Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, Vietnamese permanent representative to the UN (Source: VNA)
Vietnam will continue to support efforts toward comprehensive disarmament and non-proliferation, with the highest priority given to the general and complete elimination of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.
This statement was made by Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, Vietnamese permanent representative to the UN at the General Debate of the First Committee of the 70 th Session of the UN General Assembly, which took place in New York from October 8 to 16.
Stressing the significance of basic regulations stipulated in the UN Charter and international law, the diplomat reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to striving along with other nations toward the common goals of disarmament and peaceful use of nuclear energy, while strictly implementing relevant regulations.
Nga used the occasion to thank international partners who supported Vietnam as it implemented a national action plan to address post-war consequences of bombs and mines between 2010 and 2025, especially in clearing bombs and mines, and assisting victims.
Kim Won-Soo, acting UN high representative for disarmament affairs, said in his opening remarks that the committee was tasked with working with countries to reach an international commitment to complete global nuclear disarmament.
He highlighted the importance of co-operation between nations possessing nuclear weapons, and called for a legal mechanism on nuclear weapon possession and proliferation.
At the debate, representatives from regions and organisations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) also emphasised the need to promote nuclear-weapon-free zones, as they worried that nuclear weapons may fall into the hands of terrorists and technological criminals.
The First Committee of the 70 th Session of the UN General Assembly is scheduled to last until mid-November, discussing major issues regarding nuclear weapons.-VNA
