External communication

Being afraid of reporters is due to fear of responsibility. The press has great influence, so cadres are afraid of saying the wrong thing, afraid of being quoted incompletely, which may be disadvantageous. Up to now, that mentality is still more or less in ministries and departments at all levels.

I graduated from school in 1974 and worked in the Department of Press Information of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs until I retired. The first and most valuable lesson we received from the late Minister Nguyen Co Thach was not to be afraid of the media. I really admire the work of the Minister. He is not afraid to spend many evenings, or after hours, to receive foreign reporters. He worked tirelessly to explain to them hot issues at that time such as Vietnam’s relationship with the US, the reality on the southwestern border, the current state of relations with Cambodia and the war on the northern border.

Once, an Italian reporter had not finished his interview, but now had to go to the airport. He pulled the reporter into the car to accompany him for the next interview.

Being proactive with reporters instead of being afraid of them is a way to build an image for agencies, organizations, and the country as a whole. Until now, Minister Nguyen Co Thach still has the highest number of interviews with foreign reporters.

If initiative is the first factor, sincerity is the second. An American reporter was surprised when our Press Department brothers and sisters came to her birthday party. Spokespersons and reporters, in addition to official relations, can completely become sincere friends. That practice has been maintained through generations of Foreign Ministry spokespersons to this day.

Sincerity can come from very small things. The press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs usually takes place at 3 pm. At that time in European countries it was only 8am or 9am. Knowing they had a time zone difference, we always extended the meeting so that those who hadn’t asked a question had time to ask more questions. We try not to let the press conference end abruptly, but let them ask as many questions as possible. Spokespersons are also willing to set aside time for private interviews to demonstrate enthusiasm. Sincerely create sympathy, contribute to establishing the image of Vietnam as a friendly country.

The “problems” of the reporter’s administrative procedures and activities, within the allowable limits, if they can be solved, the Press Department staff are very willing. We act as a bridge between them and Vietnamese agencies so that everything goes smoothly.

Last but not least is an understanding of journalism and international communication. Foreign press always has a certain independence from political institutions and has basic ethical principles. In 2001, when the event in the Central Highlands took place, we organized dozens of foreign reporters to come to the place so that they could understand the situation. Most reporters were satisfied with the trip. However, there are also some reactions when their own operational requirements are not met as expected. They refused to visit the places that the local organization had organized for the whole group, did not accept to go to the places the locality led to because they thought it was “arranged”. These reporters responded in many ways, including “advocating” other reporters to cancel an intimate dinner organized by the province. They believe that the press must be autonomous and cannot be coerced or bribed in any way.

Although we feel unhappy in our hearts, but understanding this, we do not react harshly and respect international reporters. Taking advantage of the end of the activities in the late afternoon, I had a short meeting with all the reporters and told them that we would like to pass on the invitation of the provincial leader for dinner that night. I also explained, they can operate completely proactive but the meal is for the local to show hospitality. This is a Vietnamese tradition. Finally, the meal and the whole working program organized by us were happily responded by most of the participating international reporters. We also intentionally arranged for some unsatisfied reporters to sit closest to local leaders to have the opportunity to “ask their own questions” and have doubtful information answered. Dinner took longer than expected.

Every year, foreign news agencies residing in Vietnam such as BBC, AFP, Reuters… bring thousands of Vietnam-related news to the world. The influence of news agencies is huge. Working with them must ensure the principle of upholding the national point of view but being open and flexible. Serving their reporting needs at any time, whether in person or by phone, is essential. “Blocking the door” of reporters is probably not a good solution. Accepting visa extensions and pulling them back proactively and sincerely will be more effective.

Sincerity, trust and responsibility are essential factors for promoting diplomatic relations. This is also the message emphasized by the head of government during his recent visit to the US. That is absolutely true in foreign relations, especially foreign media.

External media contributes to enhancing Vietnam’s image in the world. The media, which once helped Vietnam break through the embargo, now continues to promote a diplomatic strategy of fairness and win the hearts of Vietnamese people. That communication begins with an open and generous mind, a higher and further vision. Protecting the ultimate interests of the country requires flexibility and flexibility, in the mindset, first and foremost.

Phan Thuy Thanh