Vietnam thanks UN’s help in response to drought: Deputy PM

Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh has acknowledged the assistance to Vietnam of the UN and other countries in implementing the plan on an emergency response to drought and saltwater intrusion.

He offered the acknowledgement during the talks with UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson in Hanoi on May 4.

He emphasised that the drought and saltwater intrusion, which are the impacts of climate change, in the south central coast, Central Highlands, and especially, the Mekong Delta of Vietnam are the worst in more than nine decades.

Minh also appreciated the UN’s cooperation with and effective support to Vietnam over the past years, stressing that his country will continue to be a responsible member of the international community and the UN. It is committed to actively contributing to joint efforts for peace and sustainable development in the world.

For his part, Jan Eliasson said he is impressed with Vietnam’s attainments during the 30 years of Doi moi (Reform).

He highly values the country’s responsible and effective contributions at UN forums, including as a member of the UN Human Rights Council between 2014 and 2016 and the UN Economic and Social Council for the 2016 – 2018 term. Vietnam has also participated in the reform of the UN and sent forces to UN peacekeeping missions.

At the talks, the two sides discussed the major priorities of the international community and the UN at present. They agreed to promote the effective implementation of the big and historic agreements – the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

The Deputy PM and UN Deputy Secretary-General concurred in intensifying Vietnam – UN cooperation.

They also touched upon the regional situation and recent complex developments in the East Sea.

Jan Eliasson said the UN closely follows the developments in the waters, noting that the easing of tensions is in conformity with the relevant parties’ interests. He hopes that they will exercise self-restraint, resolve disputes peacefully in line with international law, and push for the finalisation of a code of conduct of parties in the East Sea.

Also on May 4, Jan Eliasson talked to students at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and visited the National Hospital of Paediatrics and the Green One UN House in Hanoi.-VNA