This will be the first visit to Vietnam by Mr Annan during his term of office as UN Secretary General since 1997 and the second visit to Hanoi by a UN leader following Dr Boutros Ghali’s visit to Vietnam in 1993, Mr Dzung.

The visit will contribute to promoting relations between Vietnam and the UN, especially as Vietnam is applying for UN Security Council non-permanent membership in the 2008-2009 term, the Vietnamese diplomat further said.

During the visit, Mr Annan is expected to hold working sessions with State President Tran Duc Luong and Foreign Minister Nguyen Dy Nien, and pay a courtesy visit to Party Secretary General Nong Duc Manh and Prime Minister Phan Van Khai.

They will discuss global issues and the UN’s role in addressing issues of great interest such as human rights, conflict settlement, UN reforms and the implementation of the UN Millenium Development Goals (MDGs), said Mr Dzung.

During the past, Vietnam has effectively co-operated with UN agencies in realising UN-sponsored socio-economic development programmes. In addition, Vietnam has actively participated in the UN’s global programmes on bird flu and HIV/AIDS prevention.

Regarding Vietnam’s participation in the UN peace-keeping force, Mr Dzung said Vietnam is learning about UN regulations and practical operations and preparing the necessary steps join UN missions such as healthcare and humanitarian relief after the country fully meets the required conditions.