Speaking at a United Nations General Assembly plenary meeting in New York on April 16, Ambassador Do Hung Viet, head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, expressed deep concern over ongoing instability in the region, including recent developments affecting the Strait of Hormuz.

He reaffirmed the country’s support for the common position of ASEAN on the Middle East situation, as reflected in recent special meetings and the statement by ASEAN Foreign Ministers.

He highlighted the serious consequences of continued tensions, including civilian casualties, disruptions to global trade and energy supply chains, and significant impacts on the global economy, particularly for developing countries.

The Vietnamese diplomat also expressed regret over the lack of unified and objective action by the Security Council in addressing the current crisis.

He underscored Vietnam’s opposition to military attacks against sovereign states, especially those not directly involved in the conflict. He stressed the obligation to protect civilians and critical civilian infrastructure in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions, including Security Council Resolution 2573.

He called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, avoid actions that could escalate tensions, and refrain from the threat or use of force, noting that disputes should be resolved through peaceful means on the basis of international law and the UN Charter.

The Vietnamese representative also reaffirmed the importance of ensuring safety, security, and freedom of navigation and overflight, in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Emphasising that dialogue and goodwill are the only path to sustainable peace, Ambassador Viet welcomed the temporary ceasefire agreement and urged all parties to seize this opportunity to advance dialogue and pursue long-term solutions. He also acknowledged and supported ongoing international efforts to maintain communication channels and create space for diplomacy.

The meeting was convened following the UN Security Council’s failure to adopt a draft resolution on maritime security and the safety of shipping through the strategic waterway.

It drew broad participation from UN member states, with the majority of the 66 speakers voicing concern over prolonged conflicts in the Middle East and rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Many also expressed disappointment at the Security Council’s inability to take unified and effective action to de-escalate tensions and ensure the safety and freedom of navigation along key international shipping routes.

Vietnam calls for ASEAN unity, peaceful solutions at special meeting on Middle East

VOV.VN - Vietnam called for stronger ASEAN unity and adherence to international law during a special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on the Situation in the Middle East held online on March 13.