More diversified foreign affairs information, particularly major external relations events, have captured the attention of international friends and left them with impression of Vietnam.

 

This year, Vietnam will launch many significant events such as the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi, Vietnam’s chairmanship of ASEAN and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and the celebration of the establishment of diplomatic ties with 50 different countries. Activities concerning external relations and the dissemination of information on foreign affairs play an important role in bringing success to these great events.

 

Head of the Information and Press Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Nguyen Phuong Nga granted an interview to a Radio Voice of Vietnam (VOV) reporter about Vietnam’s foreign affairs promotion in 2009 and its tasks in 2010.

 

Reporter:  2009 ended with numerous great successes for Vietnam in external relations especially in the dissemination of foreign affairs information. Could you please brief us on MOFA’s remarkable activities related to this field?

 

Ms Nga: 2009 saw complex developments in the international and regional situation, greatly affecting Vietnam’s security environment, offering a wealth of opportunity and posing challenges to external relations activities as well as the dissemination of foreign affairs information.

 

However, under the leadership of the Party and the guidance of the Government and thanks as well to the great efforts of the diplomatic sector, along with close coordination among foreign affairs units, we reaped significant achievements in external relations. The dissemination of foreign affairs information positively contributed to the following aspects:

 

First, we actively promoted dissemination and promotional activities, helping international friends gain a better understanding of Vietnam’s land, people, culture, policies and renewal achievements. In the context of the country’s socio-political stability, the Government’s effective management of the macro economy to cope with the global economic downturn and its policy of diversification and multilateralisation of external relations, we have been deeply involved in international integration, in the spirit of Vietnam being a friend, a reliable partner and an active and responsible member of the international community.

 

Second, we renewed the dissemination of foreign affairs information in both content and form to provide accurate, timely and attractive information suitable for each subject and each area.

 

Last year, we took part in many major international events such as Vietnam’s role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, the 9th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting, the first Conference of Overseas Vietnamese and overseas visits by numerous senior leaders.

 

Apart from facilitating the journalistic activities of 1,500 foreign reporters, we cooperated with other foreign media agencies in disseminating Vietnam-related information. In addition to using traditional media through press briefings, seminars, exhibitions, film festivals and pamphlets, we used the best of modern media facilities such as websites, CDs, DVDs and CD-ROMs to boost the efficiency of externally oriented information dissemination.

 

Third, consciousness-raising measures on the country’s orientation and its struggle were undertaken. In terms of our orientation, we properly disseminate information on the country’s all-out efforts to iron out snags in economic management, maintain steady development, reduce poverty, promote democracy and ensure human rights. Our successful protection of the universal periodic report (UPR) before the UN Human Rights Council has helped many countries gain an unbiased and more comprehensive view and assessment of Vietnam’s real situation.

 

In terms of struggle, various measures have been launched to reject distorted and subversive allegations by hostile forces, particularly sensitive issues related to territorial waters, democracy, human rights and religion.

 

Fourth, we strongly improved the management of the dissemination of foreign affairs information through close cooperation between MOFA and relevant agencies such as the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Propaganda and Education, the Ministry of Information and Communications and domestic and foreign agencies.

 

Apart from the diplomatic sector’s efforts, it is essential to mention the contribution, support and coordination of Vietnamese media agencies, including VOV. In the near future, MOFA and VOV will continue to boost close cooperation in promoting important foreign affairs and political events and increasing the quality of VOV’s overseas programmes.

 

On behalf of MOFA’s leadership, I would like to thank media agencies as well as VOV for their cooperation. We hope that our cooperation will become even more effective in the coming period.

 

Reporter: Is there anything new in MOFA’s foreign-related information dissemination in 2010, especially as Vietnam continues to pursue its policy of diversification and multilateralisation of external relations and assumes the 2010 ASEAN Chair?

 

Ms Nga: Vietnam will host many great events in 2010 such as the grand celebration of the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi, and the celebrations of the anniversaries of diplomatic ties with 50 countries. The year will also see party congresses held at various levels in preparation for the nationwide party congress in 2011, which is expected to introduce the socio-economic strategy for the next 10 years. Also, the 65th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day and the 35th anniversary of its reunification will be commemorated.

 

All this means that the work of external relations, including external information, will be very heavy. MOFA has devised a plan for externally-oriented information in 2010, which focuses on the following issues:

 

1- Promote the Year Vietnam assumes the presidency of ASEAN, strengthen the raising of people’s awareness of ASEAN and its major events, and highlight the active role of Vietnam in ASEAN.

 

The country will also focus on other major events to be held in Vietnam such as the 2010 World Economic Forum on East Asia, the World Buddhist Summit and the conference of the ASEAN Inter-parliamentary Assembly (AIPA).

 

2- Take the initiative in providing more information on the Party and State’s official opinions to help the world understand the fine nature of our regime, and its achievements in terms of democracy and human rights. In a determined way, we will also refute misguided arguments about Vietnam.

 

3- Improve Vietnam’s externally-oriented information work through the application of new methodologies and the introduction of new content via various channels such as political, economic, and cultural diplomacy, as well as party external relations, and people-to-people diplomacy.

 

4- Manage externally-oriented information work in a better more unified manner, aiming to reduce overlap and inconsistency between different press agencies and create more harmony among them.

 

Reporter: You said that struggling against unfounded rumours and cynical arguments is one of the more important duties of the externally-oriented information work. Can you please give us some assessments of the efforts to refute such opinions by those intentionally distorting the truth about Vietnam?

 

Ms Nga: The work focuses on refuting distortions about Vietnam, especially with regard to ‘democracy’, ‘human rights’, religion and territorial integrity.

 

So far, Vietnam has enhanced the provision of information on its efforts to ensure democracy, human rights and religious freedom. The country has also highlighted its successes in socio-economic development, poverty alleviation, and maintaining political stability.

 

Regarding the nation’s border and sovereignty, MOFA’s National Border Committee already launched a web portal at www.biengioilanhtho.gov.vn to help the public understand more about the Party and State’s policies on this issue.

 

Second, Vietnam has actively engaged in dialogues with foreign partners on issues where there are disagreements. The successful protection of the Universal Periodic Review prior to the Human Rights Council under the United Nations was part of those activities.

 

Third, we resolutely condemn self-serving arguments by hostile forces as well as all actions that seriously compromise national security and will do more to help the world public properly understand about Vietnam and such issues as democracy, human rights, and borders.

  

VietNamNet/VOV