Secretary-General Guterres expressed admiration for Vietnam’s socio-economic development and praised the country’s significant contributions to the UN’s core activities, including peacekeeping and hosting the signing ceremony of the UN Convention against Cybercrime.

He highlighted Vietnam’s growing role in shaping a multipolar world, promoting effective multilateral governance, and strengthening the voice and position of developing countries and emerging economies.

The UN leader expressed his expectation that Vietnam would further enhance its role, influence, and voice at the UN, contributing to global peace, stability, and sustainable development.

For his part, President Luong Cuong thanked the United Nations for its valuable support over nearly five decades, as well as for the personal support and friendship that Secretary-General Guterres has shown toward Vietnam.

He emphasised that Vietnam has strived to gain independence, accomplish national reunification, and achieve strong development. From a poor country severely affected by war, Vietnam has risen to become one of the world’s 32 largest economies and among the top 20 trading economies. It has now established diplomatic relations with 194 countries and is an active member of more than 70 international organisations.

The State President reaffirmed Vietnam’s determination and efforts to become a developing country with modern industry and high-middle-income status by 2030, and a developed country with high income by 2045. These goals will be achieved through three strategic breakthroughs - improving institutions, developing high-quality human resources, and building a modern and synchronous infrastructure system.

The President reiterated Vietnam’s ongoing commitment to contributing actively and responsibly to peace, stability, and sustainable development regionally and globally.

He outlined five key areas for future cooperation between Vietnam and the United Nations. He stressed the need to reform the UN to enhance its effectiveness and efficiency while optimising resources, noting that Vietnam is ready to host UN agencies or offices if desired.

The President highlighted the importance of strategic Vietnam–UN cooperation focusing on priority areas such as science, technology, innovation, high-quality human resource development, climate change response, disaster management, non-traditional security challenges, and a just energy transition.

He assured his guest that Vietnam is ready to play a more active role in UN peacekeeping efforts. He suggested enhancing collaboration against transnational and cybercrime to create a safe and secure cyberspace, promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development. He further emphasised the importance of deepening ASEAN–UN relations.

Exchanging views on regional and international issues, both sides agreed on the need to continue strengthening multilateralism with the United Nations at its centre, emphasising adherence to international law, solidarity, and cooperation amid the unpredictable security and political situation globally and regionally.

Recognising ASEAN’s strategic role for the UN, Secretary-General Guterres agreed to further promote ASEAN–UN cooperation and support ASEAN’s central role in regional security and development, as well as the bloc’s efforts to maintain peace, stability, and resolve regional issues.

They stressed the importance of upholding peace, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea while resolving disputes peacefully based on international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Antonio Guterres has served as UN Secretary-General since 2017 and previously made an official visit to Vietnam in 2022. This marks his second official visit to the country following the first in October 2022.

On October 25, 2025, he will attend the signing ceremony of the UN Convention against Cybercrime, hosted by President Luong Cuong at the National Convention Centre.

UN leader Antonio Guterres warmly welcomed in Hanoi on official visit

VOV.VN - President of Vietnam Luong Cuong hosted a welcoming ceremony for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Hanoi on October 24, marking his official visit to Vietnam.