Vietnam affirms commitments to promoting multilateralism and international solidarity

Upon addressing a ministerial-level online open discussion of the UN Security Council (UNSC) on May 7, Minister Son said that multilateral co-operation has a crucial role amid current global challenges, including arms races, acts of terrorism, trans-national crime, climate change, and the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

He recalled the UNSC’s commitments in terms of promoting multilateralism, abiding by the UN Charter, whilst developing an international order based on the rule of law as set out in the UNSC President’s Statement in January, 2020, during which time the country held the rotating Presidency.

Minister Son called on the wider international community to promote the culture of complying with the UN Charter and international law, whilst opposing power politics and the use of force in international relations.

He therefore underscored the need to continue strengthening collaboration efforts between the UN and regional organisations, while also highlighting the central role and efforts of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in terms of dealing with regional and international issues.

The Minister also encouraged multilateral institutions, including the UNSC, to work harder in order to make reforms towards increasing transparency, democracy, efficiency, and the representation of member countries.

As part of the occasion, he recalled the nation’s Dien Bien Phu Victory on May 7, 1954, which played an important role in promoting the country’s struggle for peace, independence, and national liberation, whilst also boosting the cause of anti-imperialism. This significant event helped to facilitate the democratization process within the international system, with the UN at the centre and Vietnam as a member.
 
During the course of the session, Volkan Bozkir, president of the UN General Assembly, stressed the crucial role of multilateralism in the settlement of global peace and security issues.

He also showed a deep concern for the situation in hotspots such as Myanmar and Syria, while also calling for the enhancement of international co-operation in terms of coping with global challenges such as conflicts, hunger, and poverty, along with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participants reaffirmed their support to the cause of multilateralism and the UN-centred international system, with calls from all parties to uphold the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law. They also highlighted their commitments in promoting multilateral co-operation in the settlement of common issues.