The Foreign Ministry was established only one month after the proclaimation of Viet Nam's national independence on September 2, 1945. With President Ho Chi Minh serving as the first Foreign Minister of the provisional government, the Foreign Ministry affirmed its goal of striving for "complete and forever" national independence of Viet Nam, extending friendly cooperation with allied and neighbouring countries.

To deal with its powerful rivals, Viet Nam conducted a number of wise and enduring activities in the diplomatic front, resulting in the signing of accords important to the revolution of Viet Nam.

From the end of 1946 to 1950, the country's foreign affairs were closely coordinated with its military activities and political struggles. Viet Nam gained wholehearted support from the world's public and established diplomatic ties with countries in Western and Southeastern Asia.

In the first two months of 1950, the country established diplomatic relations with major powers from around the world such as China, the Soviet Union, Korea, Czechoslovakia, the Democratic Republic of Germany, Romania, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Albania.

Viet Nam's diplomatic sector became more mature during the war against the French colonialists and the American imperialists in the 1945-75 period. The country's prestige was raised markedly in the world arena following its triumph over the French colonialists in 1954, known worldwide as the Dien Bien Phu victory, and over the US imperialists in 1975.

The Geneva Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities in Viet Nam signed with France in 1954 and the Paris Peace Accord signed with the US and the US-backed Sai Gon government in 1973 were milestones of Viet Nam's diplomacy.

After the national reunification in 1975, the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry carried out important activities to diversify and expand international cooperation, and to call for foreign assistance for national economic development. Viet Nam joined the Non-aligned Movement, the United Nations, and other international organisations, and established diplomatic ties with countries that have different political regimes worldwide.

In a short period, Viet Nam established diplomatic ties with almost 40 countries in the third world, set up representative offices in tens of countries, and became a member of 33 international organisations and 19 international conventions.

The national renewal process lauched by the Communist Party of Viet Nam in 1986 opened a new chapter for the country's diplomatic activities, which focused on making full use of international support to build socialism and safeguard the motherland.

Relations with Southeast Asian nations also began a new era. Since its admission to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 1995, Viet Nam put forward a number of initiatives, contributing to regional solidarity and cooperation. The move helped raise Viet Nam's prestige in the region.

The normalisation of Viet Nam-US relations in July 1995 marked the first time in history that Viet Nam had diplomatic ties with all big powers in the world, as well as the turn of a new period when Viet Nam began its integration process into the region and the world.

In parallel with expanding its diplomatic relations to 167 countries and territories, Viet Nam has also established economic and trade ties with more than 100 partners, thus enhancing its position in the international arena.

The name of Viet Nam in the world is now not only associated with legendary battles in its national liberation struggle, but also known as an important economic and trade partner. Viet Nam is no longer a mere importer and aid recipient; it has established its position in the world economy.

The diplomatic service has shifted strongly to serving economic development, with the leading task of creating a peaceful and stable environment favourable for domestic economic growth and expanding external economic relations. Since 2000, Vietnamese diplomatic missions in all continents have been focusing their efforts on this task.

According to many officials of the Foreign Ministry, economic cooperation has been highlighted like never before during both foreign visits and activities within multi-lateral framework by Vietnamese leaders. On such occasions, besides leaders' discussions on long-term direction for cooperation, many agreements on trade-economic cooperation have been signed, and various forums and meetings for businesses of both sides to seek partners have been held.

This is most evident through two recent visits by Vietnamese State and Government leaders. During Prime Minister Phan Van Khai's historic visit to the United States in June, businesses of the two countries signed contracts worth a total of 1.4 billion USD. Meanwhile, the value of business contracts signed during President Tran Duc Luong's July visit to China reached a record 1.9 billion USD. Viet Nam and China also signed on this occasion an agreement on the conclusion of bilateral negotiations on Viet Nam's WTO entry.

Eighty Vietnamese diplomatic missions abroad have worked hard to provide information on foreign business environment and partners to domestic companies, as well as to assist them in trade disputes.

Policies relating to the Vietnamese community overseas have also contributed to the success of Viet Nam's diplomacy over the past 60 years. The Foreign Ministry has been an advisor to the Government in this field, suggesting many ideas to help strengthen the national unity for the country's better future, regardless of each person's past activities or political views. The effectiveness of these policies has been reflected in visits to Viet Nam by many overseas Vietnamese, such as Nguyen Cao Ky, former Vice President of the pre-1975 Sai Gon regime, and monk Thich Nhat Hanh, as well as the increasing flow of remittances and investment in Viet Nam by overseas Vietnamese.

Although there are still many challenges ahead on the road of integration and development, it can be said that the diplomatic service of Viet Nam, with what it has accomplished, has made a thousand-mile leap over the past 60 years.