Hanoi, January 8, 2026 – The Europe Today: Việtnam upgraded relations with 17 partners and signed nearly 350 cooperation agreements in 2025—around 2.5 times more than the previous year—according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking at the ministry’s regular press briefing in Hànội, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Phạm Thu Hằng told Vietnamese and foreign reporters, as well as representatives of diplomatic missions, that the country achieved broad and significant results across most sectors in 2025.
Hằng said reforms aimed at streamlining the state apparatus, along with institutional restructuring and mergers, recorded major breakthroughs, while the economy posted “remarkable” gains. Việt Nam’s gross domestic product grew by 8.2 per cent in 2025, placing the country among the world’s fastest-growing economies. Trade reached a record level of over US$930 billion, while defence, security and public order continued to be strengthened.
“These achievements reflect the very high efforts of the entire political system to fulfil the goals set by the 13th National Party Congress and to prepare for the 14th National Party Congress scheduled to take place in the coming days,” Hằng said.
She noted that Việtnam’s external relations and diplomacy made notable progress in 2025, marked by particularly active high-level engagement. The year saw 75 bilateral foreign activities by the country’s top leaders—1.5 times higher than in 2024—yielding tangible outcomes and helping establish political frameworks, visions and orientations for Việtnam’s external relations.
On the multilateral front, Việtnam continued to demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and commitment, actively participating in key institutions, including the United Nations, ASEAN and APEC, as well as sub-regional mechanisms. The country contributed to addressing shared challenges, proactively proposed initiatives serving common interests, and participated in various international and regional leadership and governance mechanisms.
A highlight of the year was Việtnam’s successful hosting of several major multilateral events, including the ASEAN Future Forum, the P4G Summit and the signing ceremony of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, also known as the Hanoi Convention. These events, Hằng said, underscored Việtnam’s role, standing and leadership capacity.
Economically, disbursed foreign direct investment reached US$27.62 billion in 2025, up 9 per cent year-on-year and the highest level recorded during the 2021–2025 period. Investment projects improved in quality and focus, while science and technology diplomacy emerged as a key driver, with emphasis on innovation, digital transformation and the green transition.
Hằng also highlighted cultural diplomacy, external communications, consular protection and overseas Vietnamese affairs as important contributors to the country’s soft power. In 2025, UNESCO recognised seven additional Vietnamese heritages, bringing the total number of recognised heritages to 77.
On citizen protection, Hằng said Việtnam acted swiftly, guided by the principle that the safety and lives of its citizens come first. “According to our statistics, the volume of questions and responses related to citizen protection is nearly the highest,” she added.
