Vietnam’s thousand-year-old capital of Hanoi is not only the country’s political, economic and cultural centre, but also an attractive destination for many international politicians and friends. With its rich history, ancient architecture, diverse culture and poetic scenery, Hanoi has become an important rendezvous point in major international events, from summits to high-level diplomatic events.
In recent years, Hanoi has emerged as an attractive meeting place for major international events, attracting the attention of international friends and politicians from around the world. Historic diplomatic events held in Hanoi not only affirm Vietnam’s position on the international stage but also introduce a civilised, peaceful and friendly capital city to the world.
With its unique cultural and historical values, Hanoi is both a rendezvous point for global leaders and a bridge linking Vietnam with the world. Hanoi continues to affirm its important role on the international diplomatic map, helping to create the image of a friendly and open Vietnam with great potential for development.
7TH FRANCOPHONIE SUMMIT (1997)
The 7th Francophonie Summit in Hanoi in November 1997 was the first multilateral international summit held in Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)
The 7th Francophonie Summit in Hanoi in November 1997 was the first multilateral international summit held in Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)
The 7th Francophonie Summit, which took place in Hanoi from November 14 to 16, was clear proof of the city’s important role as an attractive, safe and reliable destination for important international events. Under the theme “Enhancing cooperation and solidarity of the French speaking community for peace and socio-economic development”, the summit adopted the Hanoi Declaration underlining the inseparable relationship between peace and development, as well as between economic growth, social advancement and sustainable development.
The summit was a success for Vietnam’s diplomatic sector, an important event marking Vietnam’s openness towards multilateralisation. The summit helped fine-tune the institutions of the International Organisation of La Francophonie, with the election of the organisation’s first secretary-general and the adoption of its charter.
Considered the first major event held in Vietnam after the country's reunification and door-opening policy for integration, the 7th Francophone Summit in Hanoi was an unprecedented opportunity for Vietnam to introduce a renewed, developed and integrated Vietnam to the world, contributing to promoting cooperation between Vietnam and other countries in the community. The event also provided an opportunity for Hanoi to affirm its position and demonstrate its role as an ideal venue for international activities.
6th ASEAN Summit (1998)
The 6th ASEAN Summit was held in Hanoi from December 16 to 17, 1998, with the theme ‘Unity and Cooperation for an ASEAN of Peace, Stability and Equitable Development’. This was the first time Vietnam hosted an ASEAN Summit, just three years after Vietnam became a member of ASEAN.
The summit adopted the Hanoi Declaration, the Hanoi Plan of Action (HPA) to implement the 2020 Vision; the Statement on Bold Measures (to improve the ASEAN investment environment), and signed four cooperation agreements in specific areas, thereby contributing to strengthening unity, promoting cooperation, promoting ASEAN's image and development orientation.
The summit decided to admit Cambodia as the 10th member of ASEAN and the admission ceremony was held in Hanoi.
5th ASEM Summit (2004)
President Tran Duc Luong delivers the opening speech of the 5th Asia-Europe Meeting Summit (ASEM 5) at Ba Dinh Hall, Hanoi, on the morning of October 8, 2004. (Photo: VNA)
President Tran Duc Luong delivers the opening speech of the 5th Asia-Europe Meeting Summit (ASEM 5) at Ba Dinh Hall, Hanoi, on the morning of October 8, 2004. (Photo: VNA)
The 5th Asia-Europe Meeting Summit (ASEM-5) was held in Hanoi from October 8 to 9, 2004, under the theme ‘Further Revitalising & Substantiating the Asia-Europe Partnership’. The event was attended by heads of state and government from 13 Asian countries and 25 European countries.
The highlight of the event was the admission of 13 new members, including the remaining 3 ASEAN countries: Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, and 10 new member countries of the European Union (EU). Thus, the Hanoi Summit marked the first expansion of ASEM.
This was an important international political event, marking a new step in both quality and scope of the ASEM process, enhancing the role and position of ASEM in the international arena, as well as contributing to enhancing the position and prestige of Vietnam in international cooperation.
APEC Summit 2006
President Nguyen Minh Triet poses for a group photo with APEC leaders in traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai at the APEC Summit 2006 in Hanoi. (Photo: apec.org)
The 2006 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit was one of the largest diplomatic events ever held in Hanoi. This was the first time Vietnam took on the role as the APEC host country, marking a breakthrough in Vietnam's diplomacy and economy.
This event brought together heads of state and senior representatives from APEC member economies, including leaders of major economies such as Chinese President Hu Jintao, Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President George W. Bush, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and Korean President Roh Moo Hyun. Hanoi was successful in organising and welcoming international delegations, contributing to enhancing Vietnam's role and position in the region and around the world.
The 132nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-132) in 2015
National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung beat the gong to kick off the 132nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-132). (Photo: quochoi.vn)
National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung beat the gong to kick off the 132nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-132). (Photo: quochoi.vn)
The 132nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-132) took place in Hanoi from March 28 to April 1, 2015. The event brought together parliamentarians from 133 countries and 23 international and regional parliamentary organisations. With five days of active, responsible and effective work with over 30 sessions, including nearly 20 plenary sessions, the IPU-132 and related conferences were a great success. Vietnam's successful organisation of the 132nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union once again affirms that Vietnam is always proactive and active in international integration and cooperation, including international cooperation in parliament and legislation.
Overview of the opening ceremony of IPU-132. (Photo: quochoi.vn)
Overview of the opening ceremony of IPU-132. (Photo: quochoi.vn)
As the host country of IPU-132, Vietnam has made practical and effective proposals and contributions to the overall success of this General Assembly. National Assembly (NA) Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung's election as President of the 132nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-132) demonstrates the trust in and prestige of Vietnam, especially the Vietnamese National Assembly, in the international arena.
At this event, Hanoi left a strong impression on international delegates with its thoughtful organisation, contributing to the brilliant success with many positive results of the conference, leaving a good impression in the hearts of international friends about the country, people and National Assembly of Vietnam.
WEF ASEAN 2018
General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong along with ASEAN heads of delegations and delegates attending the WEF ASEAN 2018. (Photo: VNA)
The World Economic Forum on ASEAN (WEF ASEAN) 2018 has made Hanoi the focal point of the region, with the participation of leaders from across Southeast Asia and the world. The forum is an opportunity for Vietnam to promote the image of a dynamic country that is ready to integrate and contribute to the common development of the ASEAN region in the era of Industry 4.0.
Greater Mekong Subregion Summit (GMS, 2018)
The 6th Greater Mekong Subregion Summit (GMS6) was held in Hanoi from March 29-31, 2018, with the participation of leaders of the Mekong River Basin countries and international partners.
The conference discussed cooperation in developing infrastructure, economy and sustainable environment for the region. The successful organisation of this conference has proven that Hanoi is an important centre for regional development cooperation.
2019 US-DPRK Summit
One of the most historic diplomatic events held in Hanoi was the second US-DPRK Summit, which took place in February 2019. The meeting between US President Donald Trump and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un attracted the attention of the whole world.
The historic handshake between US President Donald Trump and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un at the meeting in Hanoi, February 27, 2019. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
The historic handshake between US President Donald Trump and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un at the meeting in Hanoi, February 27, 2019. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Hanoi, as the venue for the second US-DPRK Summit, not only ensured absolute security but also demonstrated skilful diplomacy by acting as a “bridge” for this important dialogue, clearly demonstrating Vietnam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development as a responsible member of the international community.
The position, role, preparation and organisation of the host country Vietnam have been recognised and highly appreciated by the leaders of the two countries, the US, the DPRK and the international community.
US President Donald Trump (right) and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un had an intimate dinner during their first meeting at the 2nd US-DPRK Summit in Hanoi, February 27, 2019. (Photo: Yonhap/VNA)
US President Donald Trump (right) and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un had an intimate dinner during their first meeting at the 2nd US-DPRK Summit in Hanoi, February 27, 2019. (Photo: Yonhap/VNA)
The 37th ASEAN Summit in 2020
Vietnam’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020 concluded successfully with the 37th ASEAN Summit (ASEAN-37) and related summits held virtually from November 12 to 15, 2020. They were the most significant activities marking Vietnam's efforts and positive contributions to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world in 2020, a particularly challenging year due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although most of the conference took place online, Hanoi’s successful organisation of the event during the pandemic demonstrated its ability to manage a significant event in challenging times.
The successful coordination of ASEAN activities and Vietnam’s remarkable achievements as the ASEAN Chair in 2020 were recognised and highly appreciated by the international community.
In particular, ASEAN leaders praised Vietnam for leading and guiding ASEAN during the most difficult times, maintaining the momentum of cooperation, proactively taking actions to connect the ASEAN Community, and strengthening cooperation to effectively respond to and recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ASEM High-Level Policy Dialogue is an initiative of Vietnam to celebrate the 25th anniversary of ASEM (1996-2021) and is one of ASEM's most important activities in 2021. (Photo: VOV)
The ASEM High-Level Policy Dialogue is an initiative of Vietnam to celebrate the 25th anniversary of ASEM (1996-2021) and is one of ASEM's most important activities in 2021. (Photo: VOV)
High-level policy dialogue on ASEM 2021
On June 22, 2021, the High-Level Policy Dialogue of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) was held in a hybrid format (both online and in-person) in Hanoi, with the theme “ASEM at 25: Strengthening Asia-Europe Partnership in a Transforming World.”
This High-Level Policy Dialogue was the first multilateral forum held in a hybrid format after the 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. It was an initiative by Vietnam to celebrate the 25th anniversary of ASEM (1996-2021) and was one of the most significant activities of ASEM in 2021.
The dialogue once again affirmed the role and contributions of Vietnam to the ASEM Forum, working together with other member countries to build a dynamic and robust Asia-Europe partnership towards global peace and stability and for the prosperity of both continents.
THE 9TH GLOBAL CONFERENCE OF YOUNG PARLIAMENTARIANS (2023)
The 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians sees the participation of over 500 young parliamentarians and delegates from IPU member parliaments and representatives of international organisations. (Photo: DUY LINH)
The 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians sees the participation of over 500 young parliamentarians and delegates from IPU member parliaments and representatives of international organisations. (Photo: DUY LINH)
The conference took place in Hanoi from September 14-17, 2023, featuring many important activities. With the approval of the Politburo and the support of member parliaments of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the National Assembly of Vietnam hosted the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians with the theme “The Role of Youth in Promoting the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals through Digital Transformation and Innovation.”
The conference was attended by nearly 500 young delegates and parliamentarians from over 70 member parliaments of the IPU, as well as representatives of international organisations and distinguished young people from Vietnam. This was one of the most significant international events, highlighting Hanoi's role as the political capital and an important destination for politicians and young leaders worldwide. The young parliamentarians had the opportunity to exchange and discuss solutions to promote sustainable development, the use of digital technology in social management, and enhancing the capacity of the younger generation to address global challenges such as climate change and inequality.
President of the IPU's Forum of Young Parliamentarians Dan Carden and the Vietnamese National Assembly deputy, Ha Anh Phuong, present the draft Declaration of the Conference. (Photo: DUY LINH)
President of the IPU's Forum of Young Parliamentarians Dan Carden and the Vietnamese National Assembly deputy, Ha Anh Phuong, present the draft Declaration of the Conference. (Photo: DUY LINH)
Notably, the conference adopted a Declaration on the role of the youth in promoting the implementation of sustainable development goals through digital transformation and innovation. This is the first Declaration of the Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians over its nine editions, showcasing the determination, high consensus, and strong commitment of young IPU parliamentarians to advancing the global implementation of sustainable development goals.
This event provided an opportunity for young leaders to share experiences and learn from one another and strengthened Hanoi’s image as a reliable, friendly, and safe destination for international events. The success of the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians further affirmed the position of Vietnam and Hanoi on the international stage while also demonstrating the nation’s commitment to supporting and promoting the role of youth in addressing global issues.
International conferences of such importance held in Hanoi have played a crucial role in affirming the capital's position as an ideal destination for diplomatic and international cooperation activities.
With its hospitality, professional organisation, safety, stability, modern infrastructure, and friendly diplomatic environment, Hanoi continues to be a reliable "meeting point" for politicians and international friends. This contributes to positioning the city as a regional and global diplomatic hub, promoting international relations, and showcasing a positive and rapidly developing Vietnam on the world stage.
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