Thanking international friends for their valuable companionship, support, and cooperation over the past year, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called on delegates to promote the "three foundations" spirit: solidarity to build strength, cooperation to build resources, and dialogue to build trust.

Speaking at the reception for the diplomatic corps on the evening of 9/2 at the government headquarters, marking New Year 2026 and the traditional Binh Ngo Lunar New Year, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that in Vietnamese culture, Ngo (the horse) symbolizes continuous movement, perseverance, and the aspiration to advance quickly and far, yet sustainably. Binh (the fire) represents light, life, enthusiasm, and new development energy.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the diplomatic corps reception on 9/2. Photo: Giang Huy

The Prime Minister expressed his hope that ambassadors, charges d'affaires, and heads of international organizations in Hanoi would continue to act as bridges, making friendship and cooperation with Vietnam increasingly cohesive, practical, and effective.

The Prime Minister stated that 2025 was a comprehensive test of the governance capacity, adaptability, and resilience of both Vietnam's political system and its enterprises. Vietnam consistently implemented policies and participated in addressing common global challenges. The country recorded an 8,02% growth rate, the highest in the region and among the countries with high growth worldwide, meeting and exceeding all 15 key socio-economic targets.

Delegates experience calligraphy art at the event. Photo: Giang Huy

In this new development phase, Vietnam continues its independent, self-reliant, diversified, and multilateral foreign policy, aiming to be a good friend and reliable partner to all countries. The nation is a responsible member of the international community, working for peace, cooperation, and development in the region and worldwide, identifying foreign affairs as a crucial, ongoing task. The Prime Minister expressed his desire to continue receiving companionship and assistance from international friends to realize the vision of a "Sustainable Vietnam – Cohesive ASEAN – Prosperous and Connected Asia – Peaceful and Harmonious World – Advancing Humanity in Equality".

Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam, Saadi Salama, who is the head of the diplomatic corps, stated that Vietnam is still considered an attractive destination for investment, trade, and development cooperation. The country has also gradually and effectively implemented strategies for digital transformation, sustainable development, and green growth.

Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam Saadi Salama, head of the diplomatic corps in Vietnam, speaks at the reception. Photo: Giang Huy

According to Mr. Salama, the open, safe, friendly, and affectionate environment Vietnam offers the international diplomatic community not only helps ambassadors, charges d'affaires, and heads of international organizations contribute to the development of friendly cooperative relations but also makes them increasingly fond of Vietnam and its people. The Ambassador wished Vietnam continued development, strong advancement, and a reinforced position in the new era. He expressed hope that friendship and cooperation among nations would be increasingly strengthened based on trust, respect, and mutually beneficial cooperation, for a peaceful, stable, prosperous, and sustainably developing world.

Nhu Tam