Outgoing coordinator asked to keep supporting UN-Vietnam ties

Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with outgoing United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam Pratibha Mehta on October 24, asking her to continue supporting relationships between the UN and his country on her new posts.

He said that Vietnam not only treasures but also wants to reinforce the growing cooperation with UN organisations which are among top partners of the country. It highly values the UN’s role, especially in keeping and promoting peace in the region and around the world.

The UN has played an important role in responding to climate change, migration crisis, epidemics, environmental pollution and disasters, he noted.

Rejoicing at the sound development of Vietnam-UN relations in all aspects, PM Phuc said the Vietnamese Government and people appreciate the UN’s assistance during the national development.

He also thanked Pratibha Mehta for her responsible and effective efforts in coordinating and implementing the UN’s programmes and projects in Vietnam and in strengthening cooperation between the country and UN organisations.

For her part, Pratibha Mehta congratulated the Southeast Asian nation on socio-economic achievements and spoke highly of its standing and role in activities of the UN.

Strides have been made in bilateral cooperation, particularly Vietnam’s participation in the UN peacekeeping missions and successful performance as a member of the UN Human Rights Council in the 2014-2016 tenure and the UN Economic and Social Council in the 2016-2018 tenure, she noted.

She applauded its efforts in realising the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), as well as in building and preparing to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Vietnam has basically fulfilled the MDGs, especially the one relating to poverty eradication which has helped to improve its stature in the global arena, she said.

She affirmed that the UN is willing to support and wants to maintain close cooperation with Vietnam to implement the SDGs, achieve the MDGs and successfully implement the 2030 Agenda.

The UN also wants to soon sign a cooperation plan for the next five years with Vietnam and continue to be a trustworthy and responsible development partner of the country, Pratibha Mehta added.

She said working in Vietnam in the last five years is an honour to her. She promised to keep supporting the enhancement of the UN-Vietnam relations.-VNA