(VOVWORLD) - Despite the devastating impact of the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic in the first half of this year, the UN Security Council has continued to play the leading role in maintaining global peace and security through a wide-ranging agenda. As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in the 2020-2021 tenure and 1-month rotating Presidentof the Council in April, Vietnam has contributed its best effort to the Council’s activities.
 The UN Security Council convened on January 13, 2020 (Photo: VNA) |
So far this year has been marked by strong competition between major economic powers, continued conflicts and tension in the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, and instability in Libya, Afghanistan, Myanmar and some other countries, as the world continues to face major challenges, including climate change, terrorism, trans-national crime, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the face of these difficulties, countries have become more aware of the importance of maintaining peace and security and strengthening international cooperation and multilateral action. The UN Security Council has adopted 63 documents and held multiple discussions on these issues.
 Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs) |
Vietnam’s contributions to UNSC activities
As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in the 2020-2021 tenure, Vietnam has participated in UN activities. Vietnam successfully fulfilled its role as President of the UN Security Council for the second time in April. Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang says coordinating and mediating different views of countries, particularly major countries, is a challenge for any President. With its consistent stance, principles, and foreign policy, Vietnam successfully promoted its priorities and ideas during its UNSC Presidency, Giang said. He noted that as an active and responsible member of the international community, the UN, and ASEAN, and with experience as a peace-loving country that understands the value of peace and losses and pain caused by wars and conflicts, Vietnam supports closer and more effective cooperation between the UN and international organizations in preventing and settling conflicts.
Mr. Giang said, 'The most effective ways to prevent conflicts are to respect the UN Charter, international law, and national independence and sovereignty, to refrain from intervening in another country’s internal affairs, and to promote relations between countries that are based on building trust, settling disputes through peaceful means, and never using or threatening to use force. Peace and development go together. In addition to resolving security issues, more attention must be paid to sustainable development.'
During its month as President, all Vietnam-initiated proposals were approved by the UNSC, and 10 documents were adopted by unanimous vote.
Vietnam will build on its achievements
Vietnam will continue to act responsibly in contributing to UNSC and other UN activities, and will work closely with other countries to maintain global peace and security by promoting solidarity and consensus within the UNSC.
Do Hung Viet, Director of the International Organizations Department of the Vietnam Foreign Ministry, said, 'Vietnam is determined to do its best to ensure objectivity, transparency, and flexibility in dealing with the differences between member countries. We hope to reach consensus and unity within the UN Security Council to cope with current challenges.'
Vietnam will enhance cooperation, share information, and anticipate regional and global issues in order to fulfill its role within the UN Security Council in the 2020-2021 tenure and raise its international status in the spirit of the motto “Strengthening partnership for sustainable peace.”