Today, as part of our #MGIMOalumni series, we highlight a graduate of the School of International Law – Ha Hung Cuong, Minister of Justice of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (2007–2016).

Ha Hung Cuong graduated from MGIMO in 1976 and has always kept warm memories of his alma mater, repeatedly mentioning in interviews the special attention and care given to international students during their studies.

His professional journey began with teaching: after returning to his home country following his studies at MGIMO, he taught law students at Hanoi Law Institute, and later continued his academic work as a postgraduate researcher at the Institute of State and Law of the USSR Academy of Sciences, deepening his expertise in state and legal theory.

Since 1986, his career was closely tied to the Ministry of Justice of Vietnam, where he rose from Director of a Department to First Deputy Minister. In 2007, Ha Hung Cuong was appointed Minister of Justice of the country.

Speaking about his education, Ha Hung Cuong emphasises:

I am grateful to the University for the knowledge I received. MGIMO has helped train many generations of Vietnamese diplomats, economists and lawyers. Today, MGIMO graduates from Vietnam are successfully working on many fronts – not only in the country, but also abroad, in our embassies, diplomatic missions and various state enterprises. I am pleased that the University maintains its prestige. It remains the same and yet becomes better and better every day. I am very proud to have graduated from MGIMO.

In 2014, already serving as Minister, Ha Hung Cuong paid a working visit to his alma mater. As a sign of deep gratitude for MGIMO's contribution to training Vietnam's professionals, he presented the University and its rector, Anatoly Torkunov, with a state award of Vietnam – the Order of Friendship.

The career of Ha Hung Cuong is a shining example of how a fundamental MGIMO education not only enables one to defend national interests but also helps strengthen international law and humanitarian ties between states.

You too can become one of MGIMO's distinguished alumni. Apply now to our Bachelor's, Master's, and Preparatory programs and join the team of future architects of international relations!

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