1. Main foreign affairs activities in 2016 (wrap-up) and 2017
The year 2016 has been a busy and successful year for Viet Nam. The country continues to boast political stability and potentials for development. Its foreign relations have been consolidated and furthered, in multiform of cooperation, with countries and partners. High-level diplomacy has been actively deployed with its neighboring and regional countries and major partners. Viet Nam welcomed about 30 delegations of heads of states, governments and leaders around the world to visit. It successfully hosted the 7th Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy summit, the 8th Cambodia - Laos - Myanmar - Viet Nam summit and the WEF-Mekong meeting. Viet Nam has played an active role in ASEAN Community building, fulfilled its responsibilities as member of UN bodies, such as the Human Rights Council, ECOSOC, and UNESCO. Viet Nam for the first time has had a representative elected to the UN International Law Commission.
Today, Viet Nam has basically completed the building of frameworks for relations with prioritized and major partners, setting up strategic partnership with 15 countries and comprehensive partnership with 10 others, including all major powers and the five members of the UN Security Council. With 16 FTAs signed or under negotiation, the country has now been connected with an FTA network of 60 partners, which are making up 90% of the global GDP and 80% of global trade.
The year 2016 also saw active operations by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in attracting resources and supports from the international communities, the Vietnamese living overseas for the reforms and integration as well as development of the country. The Ministry has also been extremely active in promoting Viet Nam’s participation in more than 70 political - economic forums and mechanisms of the regional, inter-regional and global scale.
In the coming years, Viet Nam will continue its priority in advancing the comprehensive integration and connectivity with the world. Viet Nam wishes to present itself to the world not just as a dynamic economy but as a country rich in culture and tradition, blessed with many beautiful natural heritage sites as well as intangible heritage elements of humanity.  Viet Nam will do its utmost to become a favorite destination for business, investment and tourism.
In 2017, Viet Nam will again host the APEC summit. Having been chosen twice to host such a significant regional event within a decade is a vivid evidence of the trust that international community places on the country.  It is also a highlight of Viet Nam’s efforts in international integration.
This year also witnesses many important events, such as the 40th anniversary of Viet Nam’s admission to the United Nations, the 50th anniversary of ASEAN foundation and numerous high-level visits.
In the successes and achievements Viet Nam has earned over the past years, we see and note with appreciation the role and cooperation of the media. We sincerely thank you, members of the media, and look forward to our further and closer cooperation.

2. CPV Secretary General Nguyen Phu Trong visits China
At the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Nguyen Phu Trong has started his official visit to China today.
This is the first visit to China by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong after the 12th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam. The visit aims at furthering the stable and healthy development of the bilateral relations between Viet Nam and China, for the interest of the peoples of China and Viet Nam and for peace, prosperity in the region and the world.

3. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to attend WEF Davos 2017
At the invitation of Mr. Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc will attend the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2017 in Davos, Switzerland from January 18 to 20.
With the theme “Responsive and Responsible Leadership”, WEF Davos 2017 will cover 300 discussion sessions on many issues including global administration, responses to the security instability and crises, inclusive and sustainable development, socio-economic restructuring, development of new industrial system and business model in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, etc. The meeting will also touch upon how to put in place WEF initiatives in consumption, digital economy and society, economic growth and social inclusion, energy, environment and natural resource security, financial and monetary systems, food security and agriculture, health and healthcare, international trade and investment, infrastructure, etc.
In Davos, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc is expected to attend and address at a number of key sessions and hold bilateral meetings with some countries leaders, WTO and WEF executives and leaders.

4. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Spouse to visit Viet Nam
At the invitation of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan and Spouse will make an official visit to Viet Nam on January 16 and 17.
The visit showcases the importance that both sides attach to the extensive strategic partnership between Viet Nam and Japan, which is growing vigorously, comprehensively and substantively. The two sides will discuss in depth on measures to further promote the political trust and cooperation in various areas, including trade, economy and investment, ODA, agriculture, education, human resource training, climate change response, labor, defense, security and exchanges between localities.
During the visit, the two Prime Ministers will witness the signing of cooperation documents, attend and speak at Viet Nam – Japan Business Forum. Prime Minister Abe is expected to have important meetings with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, State President Tran Dai Quang, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.

5. US Secretary of State John Kerry to visit Viet Nam
At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh, US Secretary of State John Kerry will make an official visit to Viet Nam from January 12 to 14. This is his third visit to Viet Nam in his capacity as the US Secretary of State.
The visit is to enhance the Viet Nam - US  comprehensive partnership along the line of the joint statement on vision for Viet Nam - US relations 2015 and the joint statement on Viet Nam - US relations 2016; to discuss measures to boost the relations in the time to come as well as regional and international issues of mutual concerns.
Due to his conflicting schedule, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh has entrusted Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son to welcome Secretary John Kerry on his behalf.

Questions & Answers:

Question: Please provide comment on the photos that show Viet Nam has started dredging in some areas in the East Sea, particularly in Ladd Reef where Viet Nam has a lighthouse?
Answer:
Your question has been forwarded to the relevant authorities and is pending for their answer.

Question: At the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, is Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc planning to meet with the transition team of U.S President- elect Donald Trump?
Answer:
As I have said in my announcement earlier that in Davos, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc is expected to meet bilaterally with some country leaders, WTO and WEF executives and leaders. The Prime Minister’s agenda is still being arranged.

Question: Could you comment on the January 11th statement by President-elect Donald Trump's Secretary of State Nominee Rex Tillerson that China should be denied access to its artificial islands in the East Sea?
Answer:
Maintaining peace, stability, maritime and aviation security and safety are the goals and common interests of all countries inside and outside the region. We believe that parties have responsibility to constructively contribute to these common goals and interests.

Question: The Indian Times reported that Viet Nam and India are negotiating a deal that India will sell Akash missile system to Viet Nam. Please confirm and comment on this information?
Answer:
We will transfer your question to the relevant authorities.
Viet Nam constantly pursues the defense policy of peace and self-defense. Should there be any procurement of defense equipment, it is only consistent with our policy of peace and self-defense and is a normal practice in defending our country.