He thanked foreign correspondents, representative diplomatic missions and international organisations for their depictions of Vietnam as a country of peace, reform and unyielding spirit disseminated to a worldwide audience.

Looking back over the past year, Khoi affirmed that Vietnam remains a peaceful and stable country amid global uncertainties, with its relationships with neighbours, traditional friends, strategic and comprehensive partners going from strength to strength.

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2015 will mark the celebration of numerous significant events in Vietnam, he said, including the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the 70th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day, and the 40th anniversary of national unification. The ASEAN Community, in which Vietnam is an active player, is also expected to be established in late 2015.

Vietnam continues to maintain its diplomatic policy of peace, independence, self-control, diversification and multi-lateralisation while firmly safeguarding national interests and extending partnerships with neighbours and long-time partners.

As Vietnam integrates further into the global economy, the nation looks to play a more active role in regional and global forums and foster an environment of peace, stability and common prosperity, he said.