Economic, cultural diplomacy urged

HA NOI — Party General Secretary Nong Duc Manh yesterday asked newly-appointed Vietnamese ambassadors, consulate generals and other heads of Vietnamese diplomatic corps outside the country to give economic and cultural diplomacy a high priority at a reception for them in Ha Noi.

Manh said he expected the diplomats to follow the country's foreign policies strictly, an important part of Viet Nam's willingness to be a trustworthy friend and partner to every country, and a responsible member of the international community.

The Party leader also asked the ambassadors to implement well the country's policies towards overseas Vietnamese.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said he hoped the diplomats would shoulder the responsibility of helping to construct a national economic development strategy, when receiving them last Friday.

He told the ambassadors to make timely recommendations to the Government on economic policies towards the countries where they were soon to be heading off for their diplomatic terms.

"The ambassadors also need to actively research and make proposals on how to boost trade, investment and tourism between Viet Nam and other countries and how to make use of international development aid, particularly in coping with climate change," said the head of the Government.

The diplomats were also expected to take the lead in protecting the rights and benefits of Vietnamese communities in other countries and stepping up the promotion of the Viet Nam's image and culture across the world, he said. —VNS