Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem has hailed the effective contribution made by the press to the country’s external relations.

 At a meeting between the Foreign Ministry and representatives of local news agencies in Hanoi on Dec. 30, the Deputy PM reviewed outstanding foreign affairs’ achievements in the area of politics, culture and economics in 2010.

 The country’s foreign affairs in 2010 were implemented synchronously and comprehensively in all fields, with a close cooperation of relevant agencies and localities, and have gained important results, contributing to consolidating peace, stability and advantage for development as well as improving Vietnam’s position in the international arena, he said.

 Vietnam’s success in its capacity as ASEAN chair, which affirmed that Vietnam is really an active, positive and responsible member of the bloc, was the most outstanding mark in the country’s diplomacy in 2010, Khiem said.

 He also said he hoped that in 2011, the first year of implementing the Resolution of the 11 th National Party Congress and the Socio-Economic Development Strategy for the 2011-2020 period, the press will continue to work closely with the Foreign Ministry in conducting the Party’s guidelines and policies relating to external relations, thus contributing to the country’s reform and construction process.

 On the occasion, Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists’ Association Dinh The Huynh congratulated the Foreign Ministry on its achievements, saying these have contributed to raising Vietnam’s position in the international arena and the country’s development.

 He also said he wished the ministry and news agencies to continue collaborate in carrying out the country’s foreign affairs./.

(VNA)