Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Vietnamese delegation to the UN, introduces the Resolution on ASEAN-UN cooperation proposed by Vietnam on behalf of ASEAN. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam’s 2nd term at the UN Security Council began with a complicated world situation, increasing competition between major power houses, hotspots of conflict, and the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic. Vietnam has efficiently completed major workloads during the Security Council’s term, leaving its imprint when it comes to peace and international security maintenance.

This is reflected in Vietnam’s foreign policy of peace loving, opposition to any forms of war and use of force, upholding the UN Charter, and respecting international law. Vietnam has shown its responsibility as a member of the UN Security Council always seeking consensus and peaceful solutions to conflicts. Vietnam has pursued its principle of independence, self-determination, protection of national interests and benefits to the world community.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh chairs the open discussion session of the United Nations Security Council. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Vietnam has proposed initiatives as a leading role player on major issues. During its first term as President of the UN Security Council last January, Vietnam successfully facilitated an open discussion on the promotion of the UN Charter in securing international peace and security as well as a meeting on UN and ASEAN cooperation as the ASEAN Chair 2020 for greater unity and connectivity.

Vietnam successfully chaired an international conference on women, peace and security with more than 400 delegates from nearly 90 countries. They praised Vietnam for the Hanoi Commitment of Actions to promote female roles, which was co-sponsored by 75 countries and has become an official document of the UN.

In its 2nd tenure as a non-permanent member, Vietnam has implemented the foreign policy adopted at the 13th National Party Congress, promoting multilateral foreign relations and comprehensive and extensive international integration.

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Head of the Vietnamese Delegation to the UN, speaks at a ceremony to place the Vietnamese flag at the UN Security Council. (Photo: baoquocte.vn)

In April, Vietnam organized and chaired some 30 official UN Security Council meetings and represented the Council’s relations with UN members, UN agencies, the media, non-governmental organizations and partners. Vietnam has demonstrated its responsibility, objectiveness, transparency, and flexibility in settling differences that might arise, while promoting cooperation and consensus within the Council. One of the most important events is the UNSC open debate on strengthening cooperation between the UN and regional organizations by promoting trust and dialogue in conflict prevention and resolution, which took place on April 19.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs chaired a ministerial-level meeting on April 8 focusing on “surmounting bomb and mine consequences, maintaining sustainable peace, and strengthening connectivity for more effective actions”.

Vietnam also hosted a ministerial-level open debate on the protection of infrastructure that is crucial for people’s lives amid armed conflicts, including health facilities, power, water supply systems, food security, sanitation, and schools.  

Vietnam’s successful UN Security Council Presidency in April has contributed to maintaining peace, stability, and development and improving the country’s status and prestige globally.