The session took place at a time when the world is experiencing complications in political and security relations. Regional conflicts, a high risk of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the fight against terrorism, environmental and climate change continue to top issues of international concern. Leaders will discuss these issues at high-level debates to devise appropriate solutions.

Earlier, UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon told media workers that high-level debates this year will mark a period of ever-frantic multilateral diplomatic activities in the history of this biggest international organisation. Therefore, the session as well as high-level debates will be of great significance for Vietnam. More importantly, UN member countries will vote on Vietnam’s bid to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2008-09 period on October 16.

Since its membership on September 20, 1977, Vietnam has actively participated in the UN’s common activities and in many areas such as peace, security, disarmament, as well as socio-economic development, population, environmental protection and UN reform. Its active participation and contributions have been acknowledged by the international community. The country has been elected to the executive board of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

In an interview granted to local media workers in Hanoi last week, John Hendra, UN resident coordinator in Vietnam, said the UN and Vietnam have built an active, trustworthy and mutually respectful partnership. This partnership has demonstrated Vietnam’s tremendous achievements and helped the UN fulfil its role in the country.

After more than 20 years of implementing the Doi Moi (Renewal) process, Vietnam has made great strides in the human development index (HDI), per capita income and poverty reduction. The country’s average economic growth has increased by more than seven percent year on year, while its socio-political stability has been maintained. These achievements have prompted the international community, particularly other Asian countries, to nominate Vietnam as the only Asian candidate for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2008-09 period.

To have this honour and heavy responsibility, Vietnam has made important contributions to the region and the world, including its increasing role in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Mekong region.

The candidacy has marked the country’s big step towards international integration. UN experts believe that this event is testimony to Vietnam’s international political integration which is similar to its admission to the World Trade Organisation – testimony to its international economic integration.

The message to be delivered by PM Nguyen Tan Dung at high-level debates is the image of an active Vietnam which is building and cooperating and is responsible in the international community. It is Vietnam’s commitment to better fulfil its obligation as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. It is also the country’s effort to become even further involved in the international community’s common activities.

The 62nd session of the UN General Assembly, particularly high-level debates, will mark Vietnam’s full integration into international political and economic activities. It will also mark the international community’s full recognition of Vietnam.