New York (VNA) – Politburo member and permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Dinh The Huynh called on the UN to continue cooperating with Vietnam in maintaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and implementing the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development and climate change response.
The official made the appeal during a meeting with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in New York on October 27 as part of his ongoing US visit.
Huynh lauded the UN’s assistance to Vietnam in dealing with post-war consequences and national development, and enhancing its collaboration with the organisation.
He thanked the Secretary General for his agency’s humanitarian assistance to Vietnamese citizens affected by drought and saltwater intrusion.
He stressed that Vietnam attaches importance to the UN’s role and contributions to security in Asia-Pacific.
The official praised the statements made by the UN and the Secretary General expressing concern over recent developments in the East Sea as well as their stance on handling disputes by peaceful measures in line with international law in order to maintain peace and stability, and ensure the freedom, security and safety of navigation and overflight in the area.
Huynh urged the UN to continue leading in observing international law, promoting the peaceful settlement of disputes and supporting countries and regions in keeping a peaceful, stable and cooperative climate.
Ban Ki-moon spoke highly of Vietnam’s achievements in realising the MDGs and the country’s efforts to prove itself a responsible member of the international community, including in the implementation of the UN goals.
He urged the country to continue partnering with the UN in common activities, including peace-keeping operations, while contributing to actualising other UN initiatives and programmes.
The UN will grant more support to Vietnam, helping the country maintain its MDG achievements and translate the 2030 Agenda into deeds, the Secretary General said.
Regarding regional issues, Ban Ki-moon hoped that relevant parties will engage in dialogue to address disputes peacefully in accordance with the UN Charter and international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea towards reaching a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.
Countries should not use force or threaten to use force, nor unilaterally expand the disputes and militarise, he said.
The same day, Huynh met with Chairman of the Communist Party USA John Bachtell and Americans who have assisted Vietnam during the struggle for national liberation and the fight for justice of Vietnamese Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin victims.
He also visited the staff of the Vietnamese Permanent Mission to the UN.-VNA