Former Party General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Do Muoi (R) and his Chinese counterpart Jiang Zemin inspect Guards of Honor during Do Muoi's visit to China in 1995 (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – Former Party General Secretary Do Muoi always paid attentionto diplomacy, as it is among three areas under direct leadership of thePolitburo, said former Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cam.
Cam particularlystressed the decision of the General Secretary about Vietnam’s joining theAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), starting the country’s processof regional and international integration.
He realledthat in late 1991 and early 1992, a delegation of the Vietnamese Government ledby Chairman of the Council of Ministers Vo Van Kiet visited ASEAN membercountries to enhance relations with the countries, in line with Vietnam’sforeign policy of independence, self-reliance, openness, multilateralisationand diversification which was adopted at the 7th National PartyCongress in June 1991. On the occasion, some ASEAN leaders suggested thatVietnam join ASEAN.
On theproposal, Party General Secretary Do Muoi affirmed that it is the right timefor Vietnam to join ASEAN. He said membership of the ASEAN would strengthen thecountry’s power and position. The issue was tabled for discussion at thePolitburo and got approval.
Accordingto the former Foreign Minister, General Secretary Do Muoi always paid heed to eventsof international organisations of which Vietnam is a member, including theUnited Nations General Assembly, the Non-Aligned Movement and ASEAN. “He alwaysasked me to report about the content and outcomes of those events and thoroughlydiscussed with me issues that need to report to the Politburo,” Cam said.
Thediplomat shared many people’s opinion that Do Muoi is a deserving disciple ofPresident Ho Chi Minh, and a bright example of diligence, thrift, integrity andselflessness.
DoMuoi was born on February 2, 1917, in Dong My commune, Thanh Tri district,Hanoi. He passed away in Hanoi onOctober 1 at the age of 101 due to serious illness.
Hestarted participating in revolutionary activities in 1936 and joined theCommunist Party of Vietnam in June 1939.
He served as GeneralSecretary of the CPV Central Committee from June 1991 to December 1997, and waspresented with an insignia of 80-year Party membership.
Vietnamwill hold a State funeral and two days of national mourning for him on October6 and 7.-VNA
