In 2020, Vietnam’s relations with countries, especially neighbouring and important partners, have been promoted with regular online meetings at all levels. Vietnamese leaders conducted 34 bilateral phone talks and online meetings with leaders of various countries, while safely implementing important delegation exchanges, stated Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh in his article entitled “Vietnam external relations in 2020: mettle and new posture” released on the occasion of the New Year 2021.

Vietnam provided assistance in masks, medical equipment and finance to 51 countries and international organisations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, while actively supporting countries and partners facing difficulties. Meanwhile, the country has also received help from many countries and international organisations in the fight. Vietnam’s pandemic response model has been hailed by the international community.

The country successfully performed the roles of ASEAN 2020 Chair, 41st AIPA President, and non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure.

Vietnam successfully escorted ASEAN through many challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, while organising the 36th and 37th ASEAN Summits and many other meetings in the online format. As many as 80 documents, the record number, were approved, with a focus on building the ASEAN Community, promoting the mid-term review of the ASEAN Community Blueprint 2025, reviewing the ASEAN Charter, and building an ASEAN Community Post-2025 Vision.

In the first year in the role of a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Vietnam showed the image of a responsible country upholding international law and working hard to seek consensus and solutions to conflicts, while giving many initiatives.