General Secretary
Nguyen Phu Trong
A dedicated and visionary leader of the Party
In recent years, despite facing numerous challenges, the Vietnamese economy has remained a bright spot in the not-so-bright global economic picture. Vietnam’s prestige and position on the international stage have been increasingly enhanced. These are the subsequent achievements of the Doi Moi reform launched and led by the Party. Such pride is associated with the name of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, whom our people consider a dedicated and visionary leader of the Party who devoted his life to the country and the people. He was not only a sharp theoretician but also a man of bold, humane and effective action, who protected the dignity, reputation, cleanliness and strength of the Party, and who made significant contributions to expanding international relations for national development.
A theoretician with outstanding thinking
General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s book “Some theoretical and practical issues on socialism and the path towards socialism in Vietnam”.
General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s book “Some theoretical and practical issues on socialism and the path towards socialism in Vietnam”.
As a man with absolute loyalty to the revolution’s lofty goals and ideals chosen by the Party, Uncle Ho and our people, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong devoted a great deal of time and effort to studying socialism and the path towards socialism in Vietnam since he became an official at the Communist Review more than 50 years ago.
This is a great and fundamental question of the Vietnamese revolution that the reality requires a more complete and comprehensive understanding, in accordance with the inevitable development trend of the time. With sharp theoretical thinking, a passionate revolutionary heart and lively reality, the General Secretary wrote many articles and analyses to gradually clarify the issues in question. Notably, in an article published in May 2021 titled “Some theoretical and practical issues on socialism and the path towards socialism in Vietnam”, the author made a thorough explanation and presented many new points to fully answer the following questions from both the theoretical and practical angles. What is socialism? Why did Vietnam choose the socialist path? How to gradually build socialism in Vietnam? How significant have the “Doi Moi” (Renewal) and the building of socialism been in Vietnam over the past years? And what are the issues facing this process?
The thought and content of the General Secretary’s article was the result of painstaking research and hard work spanning more than half a century of a theoretician with outstanding thinking.
The thought and content of the General Secretary’s article was the result of painstaking research and hard work spanning more than half a century of a theoretician with outstanding thinking. It was the experience of the lively reality gained from different positions such as Hanoi Party Secretary, Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, National Assembly Chairman, State President, and especially the years as Party General Secretary.
It was also the will, sentiment and revolutionary passion of an official with a clean and honest lifestyle, an exemplary leader trusted and respected by the people, which created the article’s appeal and value, further enriching the theoretical literature on socialism.
With a special value in thinking, theory and reality, the article attracted the attention of domestic and foreign researchers and scholars, officials, Party members and people. It also expressed support for the issues and viewpoints that the author had concluded from reality with a more profound, multi-dimensional and systematic view about capitalism and socialism. This was not a new matter, but few articles have attracted such widespread public attention both at home and abroad as the General Secretary’s article.
Party members’ opinions after reading General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s book on Nhan Dan Newspaper.
Party members’ opinions after reading General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s book on Nhan Dan Newspaper.
Many foreign researchers have shared that the General Secretary’s article is a textbook of high scientific value that guides the activities of thinkers, theoreticians, revolutionaries, officials and party members of countries on the socialist path. The article helps to further enrich the theoretical literature of Marxism-Leninism and Ho Chi Minh’s ideology on national independence aligned with socialism. The article provides a reference for the countries during the transition to socialism as well as theoretical-practical research work. The article acts as a reference material for the world’s progressive forces in striving for the development of the most equal societies.
Within the Resolution on awarding the Lenin Prize by the Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF) (April 14, 2020) to five groups and individuals on the occasion of Lenin's 150th birth anniversary, while mentioning Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the document reads: “He has made great personal contributions to the practice of building socialism and developing the communist movement in the current period; had many years of research and application of Marxism-Leninism; conducted scientific researches on current issues of socialism when he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Communist Review and Chairman of the Theoretical Council of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam. He has made ceaseless efforts to strengthen the friendship and brotherhood between the people of Vietnam and the Russian Federation."
This is a noble award in recognition of and honour for the contributions made by the Party General Secretary in researching, supplementing, and developing both theories and practical activities on socialism to gradually turn socialism into reality in Vietnam.
Along with many other articles on this issue, the Party General Secretary fuelled inspiration and trust in socialism and the path to socialism in Vietnam among cadres and party members.
Along with many other articles on this issue, the Party General Secretary fuelled inspiration and trust in socialism and the path to socialism in Vietnam among cadres and party members. The article is a valuable research document for both domestic and foreign scholars who study this fundamental issue of the revolution; a pivotal document for those working in the communication sector, a sharp weapon to fight against the wrong allegations of hostile forces to protect the ideological foundation of the Party.
Fiercely but humanely fighting against corruption and negative phenomena
Each of his articles and statements, no matter the event, context or field they were penned for, all demonstrate a high level of theoretical thinking and practical summary.
This can be seen in his speeches delivered at a number of opening sessions of the National Assembly, the Government’s meetings, and national conferences to thoroughly implement the Resolution of the 13th Party Congress of the Fatherland Front, as well as speeches on build building and rectifying the Party and the Party's Internal Affairs sector; studying and thoroughly grasping the Politburo's six resolutions on the development of six economic regions; and his speeches at conferences of the Central Military Commission, Central Public Security Party Committee, and the diplomacy sector.
Many articles and statements of the Party General Secretary on specific issues or fields have been selected to be printed in books and they become valuable documents of party organisations, organisations in the political system, and other agencies, units, and localities. Prominent among them is the book entitled ‘Resolutely, persistently fighting corruption and negative phenomena to contribute to building more transparent and stronger Party and State’, which was published by the Su That (Truth) National Political Publishing House in early 2023, on the occasion of the Party's 93rd founding anniversary.
The articles, ideas, and guiding perspectives introduced in this book demonstrate clear-sighted vision; intelligence; profound, drastic, and comprehensive direction; and the consistency between saying and doing of the Party General Secretary. They contribute to clarifying our Party's theoretical thinking on preventing and combating corruption and negative phenomena while building and rectifying the Party. The articles in the book provide readers with a panoramic view of the current situation, especially the scientific, methodical, and drastic leadership and direction, as well as unprecedented results in the fighting against negative phenomena and corruption in our Party.
It can be said that one of the notable achievements that left a deep impression in the recent three National Party Congresses is the outcomes of the fight against corruption and negative phenomena, in which the Party General Secretary served as the one who ignited, fuelled, and kept the fire alive, gathering the entire political system with no one can stand outside. For a long time, the Party has been waging a war against this “internal invader”, which was identified as one of the four risks hindering our regime at the mid-term national conference of the seventh Communist Party of Vietnam (January 1994), but it has never before been carried out as drastically as it is now, with no restricted areas and no exceptions.
After being elected as the Party General Secretary, the comrade signed and issued Resolution No.4 of the 11th Party Central Committee on "A number of urgent issues regarding Party Building today" and organised a national conference to disseminate and direct its implementation. The Central Steering Committee on Prevention and Control of Corruption and Negative Phenomena under the Politburo was established on February 1, 2013, headed by the General Secretary.
The content of the articles and the thoughts and guiding viewpoints in this book show the insightful vision, intelligence, thorough and resolute leadership, and the consistency between words and actions with the convincing force of the General Secretary.
Many of the General Secretary's statements have been shared among the officials, party members, and the people as a message: "When the furnace is hot, even fresh firewood must burn."
Although there have been positive changes in implementing this important resolution, the results have not yet met the requirements. The degradation of political ideology, morality, and lifestyle among a significant number of officials and party members had not been reversed, while some cases had even become more subtle and complex. Corruption, waste, and negativity remained severe, especially among party members holding positions in the state apparatus. Officials, party members, and the public were concerned and worried at that time. This was also the issue that the Party's leader was most concerned about and determined to eradicate.
Therefore, Resolution No. 4 of the 12th Party Central Committee was issued with more decisive, synchronised, and comprehensive guidance as reflected right in its title. Under the direct leadership of the General Secretary, the functional agencies have coordinated more effectively while Party building and rectification work has been closely linked with promoting the study and following of Ho Chi Minh's ideology, morality, and lifestyle, and the fight against corruption and negativity.
Under the direct and meticulous guidance of the General Secretary, the head of the Steering Committee, the prevention and control of corruption and negative phenomena is determined to be an irreversible trend and is increasingly going deeper and becoming more effective.
Distorted perceptions have been corrected in a timely manner with the spirit that "if anyone feels discouraged, step aside for others to do it"; while doing the work, experience is accumulated, with a close connection between prevention and combating, in which prevention is fundamental and long-term, and combating must be resolute. Anyone who violates the rules must be strictly handled, however we must remember the phrases "punishing those who run away, not those who run back", “cutting off a rotten branch to save the entire tree”, and handle violations strictly but also open a path for violators to atone. Many statements of the General Secretary have been passed among officials, party members, and the people as a message: "When the furnace is hot, even fresh firewood must burn"; "Disciplining a few people to save thousands"; "What's the use of having a lot of money? You can't take it with you when you die. Honour is the most sacred and noble thing!”, etc.
Under the direct and meticulous guidance of the General Secretary, the head of the Steering Committee, the prevention and control of corruption and negative phenomena is determined to be an irreversible trend and is increasingly going deeper and becoming more effective. This practice has helped the General Secretary summarise issues with theoretical significance and provide guidance for this work.
General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong addresses the National Conference on reviewing the prevention and control of corruption for the 2013-2020 period. (Photo: VNA)
General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong addresses the National Conference on reviewing the prevention and control of corruption for the 2013-2020 period. (Photo: VNA)
The General Secretary pointed out that the fundamental and direct cause of corruption is the degradation of political ideology, morality, and lifestyle. Negativity is the environment that breeds corruption, and corruption in turn exacerbates the negativity. Therefore, combating negativity, with a focus on addressing the degradation of political ideology, morality, and lifestyle among officials, party members, civil servants, and public employees, means addressing the root of corruption.
Thus, corruption must be prevented early and from afar. A strict preventive mechanism must be formed so that corruption and negativity "cannot" occur. A deterrent and severe punishment mechanism must be created so that officials “dare not” turn to corruption and negativity. A culture of integrity must be built so that officials “do not want” corruption nor negativity. In addition, a guarantee mechanism must be established so that corruption and negativity "are not needed.”
With that spirit, the Central Steering Committee on Prevention and Control of Corruption and Negative Phenomena has additional tasks, not only the fight against corruption, but also the fight against negative acts, with a focus on combating the deterioration of political ideology, morality, and lifestyle among cadres, party members, civil servants, public employees, and leaders and managers at all levels of organisations in the political system nationwide. The provincial-level steering committees for corruption and other negative phenomenon prevention and combat have also been established, strengthening the Party's leadership at all levels, thus helping to gradually address the situation of the superiors directing drastically but the subordinates implementing cursorily.
The fight to eliminate this “birth defect of power” is still difficult. However, with the drastic direction of the Party Central Committee and the General Secretary, and with the participation of the whole political system, it is believed that we will succeed.
Building foreign affairs and diplomacy imbued with the identity of "Vietnamese bamboo."
In the period from September to December 2023, the heads of state of the world's two leading countries, General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden, both had state visits to Vietnam at the invitation of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.
These visits show that Vietnam's position and the prestige of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the Vietnamese Party leader in the international arena have been increasingly enhanced. This is the result of realising the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress on foreign policy. To date, the Vietnamese Party has set up relations with 253 political parties in 115 countries across the globe. Regarding diplomatic relations, Vietnam has expanded and deepened its relations with 193 countries, including special ties with three (China, Laos and Cambodia), comprehensive strategic partnership with six (Russia, India, the Republic of Korea, the US, Japan, and Australia), strategic partnership with 11, and comprehensive partnership with 12.
Identifying foreign affairs work as the cause of the entire Party, the people, and the whole political system, at the 13th Party Central Committee's mid-term conference, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong clearly stated it is necessary to be proactive and positive in the orientation and organisation of foreign affairs activities, especially high-level foreign affairs, so as to deepen and develop more substantive relations with partners; it is necessary to promote multilateral foreign affairs; it is necessary to maintain a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development; it is necessary to multilateralise and diversify international relations; it is necessary to proactively and actively integrate deeply and deeply into the world; and it is necessary to take national and ethnic interests first and foremost.
To date, the Vietnamese Party has set up relations with 253 political parties in 115 countries across the globe. Regarding diplomatic relations, Vietnam has expanded and deepened its relations with 193 countries, including special ties with three (China, Laos and Cambodia), comprehensive strategic partnership with six (Russia, India, the Republic of Korea, the US, Japan and Australia), strategic partnership with 11, and comprehensive partnership with 12.
The Vietnamese Party's foreign policy increasingly reflects the aspirations of the entire nation, helping to expand cooperative relations to develop the country. Vietnam is ready to be "a friend, a reliable partner, and an active, responsible member of the international community" while remaining steadfast in its principles and goals and flexible and smart in its strategies.
From the reality of foreign affairs activities, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong concluded that Vietnamese diplomacy reflects the identity of the Vietnamese people in diplomatic relations with the world and through interactions with outside to enrich Vietnamese identity in a very unique and creative manner, making an important contribution to the cause of building and protecting the Fatherland. By inheriting and promoting national identity, cultural roots and traditions, selectively absorbing world quintessence and progressive ideas of the times, Ho Chi Minh's diplomatic ideology, Vietnam have built the unique and special diplomacy with strong “Vietnamese bamboo” characters.
Vietnamese diplomacy is soft and wise but still persistent and resolute; flexible and creative but consistent, valiant, and resilient against all challenges and difficulties facing national independence and people’s happiness; and united in humanitarian efforts but resolute, persistent, and patient in safeguarding national interests.
Vietnamese diplomacy reflects the identity of the Vietnamese people in diplomatic relations with the world and through interactions with outside to enrich Vietnamese identity in a very unique and creative manner, making an important contribution to the cause of building and protecting the Fatherland.
Since ancient times, the familiar bamboo tree has been associated with the homeland, the country and as a cultural symbol of the Vietnamese people, soft yet durable and resilient, “The trunk is skinny, the leaves are fragile/But why? Should the wall be turned into bamboo?” (Nguyen Duy). It is very meaningful that the Party General Secretary chose the image of bamboo to talk about the nation’s foreign affairs and diplomacy, imbued with the identity of “Vietnamese bamboo” — “solid roots, strong trunk, flexible branches” — and with the soul, character and spirit of the Vietnamese people — Soft, clever, but very resilient.
As the Party's highest leader, the General Secretary has made many important contributions to realising that policy. The history of the formation and development of relationships between countries and peoples is never flat, but always carries a mixture of light and dark colours, even yesterday they were enemies, but today they shake hands to cooperate for mutual benefit. That is the inevitable development trend of the times. History is always history, no one can erase or change it; but the future is in our hands and belongs to us.
To develop the country and aspire for peace, for the common progress of humanity, the Party and people have learned to “put aside the past, look forward to the future”, overcoming all differences in political regimes while striving to work together to resolve disagreements, if any, to create a peaceful, stable, cooperative environment in which to build a prosperous and happy country. That explains why Vietnam is currently the only country in the world that has established and maintained comprehensive strategic partnerships with China, Russia, and the US.
Only from September to December 2023, two heads of state of two leading countries in the world accepted the invitation of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to pay a state visit to Vietnam, showing Vietnam's position and prestige. The credibility of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Party leader in the international arena has been increasingly enhanced.
Vietnam is always ready to be a friend and a reliable partner with other countries. To strengthen the neighbourly and friendly relationship between the two countries, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping regularly maintain contact, sending congratulatory messages, holding high-level talks, and organising state visits, even in the most difficult circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.
That is the work to “consolidate and strengthen the friendly relationship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and China to continuously develop in a healthy and stable manner, while becoming increasingly better, which is both a historical responsibility and an objective requirement consistent with the fundamental and long-term interests of our two peoples, and is beneficial to peace, stability and prosperous development in the region and the world” as General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong wrote in a congratulatory message to General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (July 1, 1921 - 2021).
Vietnam is always ready to be a friend and reliable partner with other countries.
Vietnam is always ready to be a friend and reliable partner with other countries.
Overcoming geographical distance and many differences, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong made a historic visit to the US in 2015. No one could have predicted that a meeting would take place between General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and US President Obama for the first time in history at the White House. At that time, Mr. Joe Biden, then Vice President, quoted two sentences from The Tale of Kieu: "The sky is still there for today. The fog in the alley lifts the clouds in the sky."
Nine years later, during the state visit to Vietnam of US President Joe Biden in September 2023 at the invitation of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the two sides issued a joint statement officially upgrading relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership towards peace, cooperation, and sustainable development. This is also the first time in history that Vietnam upgraded its partnership with a country from Comprehensive Partnership to the highest level of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, skipping the Strategic Partnership level, within just 10 years (from 2013 to 2023).
With Vietnamese people as well as international friends, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has left many marks.
With the domestic people as well as international friends, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has left many marks, not only contributing to supplementing and developing the theory of socialism and the path to socialism but also a leader who acted decisively to build the Party up to its mission, expand international cooperation to develop the country, for peace and the common progress of humanity.
Content: VAN BAC
Translate: NDO
Design: NGOC DIEP
Photos: VNA, VGP, Nhan Dan Newspaper
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