Communist Review - As a crucial pillar of Vietnam's foreign affairs front, the Communist Party of Vietnam's external relations in 2022 continued to be strengthened and elevated in various aspects. Over the past year, Party external relations have contributed to solidifying the political foundation for cooperation between Vietnam and other countries and for maintaining and preserving the country’s peace, stability, and development. They also played an important role in ensuring the overall success of Vietnam’s foreign affairs and enhancing the status and prestige of the Party and the country on the international stage.

Vietnam’s foreign affairs in 2022 are implemented effectively, synchronously, comprehensively, and flexibly across all three pillars

In 2022, peace, cooperation, and development remained major trends worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic was basically controlled and socio-economic recovery to various degrees was recorded in many countries. Global production and services adapted to supply chain disruptions,  troublesome relations between major economies, and increasing economic connectivity in the region and among certain countries. However, the world also experienced significant and complex changes. Fierce competition among major countries deeply affected the global security-political landscape. The world’s economy faced major risks, including recession. Global and non-traditional security issues posed unprecedented challenges to the socio-economic development of many countries. The Asia-Pacific region continued to be a primary driver in global economic recovery but was also a focal point for competition among major powers. Southeast Asia was increasingly respected by countries in and outside the region.

In this context, Vietnam continued to uphold its “bamboo diplomacy” imbued with the principle of “steadfast in objectives, flexible in implementation.” With this spirit, Vietnam's foreign affairs in 2022 were carried out effectively, synchronously, comprehensively, and flexibly across all three pillars: Party external relations, State diplomacy, and people-to-people diplomacy. The sector performed well as a vanguard in establishing and maintaining a peaceful and stable environment, safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and mobilizing external resources for national development, all in order to enhance the role, position, and prestige of the Party and the country globally. Especially amid rapidly changing, complex, and unpredictable developments around the world, Vietnam remained steadfast in principles and flexible in strategy, and responded promptly to ensure the highest interests of the nation and its people.

Promoting the role of Party external relations in Vietnam’s foreign affairs front

Each pillar in Vietnam's foreign affairs front has its own strength. Party external relations play a pivotal role in strategically orienting foreign affairs and in developing good relations with other parties, contributing to building and consolidating the political foundation which creates favorable conditions for Vietnam's relations with other countries and partners. State diplomacy plays a pivotal role in institutionalizing and effectively implementing the Party's orientation and guidelines. People-to-people diplomacy plays a pivotal role in promoting friendship and cooperation with people from other countries, laying a favorable social foundation for Vietnam's relations with those nations. It actively supports Party external relations and State diplomacy in certain issues, in specific geographical areas, or under particular circumstances where other diplomatic channels may be limited in deployment or effectiveness.

In 2022, Party external relations were proactively, actively, and creatively implemented with focus and priority. They achieved many breakthrough results, thereby contributing to the overall success of Vietnam's comprehensive diplomacy.

First, Party external relations were implemented proactively, actively,  flexibly, and effectively with the participation of various entities, at different levels, and through various forms. Notably, Party external relations in 2022 involved various entities, particularly the Party’s top leader - the General Secretary - and key leaders including the State President, the Prime Minister, and National Assembly Chairman, as well as members of the Politburo, the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat, and Party Central Committee members, and Party organizations and committees at different levels.

High-level activities included visits, meetings at international events, phone talks, dialogues, and participation in in-person or online multilateral conferences. Lower-level agenda encompassed visits, dialogues, and exchanges through in-person or online bilateral and multilateral channels as well as in personnel training and signing of cooperation agreements and the twinning of agreements between localities. Specific cooperation mechanisms such as theoretical seminars, policy dialogues, political consultations,  and sharing of experience were strongly promoted.

In particular, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong paid an official visit to China and conducted 37 talks, telephone conversations, and international contacts; the Permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat carried out 24 foreign affairs activities; and Politburo members and Party Central Committee members made nearly 20 visits. Party external relations at the local level were increasingly substantive and effective, evidenced by the active and proactive participation of provincial and municipal Party leaders. 

Second, strategic research, advisory, and forecasting affairs improved

Due attention was paid to strategic research and forecasting. Timely reports were delivered with a wide range of topics including major global and regional issues, external relations activities of the General Secretary and others senior leaders of the Party, and bilateral and multilateral engagements of the Communist Party of Vietnam. Other topics featured the situation of the parties with which the Communist Party of Vietnam has relations, congresses and Party Central Committee meetings of some political parties, the political scene in some countries, regional and global “hotspots,” elections in some countries, and forecasts on major countries’ policies.

Strategic advisory work was elevated and yielded encouraging results, contributing to the implementation of the foreign policy outlined at the 13th National Party Congress.

Third, relations with political parties and partners continued to be promoted and deepened

1. Relations with ruling parties in socialist countries and neighboring countries with shared borders made significant progress, continuing to guide the overall strategic direction, and creating a strong impetus for deeper relations between Vietnam and these countries.

The relationship with the Communist Party of China saw new, significant developments through the historically significant official visit to China made by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong immediately after the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. The visit, a particularly important foreign affairs political event in 2022, achieved comprehensive results, contributing to the enhancement of political trust and creating new momentum for further relations between the two Parties and countries. Both sides agreed on the content of the Cooperation Plan between the two Parties for the 2021-2025 period and the Cooperation Plan on cadre training between the two Parties for the 2021-2025 period. Party cooperation mechanisms at both central and local levels were smoothly implemented.

Relations with the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the Cambodian People's Party were strengthened as 2022 marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Vietnam and Laos; and the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Cambodia. During this special year of friendship and solidarity, the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, and the Cambodian People's Party organized many commemorative activities, including visits, exchanges, and experience sharing, contributing to strengthening Vietnam’s relations with the two Parties and countries.

The relationship with the Communist Party of Cuba was respected by both sides and served as the guiding star for ties between the two countries.  Phone talks were held between General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel, as well as between the Standing members of the two Party Central Committee Secretariats.

Relations with the Workers' Party of Korea were maintained and consolidated through contacts and the exchange of letters/messages regarding important events.

2. Relations with ruling parties, coalition parties, and major parties of world powers, important partners, regional countries, communist parties, workers’ parties, and traditional friends were maintained and promoted. Breakthroughs were made, solidifying the political foundation for stable and sustainable bilateral relations between Vietnam and developed countries.

The strengthening of relations with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and other political parties in Japan continued, helping to consolidate the political foundation and strategic direction for the development of bilateral relations between the two countries. The Communist Party of Vietnam and the Communist Party of Japan maintained theoretical cooperation through the 10th Theoretical Exchange between the two Parties.

Relations with the ruling People Power Party (PPP) in the Republic of Korea were further enhanced through online talks between General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and President Yoon Suk-yeol.

Relations with the Social Democratic Party of Germany were promoted through the 7th Theoretical Dialogue and online exchanges between the two Parties.

The Communist Party of Vietnam continued promoting and expanding focused relations with ruling parties, coalition parties, and traditionally friendly parties in other regions, particularly in Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

For the first time, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the President of the Liberation Front Party (FRELIMO) and President of Mozambique held online talks, outlining the direction for relations between the two countries. For the first time, the Communist Party of Vietnam sent a delegation to the 10th Congress of the Tanzanian Revolutionary Party, creating a breakthrough in economic relations between the two countries. The Communist Party of Vietnam established relations with Egypt’s ruling Nation’s Future Party,  and promoted relations with the ruling party in Uganda through contacts between the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Chairman of the National Resistance Movement and President of Uganda.

The Communist Party of Vietnam continued to exchange congratulatory letters and messages and hold contacts and online talks to enhance relations with parties in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America including the Indian People's Party (BJP), communist parties, leftist movements in South Asia, the Austrian Labor Party, the Italian Communist Party, the New Dutch Communist Party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) of Germany, the New Azerbaijan Party, the Amanat Party in Kazakstan, the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), the African National Congress (ANC), the Communist Party of Brazil (PcdoB), and the Palestinian Liberation Organization, among others. This approach has created a favorable political foundation for Vietnam to further develop relations with these countries.

3. The Communist Party of Vietnam continued to actively and proactively participate in and promote its role and responsibilities at various international party forums, including the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), the International Meeting of Communist and Workers' Parties (IMCWP), the workshop "Parties and a New Society," and the international inter-party conference "Ecological Security and Sustainable Development." Notably, Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong sent a congratulatory letter to the forum between the Communist Party of China and Marxist parties worldwide (July 28, 2022). The Head of the Party Central Committee’s External Relations Commission attended and read out General Secretary Trong’s letter at the forum.

4. The Communist Party of Vietnam continued to increase the exchange of theories and practical experiences with various parties by various means. The Party successfully co-organized the 9th Theoretical Workshop with the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, the 10th Theoretical Exchange with the Communist Party of Japan, the 7th Theoretical Dialogue with the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), and the 3rd Policy Dialogue with the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU). These activities provided an important opportunity for the parties involved to summarize and share achievements in theory and practice in the process of leading, building, and developing their countries. As a result, the Communist Party of Vietnam has accumulated more international experience in national construction and defense, Party building, state leadership and management, and settlement of socio-economic and cultural issues. These activities also helped and enhanced understanding, consolidated trust, and promoted stable and sustainable bilateral cooperation.

5. Party external relations, especially the activities of the General Secretary and members of the Politburo and the Party Central Committee, contributed to enhancing the position and prestige of the Communist Party of Vietnam in the international arena and improving understanding of the leadership role of the Party and the  revolutionary cause of the Party, State, and people of Vietnam. Parties, countries, and international organizations had a more comprehensive understanding of the leadership and governing role of the Communist Party of Vietnam and attached great importance to the role of Party external relations in bilateral ties. Foreign diplomatic missions in Vietnam, international organizations, high-level delegations from various countries and foreign parties visiting Vietnam showed a stronger  desire to engage with the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and its advisory bodies to discuss important and substantive issues to direct bilateral relations.

Some focal points for Party external relations in the coming period

In the coming time, the international landscape is expected to remain complex and rapidly changeable, posing major international challenges to politics, security, economics, law, and trade. Strategic competition among major powers and limited conflicts will continue in various forms, and become more complicated and intense, thereby increasing risks globally to the  economic, political, and security environment. The Asia-Pacific region, with Southeast Asia playing an increasingly strategic role, is witnessing fierce competition among major powers, which implies potential instability and profound impacts on Vietnam’s security and development.

2023 will be a pivotal year for the implementation of the goals until 2025 set at the 13th National Party Congress, creating momentum for achieving the strategic targets until 2030 and visions until 2045. In this context, Party external relations will focus on:

First, effectively implementing major directions, orientations, and guidelines on foreign affairs outlined at the 13th National Party Congress.

Second, paying attention to strategic advisory work; enhancing the capacity to forecast developments; and promptly and proactively working out appropriate guidelines and solutions. It is necessary to have a thorough and profound understanding of the advantages and challenges, and skillfully apply Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh's thought to foreign affairs; and to uphold the principle of “always serving the interests of the nation.” Independence, self-reliance, and self-sufficiency must be linked with international solidarity and cooperation. It is crucial to uphold the guidance of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on the unique foreign policy of the Ho Chi Minh era which embraces the “Vietnamese bamboo identity.” At the same time, efforts should be made to constantly reassess the foreign affairs mindset in line with the new situation and apply a more proactive, strategic, and comprehensive approach in all stages, from research, forecasting, and consultation, to the handling of foreign affairs issues and implementation of foreign affairs activities.

Third, continuously expanding and deepening Party external relations and consolidating trust to create a firm political foundation for bilateral relations. The most important approach is to attach special importance to and continue to strengthen solidarity and comprehensive and reliable cooperation with the ruling parties in neighboring countries which share borders with Vietnam as well as with socialist countries. It is imperative to deepen relations, reinforce political trust, create a solid political foundation, and maintain a strategic direction for bilateral relations, while at the same time vigorously promoting the specific advantages of the Party external relations channel to contribute to effectively resolve major issues in bilateral relations. The breakthrough approach strongly promotes relations with ruling parties, coalition parties, and parties with a significant position and role in shaping and implementing their countries’ policies related to Vietnam. The traditional approach substantively enhances relations with the communist and workers' parties which have a profound influence on the political scene in their countries and on communist and workers' movements internationally, in order to rally political support for Vietnam.

Fourth, constantly promoting Party external relations to contribute to Party building and especially to learn from international experience in Party building, national leadership and management, and socio-economic, environmental, educational, and training management.

Fifth, continuously enhancing the external information service, making full use of international solidarity and support for Vietnam’s cause of national construction and defense, and raising the international prestige and standing of the Party and of the country to create favorable conditions for successfully achieving the strategic objectives set at the 13th National Party Congress.

Sixth, ensuring the direct and comprehensive leadership of the Party and the unified management of the State over foreign affairs while improving the practicality and effectiveness of foreign affair activities. It is necessary to strengthen coordination between foreign affairs channels to create a tight, synchronous, and comprehensive bond between Party external relations, State diplomacy, and people-to-people diplomacy in order to fully utilize the advantages and specific roles of  each channel to create the synergy for a robust foreign affairs front.

This article was published in the Communist Review No. 1007 (February 2023)