Vietnam PM hosts Tet banquet for diplomatic corps

Addressing the diplomatic corps ahead of Tet, which lasts a week from February 17, PM Chinh said 2025 unfolded amid unprecedented and unpredictable global developments, with difficulties and opportunities intertwined but challenges outweighing advantages.

Despite these headwinds, he stressed that peace, cooperation, and development remained the prevailing global trend and the shared values binding nations together.

For Vietnam, the year represented a comprehensive test of governance capacity, adaptability, and resilience across the political system, the business community, and society as a whole.

The country overcame significant pressures to achieve major development milestones, laying solid foundations and building confidence for a new growth phase.

Economic growth reached 8.02 percent last year, among the highest regionally and globally, while all 15 key socio-economic targets were met or exceeded.

“These achievements reflect not only Vietnam’s own efforts but also the valuable support, solidarity, and cooperation of international friends,” Chinh said.

On behalf of Party General Secretary To Lam and other Party and state leaders, he conveyed sincere thanks to foreign governments, international organizations, and the people who have supported Vietnam throughout the country’s process of national construction and defense.

Looking ahead, he reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification, and multilateralization, emphasizing that the country remains a good friend, a reliable partner of all nations, and a responsible member of the international community.

The prime minister expressed hope that international partners would continue to stand alongside Vietnam in realizing a shared vision of sustainable national development, a more closely connected ASEAN, a prosperous and integrated Asia, and a peaceful, stable world.

He also said he believed diplomats in Hanoi would continue to play their bridging role in deepening practical and effective cooperation between Vietnam and other countries and organizations.

Speaking on behalf of the diplomatic corps, Palestinian Ambassador Saadi Salama described 2025 as a landmark year for Vietnam, marked by positive achievements across multiple fields and the successful organization of the 14th National Party Congress.

He said Vietnam’s socio-economic progress reflected sustained efforts to maintain growth, ensure macroeconomic stability, and improve living standards, while reinforcing its reputation as a trusted and proactive international partner.

The ambassador also highlighted the open, safe, and friendly environment Vietnam provides for diplomatic missions, saying it enables foreign representatives to work with confidence while fostering lasting goodwill toward the country and its people.

Concluding the gathering, Chinh extended New Year wishes for peace, prosperity, and happiness, expressing his belief that continued unity, cooperation, and dialogue would further strengthen Vietnam’s ties with international friends and contribute to a more stable and prosperous future for all.