Contributions of the Central Policy and Strategy Commission Will Be of Great Significance to the Successful Implementation of the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress
	Conference on Implementation of Resolution of 14th National Party Congress on People-to-People Diplomacy

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung's participation in the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit marking the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations, held in Kazan, the Russian Federation, from June 17 to 18, 2026, concluded successfully. The visit contributed to strengthening relations between ASEAN and Russia, one of Vietnam's Comprehensive Strategic Partners, while demonstrating Vietnam's strong support for Russia and for ASEAN-Russia relations. Photo: Plenary session of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit marking the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA)

To further clarify the significance of Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW, particularly its implications for people-to-people diplomacy, a Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reporter interviewed Senior Colonel Tran Van Thong, Deputy Head of the Liaison Committee and Member of the Standing Committee of the Central Executive Committee of the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association.

- How do you assess the role of people-to-people diplomacy in Vietnam's diplomacy today, especially following the Politburo's issuance of Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW on implementing the foreign policy of the 14th National Party Congress?

Building upon President Ho Chi Minh's diplomatic philosophy of "remaining steadfast in principles while responding flexibly to changing circumstances," Vietnam's diplomacy has consistently been maintained on three pillars: Party diplomacy, State diplomacy, and people-to-people diplomacy. The spirit of the 14th National Party Congress has further elevated awareness by clearly identifying external relations as a "crucial and regular task."

It can be affirmed that the Politburo's issuance of Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW marks a significant milestone and serves as a guiding framework for advancing people-to-people diplomacy in greater depth, with greater effectiveness and more substantive outcomes in the coming period.

In recent years, in the field of people-to-people diplomacy, bilateral cooperation has continued to strengthen and deepen Vietnam-Cambodia relations for the benefit of the peoples of both countries. While Party diplomacy and State diplomacy establish the political and legal foundation, people-to-people diplomacy serves as the enduring bridge that directly fosters affection and mutual trust between the two peoples.

Senior Colonel Tran Van Thong. (Photo: Hai Ngoc/VNA)

- In May 2026, Ho Chi Minh City hosted the Fourth Joint Conference (2022–2027) between the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association and the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Association. Leaders of both associations emphasized the importance of "connecting hearts." Could you elaborate on the message conveyed by this event?

This was the fourth joint conference held under the cooperation program for the 2022-2027 period, with the aim of further strengthening solidarity, traditional friendship, and comprehensive cooperation between the peoples of the two countries.

At the conference, Nguyen Thi Thanh, Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly and President of the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association, emphasized the goal of connecting hearts, nurturing trust, and passing on the flame of friendship to future generations. Practical initiatives such as the "Nurturing friendship" program, which sponsors Cambodian students, and the Economic Cooperation Forum have demonstrated tangible results.

On the Cambodian side, Samdech Men Sam An, Vice President of the Cambodian People's Party, President of the Solidarity Front for the Development of the Cambodian Motherland, and President of the Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Association, affirmed that the Cambodian people will always cherish and remember the assistance and sacrifices made by Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts in helping Cambodia escape the genocidal regime. She also expressed the hope that Cambodia and Vietnam would continue working together to build a peaceful, friendly, and stable border while expanding exchanges among younger generations.

Looking back over recent years, the bonds forged through people-to-people diplomacy between Vietnam and Cambodia have contributed to building a peaceful, stable, and jointly developed border, bringing about many tangible outcomes in border localities of both countries. In terms of security and public order, inter-agency coordination mechanisms have been strengthened, helping to maintain security, combat transnational crime, and enable local residents to settle and engage in production with greater confidence. Economically, bilateral trade has maintained positive growth momentum thanks to improvements in immigration, customs, and import-export procedures, creating more favorable conditions for investment and tourism.

Cooperation between the two countries in such areas as healthcare, education, labor, agriculture, and energy has also been strengthened. In particular, the mechanism of holding annual meetings. at least once a year, between border localities has enabled both sides to promptly address emerging issues.

- To effectively implement Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW in the coming period, what key measures do you believe should be prioritized?

Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW sets out broad strategic orientations. To help ensure that the Resolution is swiftly translated into practice and to enhance the effectiveness of external affairs, we should closely adhere to the guiding principles set forth by the General Secretary of the Party and State President at the National Conference on studying, disseminating, thoroughly grasping, and implementing Resolution No. 06-NQ/TW of the Politburo, dated May 19, 2026, as well as the Resolution's substantive content.

Accordingly, several core groups of measures should be prioritized. These include building a contingent of external affairs officials who possess political steadfastness, keen judgment, and strong professional competence; deeply instilling the understanding that external relations are the shared responsibility of the entire Party, the entire military, and the entire people; and recognizing that Party committees at all levels, local authorities, and businesses are all direct stakeholders in this endeavor.

With regard to implementing specific action programs, ministries, sectors, and localities should develop clear roadmaps while resolutely overcoming formalism, passivity, mechanical implementation, and subjective complacency or a lack of vigilance.

We must ensure close coordination among all diplomatic channels and strengthen the linkages between Party diplomacy, State diplomacy, people-to-people diplomacy, and national defense and security in order to build a comprehensive diplomatic framework and generate collective strength. In the field of people-to-people diplomacy, the role of friendship associations should be maximized.

- Thank you very much!

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