In this context, alongside the foreign relations of the Party and State leaders, President Luong Cuong’s diplomatic activities, especially his official visits to the Republic of Chile and the Republic of Peru, as well as his participation in the 2024 APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, further affirm Vietnam’s position on the international stage.

Peruvian President presents the Grand Cross of the Order of “The Sun of Peru” to State President of Vietnam Luong Cuong.

These activities promote an independent, self-reliant, self-sufficient, multilateral, and diversified foreign policy for peace, cooperation, and development.

A trusted partner and active member

President Luong Cuong’s official visits to Chile and Peru were met with warm and respectful receptions from the leaders and people of both nations.

These visits fostered political and diplomatic exchanges, expanding economic cooperation, cultural and educational connections, and collaboration in emerging areas such as technology and digital transformation.

In interactions, leaders and citizens of both nations emphasised Vietnam’s rising global stature.

During discussions, Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font expressed admiration for President Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam’s heroic struggle for independence.

He affirmed, “Vietnam’s achievements in national development, particularly during the renovation process, serve as valuable lessons for Chile in its economic and social development efforts.”

The friendship between Chile and Vietnam, established more than half a century ago by President Ho Chi Minh and President Salvador Allende, is deeply rooted in shared history, culture, geography, and visions for the world.

Throughout the meetings, Chilean leaders and citizens, as well as those across Latin America, fondly remembered and respected President Ho Chi Minh.

Senator Isabel Allende, daughter of President Salvador Allende, shared her emotional memories of her father’s 1969 visit to Vietnam, including his historic meeting with President Ho Chi Minh.

In Peru, during the presentation of the Order of “The Sun of Peru”, the country’s highest honour, to President Luong Cuong, Peruvian President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra emphasised Vietnam’s effective economic development policies, which have greatly strengthened bilateral cooperation.

Vietnam’s active support was instrumental in ASEAN’s decision to designate Peru as a “development partner” in early 2024.

The official visits to Chile and Peru, two APEC economies, coincided with the 2024 APEC Economic Leaders’ Week. Additionally, President Luong Cuong held high-level meetings with Chinese General Secretary and President Xi Jinping, US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and other leaders from APEC economies.

These interactions reaffirmed Vietnam’s role, position, and contributions to regional and international forums.

Speaking at the 2024 APEC CEO Summit, under the theme “Gateway to the Land of Opportunity”, President Luong Cuong delivered a strong message of confidence in a bright future.

He highlighted Vietnam’s optimism, determination, and ability to identify opportunities even in challenging circumstances as the key to success in an ever-changing and uncertain world.

As a strategic gateway connecting Southeast Asia, the Asia-Pacific, and the world, Vietnam has become an important link in global value and supply chains.

Despite facing significant challenges, Vietnam remains proactive and constructive, making substantial contributions to common efforts. Vietnam has successfully fulfilled its responsibilities in many multilateral mechanisms and has been a shining example in achieving the UN’s Millennium Development Goals and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

President Luong Cuong affirmed: “We will participate responsibly and contribute actively to global politics, the world economy, and human civilisation, guided by Vietnam’s spirit of being a reliable partner and an active, responsible member of the international community.”

Equipped for a new era

Vietnam enters this new era as a fast-growing and dynamic economy, ranked 34th globally, with a stable and robust political system centred on the people.

Vietnam is entering a new era with a fresh mindset, a strong aspiration for a prosperous and happy nation, and firm confidence in a bright future.

Vietnam has established diplomatic relations with 194 countries and built 32 strategic and comprehensive partnership frameworks, including all five permanent members of the UN Security Council and the G7 economies. Its trade relations now extend to over 220 countries and territories.

Vietnam’s preparations for the new era also include extensive reforms and the creation of new development opportunities. These efforts have fostered confidence among international businesses and investors.

During a meeting with the US-APEC Business Alliance, President Luong Cuong reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to improving policies to protect intellectual property rights and ensure equal treatment for all investors.

Neil Herrington, Senior Vice President of the US Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the strong presence of leaders from top organisations and corporations, such as the US-ASEAN Business Council, the National Centre for APEC, Google, Mastercard, VISA, Walmart, Apple, Merck & Co, Pfizer, and more, as evidence of growing trust and interest in Vietnam as an investment destination.

Vietnamese businesses and investors are also making significant strides internationally. For example, Viettel Peru (Bitel), a joint venture of the Viettel Group in Peru, has become a leading player in Peru’s telecommunications market over the past decade.

Employing nearly 3,000 full-time staff and 23,000 indirect workers, Bitel’s average revenue over the past three years reached 420 million USD annually, with a profit of 83 million USD. In 2024, profits are expected to hit a record 103 million USD.

During his visit to Bitel, President Luong Cuong emphasised that Bitel’s success reflects Vietnam's potential and intellect, demonstrating the country’s ability to compete equally in global markets.

Vietnam is entering a phase of strong development, determined to fulfil the goals of the 13th Party Congress and prepare for the 14th Congress.

This marks a milestone in Vietnam’s journey toward a new era. In this context, President Luong Cuong’s diplomatic activities have paved the way for new opportunities, fostering a confident, self-reliant Vietnam ready to rise and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with global powers.