IPU Assembly, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee for External Relations Nguyen Van Giau was elected as the IPU Vice President in the 2018-2019 by the IPU Executive Committee.
74 The Communist Party, the National Assembly Chapter Five and the People-to-People’s External Activities
Member of the Politburo, President of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan and the National Assembly’s high-level delegation attending the Plenary session of the 138th Assembly of the Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU-138) (Geneve, March 25, 2018) - VNA.
3. The National Assembly’s countries during overseas trips. At external communication provided the same time, close coordination timely information on the foreign was maintained between committees policy guidelines of the Party and and departments of the National State, and the activities of the National Assembly and press agencies, thus Assembly both in Viet Nam and contributing substantially to the overseas. This was incorporated into communication on the Vietnamese the agenda of the National Assembly State and National Assembly, our delegations when they met with achievements in national reforms, and foreign parliaments and international organizations. Information on the struggle against wrongful views the National Assembly’s external on democracy, human rights and activities were also distributed religions in Viet Nam. via the APPF-26 website, and via 4. The National Assembly meetings with representatives of the undertook a range of legislative activities Vietnamese community in the host to actively promote Viet Nam’s
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international integration. For example, parts of its external activities agenda, the National Assembly ratified the and strived to promote the signing of CPTPP with 100% of the deputies the Memorandum of Understanding voted in favor. It also incorporated between the Vietnamese Government the promotion of the signing and and the UN on contributions to the UN ratification of free trade agreements, Peacekeeping Mission in the Republic including the EVFTA, as essential of South Sudan.
III. The People-to-People’s External Activities
Vigorous progress in people-to- friendly meetings and exchanges people external activities contributed between and among border provinces; effectively to national development, with focus on more practical activities, and helped strengthen the friendship, such as experience sharing, specialized solidarity, cooperation and mutual workshops, and cooperation in training understanding with the neighboring for officials between Vietnamese socio- peoples, while expanding relations political organizations and counterparts with international friends and partners. from the three countries. Notable In 2018, there were 238 outbound trips activities included the art performances at the central level (1,300 Vietnamese commemorating the 68th anniversary of participants) and 325 inbound visits Viet Nam - China diplomatic relations, (2,100 foreigners), and a total of 626 the photo exhibition on achievements of friendship events and activities were Viet Nam’s reforms and China’s open- organized. door policies, the 5th Viet Nam - China 1. People-to-people external activities Border Defense Friendship Exchange, helped strengthen the solidarity, friendship, the 10th Viet Nam - China People’s cooperation and mutual understanding Forum, commemoration of Laos’ 43rd with the neighboring peoples, while National Day and Cambodia’s 65th expanding ties with international friends Independence Day, disaster relief for the and partners. Lao people following the hydroelectric The Vietnamese mass organizations dam collapse, and the launch of the and associations actively engaged with “Incubating Friendship” program for their Lao, Cambodian and Chinese Laotian and Cambodian students to counterparts in a range of rich and study in Viet Nam. diverse bilateral and tripartite activities. Regarding the relations with These included exchanges of delegations, traditional friends, major countries
76 The Communist Party, the National Assembly Chapter Five and the People-to-People’s External Activities and key partners, and ASEAN with Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, member states, the Vietnamese Australia, the UK, France, Belgium, mass organizations and associations Italy, the Netherlands, Finland and continued to conduct regular Canada were solemnly organized. exchanges of delegations, actively These events helped strengthen took part in or hosted a wide range mutual understanding, solidarity of activities. These included people’s and friendship between Viet Nam forums, commemorative events on and foreign partners, introduce Viet the occasion of major milestones Nam to the international community, in bilateral relations, as well as and promote our socio-economic conferences, seminars and workshops development and international in the region. The Viet Nam Union integration. of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) 2. On multilateral people-to-people co-organized friendly exchanges in external activities, the VUFO and commemorating the National Day of its member organizations, with various partners (100th anniversary the help of relevant ministries and of Azerbaijan Republic Day, th 100 agencies, effectively coordinated the anniversary of the Czech Republic participation of the Vietnamese mass Independence Day); and co-organized organizations in the regional and the friendly gathering for the 101st global people’s forums, networks anniversary of the October Revolution and mechanisms. This contributed of Russia, the 45th anniversary of to the regional and global people’s Paris Peace Accords Signing, and movements, and introduced the the 45th anniversary of Cuban leader quintessence of Viet Nam and its Fidel Castro’s visit to the Southern people to the world, alongside our liberated zone (1973-2018). A range achievements and policies, thus of other activities were also hosted protecting Viet Nam’s image and by the organization, such as photo national interest. Notable multilateral exhibitions, movie screening and people’s diplomacy activities and seminars about the Viet Nam War mechanisms included the ASEAN on the 50th anniversary of the 1968 Peoples’ Forum (APF), the Asia - Europe Tet General Offensive and the People’s Forum (AEPF), the World “5th anniversary of the Viet Nam - Peace Council, the World Conference US Comprehensive Partnership”. against A and H Bombs, the Afro- Furthermore, various events Asia People’s Solidarity Organization commemorating the 45th anniversary (AAPSO), the International Day of of Viet Nam’s diplomatic relations Peace, the ASEAN Intergovernmental
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Member of the Politburo, First Vice President of the National Assembly Tong Thi Phong taking a photo with the team of Japanese health experts during their working visit to Viet Nam (Ha Noi, October 24, 2018) - VNA.
Commission on Human Rights provided information for international (AICHR) and the UN Economic friends and sought their support and Social Council (ECOSOC). The for Viet Nam’s positions in various Vietnamese mass organizations and important issues. The Vietnamese associations also took part in the mass organizations and associations celebration of the International Day also took part in defending Viet Nam’s of Peace, and successfully organized stance, introduced our achievements the Workshop on “People’s Solidarity in human rights, and refuted false for Peace, Security and Sustainable and distorted information on Viet Development” in Quang Tri province. Nam’s human rights and democracy. 3. People-to-people external activities Activities to bolster cooperation with made significant contributions to the the populace in border provinces protection of our sovereignty over seas helped us build the borders of peace, and islands. Through people-to-people stability and development. The Viet external activities, the Vietnamese Nam - Korea Friendship Association, mass organizations and associations the Viet Nam Fund for Peace and
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Development, the Viet Nam Lawyers’ World Cities Summit in Singapore Association, the Viet Nam Fisheries (July 2018) and the 3rd Asian Councils Association and other people’s Forum in Japan (August 2018); (vi) external organizations also took part assisting localities in drafting and in defending Viet Nam’s positions signing numerous agreements with on the East Sea issue, and provided foreign counterparts and partners, as information to international friends in well as organizing cultural diplomatic this regard, thus earning their support activities, to name a few. for Viet Nam’s position. 5. Vietnamese mass organizations 4. Localities’ external activities and and associations continued to seek international integration continued international resources, especially to progress actively. The Ministry of the foreign NGOs. VUFO provided Foreign Affairs provided significant procedural assistance to 1,467 foreign support to the localities in various delegations (3,302 people) into Viet meaningful activities. These included: Nam to carry out their programs and (i) co-organizing 20 meetings and projects. VUFO also effectively sought roundtables within the “Meet the assistance from resident and non- Ambassadors”, “Viet Nam Provincial resident foreign NGOs for multiple Roadshow (VPR)” and “Introduction” ministries, agencies, localities and chain of events (in France, Italy, the mass organizations; and provided US and Japan); (ii) assisting localities practical support for foreign NGOs in organizing seven investment promotion conferences hosted by active in Viet Nam. the Prime Minister; (iii) connecting In 2018, foreign NGOs in Viet two localities to foreign partners and Nam continued to make substantial arranging their overseas working visits contributions to Viet Nam’s socio- (Ha Giang delegation’s visit to Japan economic development. Many of and Son La delegation’s visit to the US); them proactively assisted Viet Nam (iv) assisting Binh Duong province in realizing the UN Sustainable in hosting two locality multilateral Development Goals (SDGs). An meetings; (v) arranging overseas trips amount of $286.8 million in foreign for localities’ delegations to attend NGOs’ aid was disbursed for Viet important regional events such as the Nam in 2018.
79 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: MSc. CU THI THUY LAN HOANG THU QUYNH LE THI HANG Book cover designer: LE THI HA LAN Digital pre-press specialist: HOANG MINH TAM Proof print technician: HOANG THU QUYNH LE THI HANG Proof-reader: LE THI HANG
Printing 500 copies, size 18.2x25.7 cm, at Tien Bo Printing Company. Address: 175 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hanoi. Publication Plan Registration No.: 2264-2019/CXBIPH/8-250/CTQG. Publication Decision No.: 4393-QĐ/NXBCTQG, dated November 11, 2019. ISBN: 978-604-57-4924-1 Completed and registered in November 2019.
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