General Secretary Tô Lâm attended the opening session of the Gaza Peace Council held from February 18–20 at the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump, the founding chairman of the Council. This was an important multilateral diplomatic activity, demonstrating the concrete implementation of the foreign policy orientation set forth at the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, which emphasizes independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development; the multilateralization and diversification of external relations; and proactive, active contributions to peace, stability and sustainable development worldwide.
The General Secretary's direct participation in the opening session of the Gaza Peace Council also reflects Vietnam's increasingly proactive role in international multilateral mechanisms, reaffirming that Vietnam is a friend, a reliable partner, and an active and responsible member of the international community.
Affirming Vietnam's credibility and role
Immediately after the 14th National Congress, Vietnam carried out numerous high-level diplomatic activities with key partners, especially neighboring countries. The state visits by the General Secretary and a high-level delegation of the Party and State to Laos and Cambodia, along with high-level exchanges with many international partners, contributed to strengthening traditional friendship while expanding cooperation across various fields.
At the same time, Vietnam maintained exchanges and contacts with major partners such as China, Russia, Cuba, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea, while also welcoming many high-level international delegations to visit and work in Vietnam. These activities continued to reaffirm Vietnam's proactive and active policy of international integration, helping enhance the country's position and prestige on the international stage.
In this context, Vietnam's becoming a founding member of the Gaza Peace Council carries special significance. This mechanism brings together leaders from more than 50 countries, including founding members and observers, with the goal of coordinating with the United Nations in providing humanitarian assistance, rebuilding infrastructure, and promoting long-term stability in the Gaza Strip.
U.S. President Donald Trump highly appreciated General Secretary Tô Lâm's participation in the meeting and expressed his respect for Vietnam—a country with an increasingly significant role and influence in international affairs. This recognition shows that Vietnam's international prestige continues to be strengthened and reflects the international community's trust in Vietnam's contributions to promoting global peace and stability.
General Secretary Tô Lâm and delegates attend the opening session of the Gaza Peace Council. (Photo: Thống Nhất/VNA)
Contributing practically to peace and development
Vietnam participates in the Gaza Peace Council with the aim of contributing to joint efforts to end the conflict, protect civilians, ensure safe humanitarian access, and promote post-conflict reconstruction. At the same time, Vietnam supports solutions that promote a credible political process toward long-term and sustainable peace in the Middle East.
Vietnam's consistent position is that all disputes and conflicts should be resolved by peaceful means, based on international law and the United Nations Charter, while respecting the legitimate rights and interests of all parties concerned.
As a country that has experienced many wars and received valuable support from the international community during its reconstruction, Vietnam fully understands the value of peace, reconciliation, and international cooperation. With a spirit of responsibility and goodwill, Vietnam stands ready to closely coordinate with members of the Gaza Peace Council and participate, within its capacity, in humanitarian assistance efforts, the rebuilding of essential infrastructure, and the building of trust among the parties.
International media have also positively assessed Vietnam's role in this mechanism. Many articles emphasize that Vietnam's participation in the Gaza Peace Council demonstrates its strong commitment to global peace and stability, while reflecting its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and diversified international relations.
General Secretary Tô Lâm and heads of delegations attend the opening session of the Gaza Peace Council. (Photo: VNA)
Promoting bilateral and multilateral cooperation
Within the framework of the conference, General Secretary Tô Lâm held numerous exchanges with leaders of participating countries, including leaders from the Middle East, Central Asia, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Many leaders praised Vietnam's growing role and position in the international arena and expressed their impression of Vietnam's strong development in various areas.
Partners agreed to strengthen practical and effective bilateral cooperation with Vietnam in fields where both sides have advantages and demand, such as economy, trade, science and technology, digital transformation, green transition, transportation, and cooperation in addressing common challenges. They also emphasized the need to enhance coordination within important multilateral mechanisms and forums, while sharing views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Notably, General Secretary Tô Lâm held a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The two leaders affirmed their commitment to further promoting Vietnam–United States relations within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.
General Secretary Tô Lâm meets U.S. President Donald Trump. (Photo: Thống Nhất/VNA)
At the meeting, President Donald Trump expressed his respect and admiration for the Vietnamese people and highly appreciated Vietnam's role in promoting international peace and cooperation. The two sides also discussed directions for strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade, science and technology, and innovation.
On this occasion, General Secretary Tô Lâm witnessed the signing and exchange of cooperation agreements and contracts between enterprises and partners from the two countries in key sectors such as science and technology, digital transformation, aviation, and healthcare. The total value of these agreements reached approximately US$37.2 billion, contributing significantly to building a strong, substantive, and balanced development partnership between Vietnam and the United States.
Affirming Vietnam's proactive role
The working visit of General Secretary Tô Lâm to attend the opening session of the Gaza Peace Council represents the first major multilateral diplomatic activity of the Party and State at the high level after the 14th National Congress. The event clearly demonstrates Vietnam's proactive, active, and responsible role in international affairs.
Through participation in important multilateral mechanisms, Vietnam not only contributes to promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development but also helps create a favorable international environment for the country's development.