Foreign diplomats express confidence in Vietnam’s direction ahead of 14th Party Congress

As Vietnam approaches a defining political milestone, foreign diplomats have expressed strong confidence in the country’s leadership, development strategy and long-term vision, viewing the upcoming congress as a pivotal moment that will shape Vietnam’s next growth phase and strengthen its regional and global standing.

The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam will help advance Vietnam’s goal of becoming a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2045, Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh told The Hanoi Times.

She said the congress carries broad significance for Vietnam and its international partners, including neighboring countries and traditional and strategic friends.

According to the ambassador, the 14th Congress marks a new development stage for Vietnam after 80 years of independence and four decades of implementing the Doi moi (Renewal) process.

She expressed confidence that, guided by the spirit of “unity, democracy, discipline, innovation and development”, the congress will chart sound strategic directions and create a strong foundation for faster and more sustainable growth.

Similar views came from other diplomats, especially those with long experience working in Vietnam.

Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam Saadi Salama said he expects to attend the upcoming congress, which will be the sixth Party congress he has witnessed in the country.

Nearly 50 years after national reunification, Vietnam has held 10 Party congresses. Salama has attended five of them: the fifth in 1982, the seventh in 1991 and the 11th, 12th and 13th congresses in 2011, 2016 and 2021.

The Party and its leadership, drawing on more than nine decades of experience, will issue resolutions that serve the Vietnamese people and contribute to cooperation, development and peace worldwide, the Palestinian ambassador said.

Salama wished the congress success and expressed hope that its outcomes would support Vietnam’s continued progress while contributing to peace in the region and beyond.

Notable achievements toward a sustainable future

Looking ahead to the 14th Congress, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Vietnam Pauline Tamesis highlighted Vietnam’s development gains, citing advances in social welfare, steady economic growth and the country’s emergence as a self-reliant economy with strong human development indicators.

She said Vietnam’s progress reflects its commitment to practical, people-centered policies and stronger institutions that sustain long-term growth.

Tamesis described the 14th Congress as a milestone in Vietnam’s journey toward a better future, noting the country’s shift toward greener and more sustainable development.

With a long-term vision to 2045 and a net-zero emissions target, the United Nations expects Vietnam to continue investing in human capital, building an inclusive economy, narrowing the digital divide, protecting vulnerable groups through sustainable energy and improving transparency in policymaking, she said.

According to Ambassador Khamphao, Vietnam’s achievements reaffirm the sound and consistent leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the unity of the Vietnamese people.

She added that Laos remains confident that, guided by the strategic directions set by the 14th Congress, the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos will continue to deepen, supporting peace, stability and sustainable development in the region.

Vietnam values independence and development

As a long-serving diplomat in Vietnam, Palestinian Ambassador Salama said he feels honored to attend the opening ceremony of the 14th National Congress.

He said the event recalls the profound changes Vietnam has undergone during more than 40 years of his work in the country.

According to Salama, the Vietnamese people clearly understand the value of national independence and the importance of development.

He noted that throughout its history, Vietnam has pursued a path that reflects national aspirations: building a strong and prosperous country, advancing development and safeguarding sovereignty.

He described this approach as a consistent and enduring platform of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam will take place from January 19 to January 25, 2026.

The congress will review 40 years of the Doi moi and assess the five-year term of the 13th National Party Congress (2021-2026).

It will also set comprehensive goals and development directions across all sectors for Vietnam’s next stage of national development.

By Cam Anh – The Hanoi times – January 10, 2026