Prague (VNA) – Vietnam’s foreign policy ofmultilateralisation and diversification of external relations has contributedto enhancing the country’s position in the region and the world, foreignexperts said. 

In an interview recently granted to Vietnam News Agencycorrespondents based in Prague ahead of the upcoming 13th NationalCongress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Dr. Takashi Hosoda, an expert onthe Asia-Pacific from Charles University in the Czech Republic, noted that overthe past years, Vietnam has achieved important successes in external affairs,especially establishing bilateral and multilateral cooperation mechanisms toconnect with the world, contributing to creating an environment of peace fornational construction and defence.

Amid the complicated developments in the world, especiallythe COVID-19 pandemic that deeply affected international relations, Vietnam washonoured for successfully performing the role of ASEAN Chair 2020, which improvedthe stature of ASEAN and Vietnam in particular in their relationship withpartners as well as contributed to international community’s common efforts to seekmultilateral solutions to issues related to peace, security and development inthe Indo-Pacific and Southeast Asia in particular, including the East Seaissue.

The scholar also commented that Vietnam has made continuousefforts to actively and proactively integrate into the world economy viasigning a number of important multilateral trade deals such as the Comprehensiveand Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the EuropeanUnion – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), the Regional ComprehensiveEconomic Partnership (RCEP), and the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam andthe UK. Those deals have helped create a driving force for Vietnam’s economicgrowth.

Apart from bolstering multilateral collaboration, Vietnamalso paid attention to consolidating bilateral ties with neighbouring countriesand important partners such as the US, India, Japan, France, Italy and the UKto create a peaceful environment favourable for protecting national interestsand harnessing its strength.

He noted Vietnam’s efforts to fight illegal, unreported andunregulated fishing, prevent plastic waste pollution and maintain sustainablefishing, which he said demonstrated that Vietnam is a responsible country forpromoting environmental protection and maintaining sustainable development,which are two major factors for global politics in the 21st century.

Hosoda suggested that Vietnam should continue focusing ontrust building measures, deepening ties with partners in a substantive andeffective manner while joining more multilateral cooperation frameworks.

Sharing the same view, Dr. Jan Hornat, an expert on theIndo-Pacific also from the Charles University, lauded Vietnam’s role andposition in international relations.

He said Vietnam is succeeding in global and regionaleconomic integration, including pushing the signing of the RCEP in its role asASEAN Chair 2020.

In his opinion, Vietnam should reinforce partnerships withregional powers sharing the same interest for the sake of an open and freeIndo-Pacific.

He expressed his belief that with experience and achievementsin external affairs over the past years, Vietnam will actively contribute tomaintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific./.