Vietnam is set to participate as a founding member of the newly established council, a transitional mechanism endorsed by the United Nations Security Council to oversee post-conflict reconstruction and civil administration in Gaza through the end of 2027.

A multilateral framework for Gaza

The initiative follows renewed diplomatic efforts to address the Israel–Palestine conflict, one of the most protracted and volatile crises in the Middle East. In late 2025, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2803, endorsing a 20-point peace framework proposed by Washington. The plan aims to consolidate a phased ceasefire and establish an internationally supervised mechanism to support reconstruction and governance in Gaza.

Under the arrangement, the Gaza Peace Council is intended to coordinate humanitarian assistance, civilian administration and security stabilisation efforts, while supporting longer-term negotiations toward a two-state solution - envisioning Israel and a future Palestinian state coexisting peacefully.

Vietnam confirmed its acceptance of an invitation dated January 16, 2026, to join the council as a founding member. The move is described as consistent with the country’s longstanding support for peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law and United Nations resolutions.

Expanding Vietnam’s diplomatic footprint

In recent years, Vietnam has sought to raise its international profile through active participation in multilateral institutions, including United Nations peacekeeping operations in Africa. Vietnamese military medical teams and engineering units have been deployed to missions in South Sudan and elsewhere, gaining recognition for professionalism and humanitarian engagement.

Analysts say participation in the Gaza Peace Council reflects Vietnam’s broader foreign policy of independence, diversification and multilateral engagement. More recently, during an official visit to Vietnam, US Assistant Secretary of State Michael DeSombre met with General Secretary To Lam and conveyed President Donald Trump’s appreciation for Vietnam’s decision to join the Gaza Peace Council initiative.

DeSombre also reaffirmed US support for a strong, independent and prosperous Vietnam and underscored the importance Washington attaches to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Hanoi. Both sides expressed interest in deepening cooperation at the strategic level, not only in bilateral ties but also on regional and global issues.

In recent years, Vietnam has sought to project itself as a responsible stakeholder in global affairs, with a particular emphasis on peacekeeping and multilateral cooperation. The country has contributed personnel to United Nations peacekeeping missions, including deployments to operations in Africa, where its medical and engineering units have been recognised for professionalism, discipline and humanitarian engagement.

Vietnam’s participation reflects a broader foreign policy framework centered on independence, self-reliance and diversified international partnerships. Officials consistently emphasise support for peaceful dispute resolution in line with international law and UN resolutions, while maintaining cooperative relations with a wide range of partners. This approach provides the foundation for Vietnam to engage in international mechanisms in a constructive, balanced and impartial capacity.

Nguyen Quoc Dung, Vietnamese ambassador to the United States, said the move aligns with the country’s strategic goal of playing a more proactive and responsible role in addressing global challenges.

Strengthening US–Vietnam relations

Vietnam’s participation comes amid steadily expanding ties with the United States. The two countries upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2023, deepening cooperation in trade, technology, energy and security.

Bilateral trade reached US$15.8 billion in January 2026 alone, according to Vietnamese data, with the United States remaining Vietnam’s largest export market. American companies, including technology firms such as HP and Nvidia, logistics providers FedEx and UPS, and energy company Excelerate Energy, have expressed continued interest in expanding operations in Vietnam. Vietnamese corporations such as FPT and VinFast are also increasing their investments in the US.

Against that backdrop, Vietnam’s decision to join the Gaza Peace Council and General Secretary To Lam’s attendance at its inaugural meeting is expected to create scope for the country to contribute in non-military areas such as humanitarian relief, civilian reconstruction, health care, education, governance capacity-building and post-conflict sustainable development.

These sectors align with Vietnam’s development experience and its stated foreign policy emphasis on peace and reconstruction. Participation in the council could also expand Vietnam’s engagement with partners in the Middle East and beyond, potentially strengthening its diplomatic profile and influence in broader international discussions.

Vietnam signals broader global role with Gaza Peace Council entry

VOV.VN - Vietnam’s decision to join the Gaza Peace Council as a founding member underscores the country’s commitment to international peace initiatives and reflects its intention to play a more active role in addressing global challenges, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States Nguyen Quoc Dung.