To Lâm's inaugural address as general secretary and president of Vietnam

On the morning of April 7, at the Dien Hong Hall in the National Assembly Building in Hanoi, General Secretary and President Tô Lâm took the oath after being elected by the 16th National Assembly as President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for the 2026–2031 term. Speaking before the entire National Assembly and people nationwide, he delivered his inaugural remarks.

Gratitude and commitment after election

In his opening remarks, Tô Lâm thanked voters and the people for their support and for making the elections to the 16th National Assembly and the People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term a success. He said the outcome reflects the “thousand-year history” of Vietnam’s culture and expresses a determination to achieve two strategic goals: by 2045, Vietnam becomes a developed, high-income country; and a peaceful socialist country that is independent, democratic, wealthy, prosperous, civilized, and happy.

He also expressed appreciation to the Central Committee of the Communist Party for nominating him and to the National Assembly for electing him. Tô Lâm pledged gratitude to President Hồ Chí Minh, Party and revolutionary predecessors, and millions of martyrs who fought for independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, as well as for socialism and international duties.

Top priorities for the 2026–2031 term

Tô Lâm said he is aware that serving as General Secretary and President is an honor and a duty entrusted by the Party, people, and armed forces. He stated that, together with the Party, people, and the entire army, he will “steer the boat of the revolution through all storms” to fulfill the aspirations of President Hồ Chí Minh and the people.

He outlined his top priorities as General Secretary and President in the face of “era-defining challenges” and the implementation of strategic policies of historical significance:

• Maintain a peaceful and stable environment.
• Promote fast, sustainable development.
• Raise living standards so people enjoy the fruits of development.
• Strengthen Vietnam’s contributions to peace, stability, development, and progress in the region and the world.

Governance, development model, and social priorities

Tô Lâm said the country will build a socialist rule-of-law state and a self-reliant, self-sustaining economy. He also called for a people’s national defense and security that is comprehensive and modern, and a streamlined political system with effective governance.

He described efforts to create a “new development ecosystem,” implement self-reliance in strategy, and use development to ensure stability—while using stability to support rapid and sustainable growth. He said a new growth model will be built on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as the main engines.

He further stated that Vietnam will develop a modern national education system, high-quality human resources, and advanced skills to meet development demands. He also said the country will perfect mechanisms and policies for comprehensive, modern, inclusive, and sustainable development, and build a disciplined culture of responsibility and adherence to what is promised across the political system.

Foreign policy and national defense/security

Tô Lâm said foreign policy and international integration will be elevated to new heights to better serve national strategic objectives and to demonstrate greater responsibility for global peace and development. He cited guiding principles including ensuring the highest national interests, basing policy on peace, independence, self-reliance, and self-strengthening, placing the people at the center of all policies, and treating contribution to the international community as a responsibility.

He also said Vietnam will complete and implement the National Defense and Security Strategy to meet the requirements of defending the Fatherland and safeguarding national security in the new era. The priority, he said, is to bolster capabilities for strategic autonomy in defense and security and to build a revolutionary, regular, elite, modern armed forces capable of preempting and neutralizing threats early.

He added that Vietnam will safeguard a peaceful, stable, secure, orderly, disciplined, safe, and healthy environment at a high level, contributing to peace and stability in the region and the world.

People-centered approach and call for cooperation

In fulfilling his duties, Tô Lâm said his top priority is to deeply internalize and practice the principle “People are the root,” empowering the people and mobilizing the strength and unity of the entire nation. He stated that the ultimate objective is for the people to enjoy the fruits of development.

He called for close cooperation with the Party Central Committee, Politburo, Secretariat, National Assembly and its Standing Committee, the Government, the Supreme People’s Court, the Supreme People’s Procuracy, the Fatherland Front of Vietnam and its member organizations, ministries and agencies, localities, and compatriots at home and abroad to fulfill the mission of the head of state: to defend, build, and develop a socialist Vietnam and serve the people.

Closing remarks

Tô Lâm concluded by reiterating his gratitude to the Party, State, National Assembly, and people. He expressed wishes for health and happiness for leaders, veteran revolutionaries, delegates, and all people, and thanked everyone once again.