Vietnam’s contributions to global issues Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc is on a visit to Japan from May 26-28 to attend the expanded G7 summit in Mie, Japan. As one of the 7 Asia-Pacific countries invited to the G7 summit, Vietnam’s status has been acknowledged. The member country holding the G7 presidency, currently Japan, has the right to invite countries to the expanded G7 summit. The invitation depends on the relevance of the country and the summit’s agenda.  This is the first time Vietnam has been invited to a G7 summit, an indication of Vietnam’s new prestige and status in the region. Responsibility for global challenges The G7 summit will be held on May 26 and 27 attended by G7 members, invited countries Vietnam, Indonesia, Lao, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Papua New Guinea, and representatives from the UN, the World Bank, the IMF, the Organization for Economic and Development Cooperation, and the Asia Development Bank.  The expanded G7 summit will have two sessions to discuss infrastructure, regional security, women’s rights, health, and cooperation in implementing the 2030 Development Agenda. Japan holds the G7 presidency at a time when the global economic recession, terrorism, mass migration, and unilateral actions to change the status quo in the East Sea pose threats to global peace and prosperity.  Japan says the G7 countries, which share the fundamental values of freedom, democracy, justice, and human rights, must have a common view on resolving these challenges. At a meeting with the Japanese Ambassador last month, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said Vietnam and Japan will seek ways to enhance their Strategic Partnership and deepen their cooperation in all sectors.  Vietnam will contribute new ideas to the discussion of regional security and safe and free navigation in the East Sea. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc is scheduled to deliver a key note at the expanded G7 summit. Vietnam affirms its status in the international arena Vietnam has been a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community.  The UN has acknowledged Vietnam as one of the leading countries in poverty reduction, achieving UN Millennium Development Goals, and contributing to the One-UN initiative.  Vietnam has also engaged in the UN peacekeeping mission.  US Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius has mentioned 3 basic principles of Vietnam’s diplomacy: respecting and protecting international law, respecting the interests of Vietnam and its partners, and working together with other countries to maintain regional and global peace and stability.  Vietnam’s integration process has led to participation in regional and global cooperative mechanisms, international commitments, and the UN Security Council. Vietnam has also participated in the Initiative on Prevention of Nuclear Weapon Proliferation. In ASEAN Vietnam is seen as a protector of fundamental principles and international law and a country active in seeking peaceful solutions to disputes in the East Sea.  At the G7 summit Japan, the host country, and other participants will expect Vietnam to make proposals regarding regional and global issues. VOV5