Vietnam supports multilateralism and global governance system

Meeting with the UN leader in Kampala, Uganda, on January 20 on the sidelines of the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), Xuan highly valued Guterres’s significant contributions to global peace, security, and development amid numerous challenges.

She also highly appreciated Vietnam’s support for the Secretary-General’s efforts and initiatives for peace, reconciliation, and enhancement of strategic trust among countries.

Vietnam is determined to actively and responsibly contribute to the UN’s common work, including the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 and the net zero emissions target by 2050, stressed the vice president.

Vietnam hopes to continue receiving the UN’s effective cooperation and assistance, particularly in terms of access to finance and technology and human resources training, said Xuan.

She proposed that the Secretary-General create favourable conditions for developing countries to bring into full play their role and voice in the settlement of global issues.

Guterres for his part affirmed that Vietnam is an exemplary role model of a war-torn country and now emerging as a pillar in promoting global peace.

The UN is ready to strengthen multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam, stressed the Secretary General, hoping the country will continue making effective contributions to the UN’s endeavors in the coming time, including the Summit of the Future 2024, to work towards a world of peace, sustainable development, and better equality.

The two leaders also shared common opinions about the role of multilateralism, the demand for reforming international financial institutions, and the enhancement of the ASEAN - UN cooperation for peace and stability in Southeast Asia, including the East Sea.

During her stay in Uganda for the 19th NAM summit, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan also met with President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni and First Vice President of Iran Mohammad Mokhber.

At the meeting with the Ugandan President, the two leaders outlined orientations for strengthening the two countries’ cooperation in all fields. They underlined the importance of increasing delegation exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and political trust and create momentum for economic ties.

The two sides agreed to maintain close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, especially the UN and NAM, as well as important organisations in the two regions such as the African Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Xuan called on Uganda to support ASEAN’s common stance on the peaceful settlement of disputes in the East Sea in line with international law.

Regarding economic cooperation, the two sides agreed to actively implement the outcomes of President Museveni’s visit to Vietnam, increase the exchange of business delegations, work together to hold investment and trade promotion events, and improve agricultural cooperation effectiveness.

Museveni highly valued Vietnam’s information technology capacity, asking the Southeast Asian nation to assist his country in digital transformation and training of high-quality manpower in technology, automation, and artificial intelligence.

Meanwhile, Xuan asked Uganda to create conditions for major telecoms businesses of Vietnam like Viettel to seek investment opportunities in the country.

The two leaders agreed to accelerate negotiations towards signing important bilateral cooperation documents, including an agreement on investment facilitation and protection and another on double-taxation avoidance, thereby completing the legal framework for fostering bilateral economic cooperation.

At another meeting with First Vice President of Iran Mokhber, Vice President Xuan affirmed Vietnam always treasures the friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Iran, one of its important partners in the Middle East.

She proposed that the two sides work closely to implement the agreements reached during the official visit to Iran by National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue in August 2023.

She asked relevant ministries and sectors of the two countries to continue reviewing and updating cooperation mechanisms, and soon organise the 10th meeting of the Vietnam - Iran Inter-governmental Committee to remove bottlenecks and facilitate economic, investment, and trade links.

Mokhber said Iran always views Vietnam as an important partner in Southeast Asia. He agreed with Xuan about the promotion of economic and trade ties on par with the countries’ potential, and the expansion of partnerships in other fields of common interest like science - technology, education - training, people-to-people exchanges, and locality-to-locality connections.

The Iranian leader said he was looking forwards to visiting Vietnam in the near future to help intensify bilateral relations.

The two sides exchanged views on some international and regional issues of shared concern, including the Middle East situation and the East Sea issue.