Vietnam greatly values cooperation with ESCAP
VOV.VN - The nation places great importance on effective cooperation the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and highly appreciates the role of ESCAP entrusted by the UN in promoting sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development in the Asia-Pacific region.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son made the statement during his online talks on August 13 with Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, UN Under-Secretary-General and ESCAP Executive Secretary.
The local diplomat hailed the commission’s high-quality policy research reports and recommendations for regional nations, and cooperation projects on technical support and capacity enhancement.
Vietnam welcomes ESCAP’s 77th session approval of a resolution on the “Regional cooperation to build back better from crises in Asia and the Pacific”. The resolution underscores multilateralism and cooperation inside and outside the region in a bid to promote post-pandemic recovery, giving priority to the improvement of the medical and social welfare systems, climate change response, digital transformation and digital economic development.
The country will work hand in hand with ESCAP in the implementation of the resolution, Son said.
He suggested the commission provide continued support for Vietnam amid the recurrence of the COVID-19, especially through research, assessment and recommendations on regional responses to supply chain disruptions, tackling of pandemic-related socio-economic consequences, and green and sustainable recovery.
His proposals also covered ESCAP’s assistance for the Mekong region in carrying out the UN sustainable development goals (SGDs), enhancing connectivity, improving water management, and coping with natural disasters.
2022 marks both ESCAP’s 75th founding anniversary and Vietnam's 45th anniversary of membership to the UN, Son said, adding that this offers a good opportunity for Vietnam and ESCAP to jointly launch initiatives to deepen their ties and increase Vietnam’s participation in and contribution to ESCAP.
In response, Alisjahbana applauded Vietnam’s socio-economic and international integration achievements in recent years as well as the country’s previous ASEAN chairmanship for 2020 and current role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2020-2021.
She expressed his appreciation for her organization’s cooperation with Vietnam and its active and responsible participation in ESCAP that has make practical contributions to efforts toward regional collaboration and socio-economic development.
The UN official said she is ready to ramp up cooperation with and support the country in social welfare protection, statistics, e-commerce, and the building of its Voluntary National Review report on the implementation of the SDGs at national and local levels.
The commission will further assisting regional nations, including Vietnam, in green, sustainable and inclusive socio-economic recovery and accelerating their SGDs implementation, she added.