Deputy PM highlights international solidarity, cooperation UNGA session

In his speech, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh noted that the world is at the watershed moment in history when confrontations, conflicts and violations of international law continue to intensify, mirroring competition between major powers and unilateralism. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate crisis, and many other non-traditional security challenges are threatening the existence of humanity, delaying efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In that context, he emphasized the need for the international community to make fundamental changes in thinking and reshape the approach to global issues, in which it is necessary to place people at the core of international development efforts. He shared experiences Vietnam has acquired over the past decades, saying international solidarity and cooperation is key to this process.

The Deputy Prime Minister proposed eliminating the confrontational and zero sum game approach, and instead promoting multilateralism and international cooperation in an open, inclusive, fair and mutually beneficial manner.

He stressed the need to respect international law and the UN Charter, especially the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries, and settle disputes by peaceful means. At the same time, he said it is imperative to build strong and effective multilateral institutions, with the United Nations playing the central role, to promote global partnerships, including the important role of regional organizations, to deal with common challenges.

With regard to regional issues, the Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that Southeast Asian countries are making efforts to build a strong and united ASEAN Community that plays a central role in the regional security architecture and steps up cooperation with partners.

He highly appreciated ASEAN’s efforts to find comprehensive solutions to problems in the region, including the situation in Myanmar.

He took the occasion to underline the need to maintain peace, stability, security and maritime safety in the South China Sea, known locally as the East Sea, and called on all parties to settle disputes by peaceful means, with full respect to legal and diplomatic processes in accordance with international law, the Charter of the United Nations and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The Deputy Prime Minister recalled the statement of the President of the 32nd UN General Assembly that Vietnam’s accession to the United Nations is an important step toward consolidating peace and security in the world. He affirmed that the statement is still valid that reflected Vietnam’s efforts in maintaining international peace and security, increasing participation in UN peacekeeping activities, promoting a balanced and constructive approach, and jointly seeking lasting solutions to international problems, for the common good of all member states.

To conclude the speech, he stated Vietnam always promotes mutual understanding and respect, cooperation and dialogue at the UN Human Rights Council and wishes to receive support from other countries for its Human Rights Council candidacy for the 2023-2025 term.