Norwegian FM delivers presentation on multilateralism

 

Hanoi (VNA) – Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide on October 14 delivered a presentation on multilateralism amid rising global geo-political tension and pressure on multilateral system

Co-organised by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) and the Norwegian Embassy in Vietnam, the event was held both online and offline in Hanoi and Oslo. 

In her opening speech, DAV Deputy Director Pham Lan Dung said it contributes to strengthening bilateral ties and reflects the two countries’ strong commitment to multilateralism to effectively cope with challenges amid changes in the region and the world. 

Assistant to Foreign Minister Pham Quang Hieu affirmed that multilateral diplomacy is an important strategic orientation in Vietnam’s foreign policy. 

With a long-standing relationship as well as shared interests and concern, the two countries’ commitment to supporting multilateralism will lay a solid foundation for them to boost collaboration not only via bilateral channel but also international forums, especially at the United Nations when Norway will become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the 2021-2022 tenure. 

He wished that Norway would continue bolstering cooperation with ASEAN and supporting its central role in the Asia-Pacific and Indo-Pacific for the sake of peace, stability and prosperity in the region. 

Søreide, in her speech, said Vietnam’s commitments to ASEAN are of significance to strengthening internal solidarity and the bloc’s role in the world. 

She affirmed that both Norway and Vietnam strongly believe in multilateralism and rules-based international cooperation. 

As challenges become increasingly serious when the world is experiencing unprecedented medical and socio-economic crises due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, she said only international solidarity and cooperation could bring about recovery and development. 

According to her, during its tenure as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, Norway will focus on peace-building diplomacy, strengthening women’s role in building sustainable peace, protecting people amid conflicts, and coping with security risks related to climate. 

In order to effectively address challenges in the near future, the UN needs to develop partnership with regional mechanisms such as ASEAN and the EU, she said. 

Her presentation concluded with a strong affirmation about the value of multilateralism spirit that countries need to develop amid current and upcoming challenges. 

Participants also discussed promising cooperation fields between the two nations and highlighted determination to reinforce multilateral system for the benefit of the two countries, regions and the world./.