14th National Party Congress to open new chapter for Vietnam: foreign ambassadors

Ambassadors from Russia, Laos, Cuba, Venezuela, and Palestine sent congratulatory messages and praised Vietnam’s vision and new development directions as the congress is taking place in Hanoi.

Russian Ambassador G.S. Bezdetko said Vietnam entered the congress as a nation “on the rise.”

He noted that recent progress reflects a strategic shift from a mindset of catching up to one of moving ahead, grounded in an independent, self-reliant modernization model that safeguards national interests.

He stated that strategic documents on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation adopted at the congress would provide a solid foundation for Vietnam to reshape its growth model, address challenges in megacities, and improve people’s quality of life.

Sharing a similar view on Vietnam’s evolving development trajectory, Lao Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh praised the strategic thinking reflected in draft documents of the congress, particularly the identification of science, technology, and national digital transformation as key growth drivers.

He described this as a necessary transition from capital- and low-cost labor-based growth toward a knowledge-based economy, demonstrating Vietnam’s proactive adaptation to global volatility.

The Lao ambassador also voiced strong interest in Vietnam’s emphasis on the private sector as a major growth engine, calling it a practical and open-minded approach to refining a socialist-oriented market economy and effectively mobilizing social resources.

He underscored the symbolic significance of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam coinciding with the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, reflecting the special solidarity and shared aspirations of the two nations on their path toward socialism.

Cuban Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes said Cuba trusts Vietnam will continue to build a people-centered society, harmonizing development with the environment, peace, and international integration.

He stressed that Vietnam’s achievements in recent years demonstrate the Vietnamese Party’s leadership and the resilience of its people in building a stable, progressive society.

Venezuelan Ambassador Juan Carlos Fernandes Juárez lauded Vietnam’s industrialization, economic growth, and social benefits, describing the country as a model for Venezuela and other developing nations.

He said the congress provides an opportunity to continue successful policies and strengthen Vietnam’s growing role in Southeast Asia and globally, including in Latin America.

He emphasized Vietnam as not only a partner but also a sincere and reliable friend.

Palestinian Ambassador Saadi Salama, head of the diplomatic corps and a participant in five previous Party congresses, expressed deep confidence that Vietnam will continue to find the right path to build a strong nation despite global challenges.

The ambassadors agreed that the congress’ decisions will inspire Vietnam’s ongoing development story and contribute positively to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world.

The five-yearly congress, held at the National Convention Center, was originally scheduled to be held from Monday to Sunday this week, bringing together 1,586 delegates representing more than 5.6 million Party members nationwide.

Delegates voted on Wednesday afternoon to shorten the congress by 1.5 days, meaning that the major political event will wrap up on Friday.