Overview of Foreign Affairs

Today, Vietnam has diplomatic relations with 164 countries. In its foreign policy, Vietnam gives priority to enhancing the relations with neighboring countries namely Laos, Cambodia and China; countries in South East Asia, in the Asia-Pacific region and great nations. At the same time, Vietnam attaches great importance to the relations with traditional friends, new partners and international organizations. Vietnam joined the Bali Convention in 1992 and became the official member of the ASEAN in July 1995. Since then, Vietnam has been acting as an active member of AFTA and ASEM. Since 1995, Vietnam has normalized diplomatic relations with the US and signed the Framework Agreement on co-operation with the EU.

Vietnam joined the UN in 1977, became member of the Non-aligned Movement in the 70s. Vietnam has also become member of the Pacific Economic Co-operation Council (PECC) and started to take part in the activities of the Pacific Board of Economic Council (PBEC). At present, Vietnam has become member of APEC and is trying its best to be admitted into the WTO, after having trade and co-operation relations with more than 100 countries and territories, and trade agreements with nearly 60 countries and territories. Vietnams prestige and international responsibility have been increased significantly. In 1997, Vietnam was elected as the Vice-Chairman of the UN General Assembly. Vietnam was also appointed to host the 7th Summit of the Francophonie (Nov. 1997) and the ASEAN Summit in 1998.

VN Embassy : Learn about Vietnam : Foreign Policy : Overview