Vietnam's ruling Communist Party has announced that the country's number two official has assumed the top position that was left vacant after the death of an incumbent.

President To Lam was elected as the party's general secretary on Saturday.

Born in northern Vietnam, the 67-year-old has built his career in public safety since he joined the Ministry of Public Security in 1979.

To Lam became public security minister in 2016 and the country's president in May this year.

The post of general secretary became vacant after Nguyen Phu Trong, who had held the position for more than 10 years, died in July.

At his inaugural news conference, To Lam said Vietnam's diplomatic policy is to deepen friendship with all countries and he will not change it.

Developments in the Southeast Asian nation have been attracting attention from around the world.

US President Joe Biden visited Vietnam in September last year, followed by Chinese President Xi Jinping three months later. China and Vietnam are involved in a territorial dispute in the South China Sea.

Vietnam's swift appointment of a new top leader is being seen as an effort to show its political stability.