Hanoi should continue to set an example for other regions in foreign affairs. This involves improving the quality and effectiveness of innovative, diverse foreign activities that are relevant to the current situation, with a focus on professionalism and efficiency.

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen at the conference. Photos: The Hanoi Times

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen stressed the view at a conference held by the municipal Department of Foreign Affairs on January 18, to discuss the agency’s tasks and orientations for 2024.

Looking back to 2023, Quyen acknowledged and commended Hanoi's achievements in foreign affairs.

He praised the capital city's proactive and innovative spirit demonstrated through a variety of vibrant events, showcasing its leading position in local foreign affairs. Hanoi actively collaborated with central agencies in high-level diplomatic activities, highlighting effective and well-coordinated professionalism.

The 12th Vietnam-France Decentralization Conference in Hanoi is one of the country's major international events in 2023.

Additionally, Quyen emphasized the need for Hanoi to share its experience and expertise in foreign affairs with districts, departments, and sectors. This sharing is aimed at enhancing the international cooperation quality of specialized sectors and attracting additional resources for the city's development. He urged the continued development of professional and modern foreign affairs, emphasizing the improvement of the local foreign affairs personnel's quality and capacity.

During the conference, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Foreign Affairs Tran Nghia Hoa shared that in 2023, Hanoi significantly expanded its foreign relations and international cooperation.

Bilateral and multilateral friendships and collaborations increased in both breadth and depth, while economic diplomacy remained a primary pillar, contributing to driving sustainable growth in the capital city.

Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Foreign Affairs Tran Nghia Hoa.

“Cultural and people-to-people diplomacy was dynamic and diverse, serving as an important bridge to showcase the cultural beauty of Hanoi and its people to the international community,” Hoa said.

Looking ahead to 2024, Hoa expected the Department of Foreign Affairs to further promote Hanoi's foreign affairs in all areas – political, economic, and cultural - with an emphasis on the continuation and effective implementation of existing cooperation agreements while seeking and expanding new cooperation opportunities.

He stressed the commitment to strengthening Hanoi’s economic diplomacy to maximize international resources for the city's construction and development.

“Simultaneously, efforts in cultural diplomacy and participation in safeguarding the country's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity were highlighted. The city aimed to enhance the quality of people-to-people diplomacy while ensuring foreign security on its territory,” he said.

Congratulating Hanoi on its successful foreign affairs year, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu affirmed that the capital, as a political, cultural, and administrative center, has significantly contributed to the country's foreign affairs achievements.

Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh awards Prime Minister's certificates of merits to individuals with outstanding contributions to Hanoi's foreign relations in 2023.

Assessing the complex international and economic landscape in 2024, Vu commended Hanoi for proactively setting specific foreign affairs directions. He advised the city to continue aligning foreign affairs with its overall economic and social development goals, contributing directly to substantial objectives ranging from trade and investment to transportation, environment, and education. Economic diplomacy should remain a focus, while cultural diplomacy should leverage Hanoi's rich heritage and continue to spread its cultural and civilized values.

Director of Hanoi’s Department of Foreign Affairs Ngo Minh Hoang expressed the agency’s determination to bring into full play the intelligence, innovation, and efficiency of the city's foreign affairs in the coming years.

“The goal is to further consolidate and enhance the position of the capital and the nation on the international stage,” Hoang stressed.