Plenty of room for Vietnam-Africa partnership to thrive: Deputy Foreign Minister

Hanoi (VNA) – President Nguyen Xuan Phuc's attendance and remarks at the open debate on cooperation between the UN and African Union (AU) on October 28 are of remarkable significance, Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Hieu told reporters.

It shows Vietnam’s sense of responsibility towards the UN and UN Security Council (UNSC)’s activities as well as the international community’s common concerns, Hieu said, adding that it also demonstrates Vietnam’s strong interest in Africa and the AU, and the country's will to share difficulties and step up cooperation with African countries.

The president’s speech and proposals were held in high regard by participating heads of UN member states and organisations, he stated.

According to the Deputy Minister, through the event, Vietnam has further promoted its active role and contribution as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, following its successful performance as rotating president of the UNSC in April, 2021.

He went on to say that Vietnam has maintained good friendship with all African countries, built on the solidarity among their liberation movements during the 1950s – 1960s. Entering the 21st century, Vietnam and African countries have constantly consolidated and expanded their win-win partnerships in various areas, he continued.

Good political ties have provided a push for cooperation between the two sides in economics, trade and other major fields; and both sides have closely coordinated and supported each other at multilateral forums, like the UN, he said.

There is plenty of room for the partnership between the two sides to thrive further, he noted, voicing his hope that the multifaceted ties will be further deepened, contributing to peace, cooperation and development of each side and region.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on October 28 attended the virtual high-level open debate on UN-AU cooperation at the invitation of his Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta, who holds the rotating Presidency of the UN Security Council (UNSC) in October 2021.

The debate took the theme “Renewing solidarity to successfully deliver peace and security in a changing conflict environment”./.