- PM arrives in New York for UN General Assembly’s 73rd session
- Burial ceremony for President Tran Dai Quang in homeland held
- Foreign officials, diplomats in Africa pay tribute to President Quang
Addressing the programme which drew more than 100 leaders, ministers and representatives of embassies and UN member countries, Minh said that Vietnam’s run for the position proves the country’s external policy of peace, independence, self–reliance as well as its wish to make more contributions to joint efforts of the international community for peace, security and sustainable development.
He affirmed that if elected, Vietnam will exert every effort to promote dialogue and cooperation to prevent conflicts and peacefully settle international disputes, protect civilians amidst conflicts and deal with war aftermaths, thus building sustainable peace.
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| Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh addresses a programme to call for support to Vietnam’s candidacy as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (Photo: VNA) |
Vietnam will work to strengthen cooperation between the UN Security Council and regional organisations, he stated, expressing his belief that with the support of UN member countries, Vietnam will complete the tasks of a UN Security Council council, contributing to peace and security in the region and the world.
All participants showed their belief that Vietnam will successfully perform the role of a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and make positive contributions to activities of the UN as well as international community.
The same day, he had bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers of Australia, Ukraine, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ecuador, Uganda Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and US Deputy Secretary of State, during which he thanked the countries for extending condolences to Vietnam over the passing away of President Tran Dai Quang.
He said that with economic achievements in external relations and results of international commitment implementation, Vietnam is willing to take the role and successfully complete the tasks of a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in the 2020-2021 tenure.
He proposed that EU partners support Vietnam and push up the signing of a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the bloc.
Foreign officials hailed the role and position as well as important contributions of Vietnam to common work in the region and the world, while promising to consider Vietnam’s proposal and continuing to coordinate closely with the Southeast Asian country to maintain international peace and security, contributing to stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.
Minh and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne agreed to continue the exchange of delegations, especially at the high level, as well as the sharing of measures to boost economic and trade partnership between the two countries, including the import and export of agricultural products, while promoting trade facilitation and regional economic connectivity.
Australia will assist Vietnam to engage deeper to peacekeeping operations, build e-government, while working closely with Vietnam at the ASEAN, APEC and UN, said Payne.
At the meeting between Minh and Slovakian Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak, the two sides agreed on the need to continue taking measures to maintain and bolster the sound traditional ties between the two countries.
Minh suggested that Slovakia create favourable conditions for Vietnamese investors in Slovakia as well as the Vietnamese community in the country.
Meeting with Slovenian Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec, Minh proposed that the two sides start negotiations and signing of a number of framework agreements, including the double-tax avoidance deal and another to recognise each other’s qualifications, while strengthening affiliation in areas related to maritime transport, tourism, pharmaceuticals and house appliances.
In his meeting with Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Henry Oryem Okello, Minh asked the Government of Uganda to support Vietnamese firms to sell strong Vietnamese products in Uganda and seek investment opportunities in the country, including activities of the telecommunication firm Viettel.
The two sides concurred to soon negotiate and sign a visa exemption deal for diplomatic and official passport holders.
Meeting US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan, Minh stated that Vietnam values relationship with the US and hopes to continue promoting bilateral ties in key pillars of economy, trade, education-training, and science and technology.
To mark 25 years of diplomatic ties in 2020, the two sides agreed to increase delegation exchange at all levels and foster cooperation between the two ministries.
On the occasion, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Minh proposed that the US continue supporting Vietnam in dealing with war aftermaths, including the implementation of a dioxin detoxification project at Bien Hoa Airport at an early date.
