In addition to fostering ties with neighboring countries, Vietnam has broadened and deepened relations with big nations, political and economic hubs in the world like the United States and the European Union.

In 1995, the country has normalized relations with the United States, its former foe, under the spirit of "closing the past, orienting to the future." During the visit to the United States by Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai in June, the two sides defined a cooperation framework of "friendly relations, constructive partners, multi-faceted cooperation, long-term stability" on the basis of mutual respect, equality and win-win- ties.

The two countries have seen remarkable improvements in economic relations after their bilateral trade agreement took effect in late 2001. Their two-way trade surged to 6.4 billion dollars in 2004 from 1.4 billion dollars in 2001.

With regard to the European Union, Vietnam has fostered cooperation with the block, especially in the economic, trade, investment, political and cultural areas in recent years. Last October, they concluded their bilateral negotiations on Vietnam's joining the World Trade Organization (WTO). The European Union also decided to remove quotas on Vietnamese textile and garment exports from Jan. 1, 2005.

To strengthen cooperation with the European Union, the Vietnamese government in June approved the Vietnam-EU overall development scheme and action program to 2010 and vision to 2020.

Vietnam, with an opening-up foreign policy under the spirit that "Vietnam is ready to be a reliable friend and partner of countries in the international community to strive for peace, independence and development," has also attached importance to expanding traditional ties with Russia, Cuba, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and consolidating cooperative relations with African, Middle-East and Latin American countries.

In addition, it has enhanced all-round cooperation with Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Northwestern European countries, especially in the economic, trade, investment, cultural, tourism and technological areas. The foreign countries have become Vietnam's big export markets.

In parallel with beefing up diplomatic ties with countries around the world, Vietnam has continuously promoted its relations with international and regional organizations, including the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and the Asia- Europe Meeting (ASEM), making contributions to improving its position and prestige in the international arena.

In recent years, Vietnam has boosted foreign affairs to further serve its economic interests. It has deepened cooperation with financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. Now, the country is accelerating negotiations and preparations for its WTO accession.

Vietnam has so far established diplomatic relations with 169 countries and trade ties with more than 150 partners, and signed trade agreements with over 80 countries and regions.

Source: Xinhua