Former Party General Secretary Do Muoi always paid attention to diplomacy, as it is among three areas under direct leadership of the Politburo, said former Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cam.

Former Party General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Do Muoi (R) and his Chinese counterpart Jiang Zemin inspect Guards of Honor during Do Muoi's visit to China in 1995. (Photo: VNA)

Cam particularly stressed the decision of the General Secretary about Vietnam’s joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), starting the country’s process of regional and international integration.

He realled that in late 1991 and early 1992, a delegation of the Vietnamese Government led by Chairman of the Council of Ministers Vo Van Kiet visited ASEAN member countries to enhance relations with the countries, in line with Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, openness, multilateralisation and persification which was adopted at the 7^th National Party Congress in June 1991. On the occasion, some ASEAN leaders suggested that Vietnam join ASEAN.

On the proposal, Party General Secretary Do Muoi affirmed that it is the right time for Vietnam to join ASEAN. He said membership of the ASEAN would strengthen the country’s power and position. The issue was tabled for discussion at the Politburo and got approval.

According to the former Foreign Minister, General Secretary Do Muoi always paid heed to events of international organisations of which Vietnam is a member, including the United Nations General Assembly, the Non-Aligned Movement and ASEAN. “He always asked me to report about the content and outcomes of those events and thoroughly discussed with me issues that need to report to the Politburo,” Cam said.

The diplomat shared many people’s opinion that Do Muoi is a deserving disciple of President Ho Chi Minh, and a bright example of diligence, thrift, integrity and selflessness.

Do Muoi was born on February 2, 1917, in Dong My commune, Thanh Tri district, Hanoi. He passed away in Hanoi on October 1 at the age of 101 due to serious illness.

He started participating in revolutionary activities in 1936 and joined the Communist Party of Vietnam in June 1939.

He served as General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee from June 1991 to December 1997, and was presented with an insignia of 80-year Party membership.

Vietnam will hold a State funeral and two days of national mourning for him on October 6 and 7./.

VNF/VNA