The following is the remarks by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the United Nations General Assembly High-level meeting to commemorate the 75^th anniversary of the UN in New York on 21 September.

The UN General Assembly High-level meeting to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the UN in New York on 21 September (Photo: VNA)

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

We are celebrating the 75^th anniversary of the United Nations at an extraordinary time. Our pride for the growth of the United Nations is commingled with anxiousness, as instability and pandemic are rampaging our planet.

In the past 75 years, no world wars have come to pass. Peace, cooperation and friendship have been thriving. Poverty and diseases have been on the retreat. The life of humankind has been changing for the better.

These immense achievements would not have been possible without the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, and the United Nations itself, as the “centre for harmonizing the actions of nations” .

The world today is faced with unprecedented challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic, together with instabilities, conflicts, great power competition, power politics, and climate change are threatening the sustainable peace and development of nations.

There is a Vietnamese saying which goes “As fire tests gold, so do hardship test one's resolve”. The greater the challenge we face, the more we need to work together in solidarity and strengthen multilateralism with the UN at its core. The UN Charter and international law must be observed. The independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of states must be respected. The people must be at the heart of all efforts for development so that no one is left behind.

Ladies and gentlemen,

For the Vietnamese nation, “nothing is more precious than independence and freedom”, and we have spared no effort to defend our independence and freedom. In the past 35 years, we have also engaged in a process of Doi Moi reforms with the people at the centre. Today, our country, with much confidence, is enjoying vibrant growth, and pursuing extensive economic restructuring and active international integration, participating as a responsible member at numerous multilateral forums, especially the United Nations. We are exerting all efforts for the goal of a prosperous people and a strong nation that enjoys equality, democracy and the fruits of civilisation.

Thanks to the collaboration with all international partners and with our own efforts, Viet Nam has managed to basically contain the COVID-19, and a strong rebound of our economy is expected to follow.

I take this opportunity to extend to fellow UN member states our gratitude for entrusting Vietnam with a non-permanent membership at the UN Security Council for 2020-2021. We are doing our utmost to fulfil this mandate as we concurrently serve as the Chair of ASEAN in 2020, where Vietnam is working closely with fellow ASEAN member states to build an ASEAN Community of unity, resilience and prosperity.

We in Viet Nam are determined to work alongside all other nations around the world to safeguard peace and realise the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Vietnamese flag will be flying at even more UN Peacekeeping Missions. I am fully confident that with strong determination and joint actions, together we will build a brighter future for all.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Source: VNA