(VOVworld)- 39 years ago, on September 20, 1977, Vietnam became a UN member. This opened a new chapter for Vietnam’s foreign policy of multi-lateralization and diversification. Over the past 4 decades, Vietnam has contributed greatly to and received strong support from the UN. As a result, its international prestige has been heightened.

Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh receives UN officials

In the last 39 years, Vietnam has consistently pursued a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, openness, diversification and multi-lateralization of international relations. Vietnam has become a friend, and a reliable and responsible partner of the international community.

Proactive member, reliable partner

During its 39 years as a UN member, Vietnam has fulfilled its responsibility and introduced several practical initiatives. Vietnam has always supported the UN’s primary goals of maintaining peace and security, resisting the arms race, promoting arms disarmament, addressing disputes and conflicts through peaceful means, and strengthening friendship between nations. Vietnam has signed a number of international treaties initiated by the UN.

With its effective contributions, Vietnam’s prestige in the UN has increased. Vietnam has held several important positions within the UN including Rotating Chairman of the Arms Disarmament Conference, Non-Permanent Members of the UN Security Council and Member of the UN Human Rights Council in the 2014-2016 term. Ambassador Nguyen Trung Thanh, Head of the Vietnamese delegation to the UN, said: “By proactively participating in, sharing, and promoting dialogues on sensitive issues, Vietnam has fulfilled its responsibility as a UN member. We have gained good experience to boost national development and renovation, strengthen and defend human rights, and enhance our role as a friend and a responsible member of the international community.”

At UN forums, Vietnam has participated in discussions on economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian issues and contributed to reforming UN agencies toward transparency, democracy, and effectiveness.

Right and benefits in development

Since it became a UN member, Vietnam has received great UN support in overcoming war aftermaths, and mobilizing resources for national renovation and development. Vietnam and the UN plan to ensure Vietnam’s sustainable growth, strengthen its access to essential services, and social protection, and improve public administration to help Vietnam effectively implement development strategies. Over the last 39 years, UN aid to Vietnam totaled 2 billion USD, focused on economic growth, strengthening institutions, and addressing urgent social issues. Ambassador Nguyen Trung Thanh said: “We have contributed ideas to developing appropriate cooperation programs and worked with other countries to implement global projects like the SDG program. By proactively participating in UN activities, we can take advantage of international support in improving goodwill, boosting trust, and proposing new ideas for achieving common goals”.

Vietnam’s relationship with the UN has helped Vietnam improve its international prestige and protect its interests, especially those concerning security, territorial integrity, and peaceful settlement of disputes.

The relationship between Vietnam and the UN has developed steadily over the past 39 years contributing significantly to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.