New York (VNA) – Vietnam supports the international community's all efforts to accelerate comprehensive and complete disarmament, with the highest priority being the elimination of weapons of mass destruction, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN) Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang said at a discussion of the UN General Assembly’s Committee on Disarmament and International Security (Committee 1) on October 8.
The discussion on emerging issues related to international peace, security and disarmament, saw the participation of many UN member states and representatives of international and regional organisations.
The Vietnamese Ambassador emphasised the need to strengthen existing nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation institutions.
He said the implementation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) is a decisive factor for the world to gradually become free of nuclear weapons.
Giang said that to effectively promote disarmament, countries need to comply with the basic principles of international law enshrined in the UN Charter, reduce military spending to reserve resources for development and promote the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, while making greater efforts to build and foster trust that will pave the way for dialogue and negotiations.
Highlighting the contribution of regional frameworks on nuclear weapons non-proliferation, he called on nuclear-weapon states to sign and ratify the “full package” of the Protocol to the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (SEANWFZ).
In addition, he emphasised the significance of the effective control and management of conventional weapons, prevention of illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in maintaining stability and order in countries, especially in conflict zones while ensuring respect for the legitimate security and defence needs of states. In the context that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) are developing strongly, bringing both great opportunities for socio-economic transformation, and risks to international peace and security, it is necessary to establish smart global governance frameworks, including a regular discussion mechanism on the safe use of information and communication technology in the field of international security, thereby promoting progress in discussions and ensuring the use of these technologies in accordance with international law, the UN Charter and bringing common benefits to all people, Giang said.
On this occasion, the Ambassador reaffirmed that Vietnam is always ready to actively contribute to the affairs of Committee 1, and at the same time, supports efforts towards the common goal of a world of peace, security and development./.
