Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Cuong was appointed as Vietnamese Ambassador to the US, while Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung would serve as the country’s ambassador to the United Nations.

On the occasion, 11 new consuls general and diplomatic representatives were also named.

During the ceremony, President Triet highlighted the strong responsibilities of the diplomats and urged them to seek all possible ways to strengthen solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and the rest of the world.

“I hope you will attach importance to the status of the country, and the honour of the fatherland, the people and the Vietnamese Communist Party,” Mr Triet told the ambassadors. “All your thoughts and deeds should be based on the interests of the country and people.”

President Triet advised them to be modest, courteous and to actively gain good experience from other countries with the aim of developing the homeland. He said they should be flexible but also resolute in protecting the legitimate interests of the nation, especially in the fields related to democracy, human rights, and religion.

In addition, the president also told the diplomats to pay more attention to economic and cultural diplomacy.