Multilateralization of international relations, not a private matter

Today, September 22, the Future Summit, 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly opens, with the core spirit of promoting dialogue and multilateral cooperation, towards a future of peace, prosperity and sustainable development.

This is a great opportunity to affirm the irreplaceable value of the United Nations and multilateralism in the face of global challenges. However, there are still contradictory shifts, raising the question: is it true that big countries are the focus, and multilateralism is the business of developing countries and small countries?

The Future Summit is a great opportunity to affirm the irreplaceable value of the United Nations and multilateralism in the face of global challenges. (Source: UN Foundation)

The trend is irreversible.

Along with climate change, poverty, inequality, confrontation, conflict, and division are taking place in many regions. Conflicts are breaking out in Ukraine, the Gaza Strip, the Middle East; there is a potential risk of instability in the East Sea... The East-West confrontation, one side led by the US and some Western countries and the other side led by China and Russia, is increasingly tense and complicated.

Thousands of sanctions imposed by the US and the West on Russia, China and several other countries have caused a deep division of world resources. The economic and trade war between major countries is heated by continuous attacks and responses such as embargoes on high technology, chips, semiconductors, rare earths, and taxes on Chinese electric vehicles.

There are also moves in the opposite direction. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store visited China almost simultaneously, seeking cooperation amid differences. Türkiye, a long-time NATO member, maintains economic ties, arms sales with Russia and plans to join BRICS.

The US is focusing its strategy on the Indo-Pacific region while also seeking to win the “heart” of Africa. On September 12, US Ambassador to the United Nations Lind Thomas-Greenfield announced his support for two more permanent seats on the UN Security Council for African countries (but with limited veto power!).

Asia is the same. On September 6, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio visited South Korea, holding his 12th summit in the past two years with President Yoon Suk Yeol, continuing to put aside historical conflicts, improve bilateral relations, and deal with common challenges. In the early days of his third term, Indian Prime Minister Narendar Modi made continuous foreign trips to Austria, Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Singapore, Brunei, the United States, etc. Notably, the destinations of the Indian Prime Minister included countries that are confronting and rivaling each other, such as Russia, Ukraine, the United States, etc.

The practice of international relations raises the following notable issues:

First, the EU has conflicts and tensions with Moscow, but in the long run, Europe cannot live without Russia. The EU and China have many conflicts but still need each other. Washington identifies Beijing as a comprehensive rival, the most serious competitor, threatening the number one power position. The economic, trade, technological, political and influence competition between the two leading powers has no way out, but both the US and China cannot help but cooperate with each other.

Second, the relationship between countries is complex and multi-layered; it goes beyond the framework of organizations, alliances, and differences to cooperate for common interests; it forms a new set of forces through a "small multilateral" institution, diverse and flexible.

Third, although the world has many conflicts, contradictions, divisions, factions, and complex groups, multilateralization of international relations is still a major and irreversible trend.

Fourth, not only developing countries, small and medium-sized countries, but also large and developed countries cannot stand aside and still need to multilateralize international relations. However, large countries always seek to control and lead multilateral institutions and forums, primarily for national interests, with little or no consideration for the common interests and legitimate interests of other countries.

Vietnam raises the level of multilateralization

Independence, self-reliance, multilateralization and diversification of international relations are the fundamental and consistent viewpoints of Vietnam. Multilateral diplomacy is an effective method to cope with a volatile, confrontational and divisive world; contributing to protecting independence and sovereignty, maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for development, and enhancing the country's international position.

In recent years, especially since the 13th National Party Congress, multilateral diplomacy has been strongly implemented; demonstrating steadfastness, confidence, and proactiveness in successfully assuming many important roles and positions in multilateral mechanisms and forums; having many initiatives and ideas in cooperation, participating in shaping the common "rules of the game" and the international economic and political order. Multilateral diplomacy has achieved many great achievements, leaving new marks on international and regional multilateral forums and mechanisms.

The world and regional context in the coming years poses new demands. The country is preparing to enter a new era, with a new position and stature. Inevitably, Vietnamese diplomacy, including multilateral diplomacy, must reach new heights to fulfill new glorious responsibilities at international and regional multilateral mechanisms and forums.

Vietnam has the foundation and support to elevate multilateral diplomacy in the new period. First of all, the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, and diversification of international relations of the 13th National Congress and supplemented and developed at the 14th National Congress of the Party. Second, our country has never had such a foundation, potential, position, and international prestige as it does today. Third, the close combination of three pillars: Party diplomacy, State diplomacy, and People's diplomacy and between ministries and local branches under the centralized management of the State. Fourth, the tradition and culture of foreign affairs of the nation.

General Secretary and President To Lam attended the Future Summit for the first time at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, delivering an important speech, aiming at new thinking and new methods of operation for the future; symbolizing the opening of multilateral diplomacy in the new period.

In the new period, Vietnam needs to promote more proactiveness, positivity, and contribute more and more effectively to multilateral mechanisms and forums, focusing on the United Nations and ASEAN. Create an increasingly strong “brand” and a higher position; establish, consolidate and promote a leading role in a number of key forums and important fields, in line with national and ethnic interests.

Complete the full implementation of signed international commitments, and selectively participate in new international commitments. Accelerate the implementation and promote the effectiveness of FTAs. Proactively and actively participate in multilateral mechanisms on defense and security; continue to promote United Nations peacekeeping activities, in line with the Party's viewpoint, the country's new and higher position, creating a "highlight" of Vietnam's international responsibility.

Delegates attend the conference to review 5 years of implementing Directive No. 25-CT/TW dated August 8, 2018 of the Secretariat on promoting and elevating multilateral diplomacy to 2030 on January 25 in Hanoi. (Photo: Tuan Anh)

The above tasks must be carried out in a synchronous, comprehensive manner, in the right order of priority, according to a new, long-term, and unified mindset. To successfully complete these important tasks and responsibilities, it is necessary to carry out the following key measures:

Firstly, continue to thoroughly grasp the foreign policy and viewpoints of the 13th Party Congress and the supplements, developments and orientations in the new period. Innovate thinking, ways of thinking and ways of doing in multilateral foreign affairs. Closely combine multilateral and bilateral foreign affairs, support each other and raise the level of foreign affairs.

Second, strengthen research and strategic forecasting on multilateral diplomacy; focus on digital transformation, ensure regular, timely, complete and comprehensive access to relevant information sources, and grasp global and regional trends. On that basis, provide strategic advice to the Party and State to supplement and perfect multilateral foreign policies and mechanisms in the overall foreign policy and guidelines; closely combine foreign affairs with domestic affairs and policies to deal with complex developments and situations, avoid being passive or surprised, and make good use of opportunities.

Third, continue to prepare resources in all aspects to raise the level of multilateral diplomacy. Promote the training of multilateral diplomacy staff in a professional and specialized direction. Combine domestic and foreign training, school study and practical training; send young cadres to practice at international and regional organizations and Vietnam's representative agencies alongside international organizations. Actively prepare and recommend Vietnamese cadres to participate more and more in international organizations. Ensure appropriate financial resources for training, fostering, building databases, purchasing equipment and multilateral diplomacy activities.

Fourth, proactively and actively lobby and encourage international organizations to choose Vietnam as the location for their headquarters, offices, branches and to organize important international and regional events. Step up preparations for hosting and be ready to take on new international responsibilities.

Practice has confirmed that multilateral diplomacy is a major, irreversible trend, increasingly important and necessary for all countries. Vietnam has sufficient foundations to elevate multilateral diplomacy, contributing to promoting comprehensive and extensive international integration; synchronously and effectively coordinating foreign affairs of ministries, branches and localities in multilateral forums and mechanisms; promoting the pioneering role, making an increasingly greater contribution to the cause of national construction and defense.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/da-phuong-hoa-quan-he-quoc-te-chuyen-khong-cua-rieng-ai-287224.html