Vietnam presents candidacy for non-permanent membership of the Security Council for the term 2020-2021

Deputy Prime Minister noted that: “As a peace-loving and friendly nation, Vietnam always pursues the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development. We strive to be a friend, reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community. Our commitment to multilateralism and international law is unwavering, and we will spare no effort to contribute to peace, cooperation and development in the world. Vietnam looks forward to stronger partnership and collaboration with the United Nations and member states to realize the vision of transforming our world and to build a better future for all”.

Deputy Prime Minister also expressed concern about the weak global economic recovery, climate change, natural disasters, epidemics, food and water security, humanitarian and migration crises, the instability and tension, violence, conflicts, terrorism and violent extremism that are plaguing many regions, especially the use or threat of force in international relations continue to be a threat to international peace and security.

Stressing that international law remains the linchpin of a stable international security architecture and a strong multilateral system, Deputy Prime Minister said, the United Nations can and must play a stronger part, take the lead in promoting adherence to international law and the UN Charter, as the foundation for international peace and security. 

No country, big or small, can be exempt from the law. The UN should also work to strengthen preventive diplomacy and peaceful settlement of disputes, utilizing all tools as defined in Article 33 of the UN Charter.

To Asia-Pacific region, risks of conflict in the Korean Peninsula and the East Sea, Deputy Prime Minister noted that, multilateralism, international law, peace, cooperation and development are also the key elements to build a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. 

With regard to recent complicated developments in the East Sea, Deputy Prime Minister called upon all parties concerned to exercise self-restraint and solve disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, fully respect diplomatic and legal processes, implement the Declaration on the Conduct of parties on the South China Sea (DOC) and expedite the completion of the Code of Conduct in South China Sea (COC).