Maintaining peace is essential for global inclusive development, said Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, head of the permanent Vietnamese mission to the United Nations.

She also reiterated that Vietnam shares the multinational viewpoint on the close relationship between peace, security, and development expressed during a recent UN Security Council debate chaired by Chilean President Michelle Bachelet.

Taking into account the demands, benefits, and interests of all individuals from all social strata will help to prevent conflict and sustain peace and stability, Nga said.

The Vietnamese State works to ensure its national development policies reflect equality and non-discriminatory attitudes and benefit the poor, ethnic minorities, women, and children, she confirmed.

As a result, Vietnam has achieved forward progress in poverty alleviation, peace maintenance, and socio-economic development, she said.

The diplomat added that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Vietnam is a member, is strengthening cooperation with partners in the region and beyond to narrow the development gaps, maintain peace and stability, and build a peaceful and prosperous ASEAN Community.-VNA