MOFA spokesman discusses current affairs and press skills

Dr. Le Hai Binh (Photo: Thanh Long/USSH)

Participants included Assoc.Prof.Dr Dang Thi Thu Huong (Dean of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication), lecturers and students of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication, Faculty of Political Science, and Faculty of International Studies.

At the talk, Dr. Le Hai Binh discussed important issues such as the history of foreign communication; the organization, functions and missions of Department of Press and Information; and current prominent international affairs and journalism skills.

He said that Department of Press and Information is responsible for informing people around the world of the peaceful guidelines and policies of Vietnam Party and Government, presenting Vietnam’s image to the world; and combating negative opinions and arguments on democracy, human rights and religions. The Department currently has 5 main bodies, the Office of the Spokesperson, Office of Correspondence, Office of Public Relations, Office of Research Management and Office of Website Management. In 2013, the Department organized 16 regular press conferences; received over 100 questions from domestic and foreign correspondents of various issues from politics to socio– economy, etc…; and managed over 1000 foreign correspondents entering Vietnam annually and administered 93 websites.

In analyzing recent notable international affairs such as the Ukraine crisis and the disappearance of MH370 of Malaysian Airlines, MOFA Spokesman Le Hai Binh shared his experiences in dealing with information. He said the press should avoid biased information and make confidentiality assessments. Also, professional ethics, conscience and responsibility are of great importance.

Dr. Le Hai Binh received inquiries from the students about external communication, current notable affairs and professional experiences.

Assoc.Prof.Dr Dang Thi Thu Huong expressed her appreciation of Dr. Le Hai Binh for visiting and sharing extensive information about the structure and mission of Department of Press and Information. She said his stories about press information encouraged students of the faculties in their professional niche; and hoped that he will once again to give special discussions to students.

Dr. Le Hai Binh was born in 1977 and graduated from the Academy of International Relations (now Academy of Foreign Affairs) in 1999. He began his service for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2000 at the 2nd Department of Asia (now the Department of Southeast Asia, South Asia and South Pacific). From October, 2000 to December 2003, he served as Attaché of the Vietnam Embassy to Brunei. He subsequently served as specialist at the 2nd Department of Asia, Office of the Ministry, and as Secretary to Head of the Ministry and Secretary to Minister.

From December, 2008, Dr. Le Hai Binh was appointed Deputy Chief of the Department of Foreign Policy and Secretary to Deputy Prime Minister-Foreign Minister. Before entering the Department of Press and Information in June, 2003, he worked as Deputy Chief of the Department of Foreign Policy and Chairman of the Institute for Strategic Studies.