HANOI, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong on Monday stressed that diplomatic activities have played an important role in enhancing the position of Vietnam in the world arena, and deepening and consolidating the relations between Vietnam and other countries, especially prioritized and important partners.

Trong made the statement at Vietnam's 30th Diplomatic Conference which opened on Monday in Hanoi, Vietnam News Agency reported.

"Vietnam always pursues the consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development, multilateralizing and diversifying relationship, and actively and proactively integrating into the world for national benefits," he stated.

The party's top leader also requested the diplomatic sector to enhance the efficiency of external activities, especially in economic and security-defense cooperation with other countries. To date, Vietnam has set up strategic partnership with 16 countries, comprehensive partnership with 11 countries, and special strategic partnership with Laos and Cambodia.

The diplomatic conference, which was initiated in 1957, convenes every two years to provide a venue for the diplomatic sector to reach consensus on awareness, resolve and action to effectively implement the party and state's foreign policy.