Dung sets out strong message to the UN

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moo has told Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung the nation’s climate change, one-UN initiative and the millennium goals works were greatly appreciated

In his 15-minute speech at the debate, Dung talked about the instability, conflicts, poverty and other adversities and challenges the world was facing. He expressed the importance Vietnam placed on the UN in dealing with the problems and Vietnam’s wish to make greater contributions to promote the world’s development and maintain peace and security.
“[If] elected [for a non-permanent seat of the Security Council for the 2008-2009 term], Vietnam would fully adhere to the purposes and principles enshrined in the UN Charter and we will do our utmost to cooperate with other members to fulfil this important task,” Dung said.
“Vietnam will always be an active, constructive, cooperative and responsible member of the international community, living up to the expectations of all member states,” he said.
Dung said the UN’s Millennium Declaration in 2000 and its policy of promoting sustainable development and ensuring the harmonious combination of economic growth with social equity and environmental protection had elicited practical response from member states.
“Vietnam hopes that the United Nations plays a more active role in this process to create further opportunities for underdeveloped countries to escape poverty and advance with the mainstream of the world. In that light, Vietnam wishes that the Doha Round will be concluded soon to facilitate a fair international trading system.
“Vietnam strongly supports development cooperation between countries and the establishment of equal international relations in economic, financial and trade areas with special attention paid to the needs of developing and least-developed countries, including the removal of imposed economic blockades and embargoes,” he said.
Observers said Dung delivered a good message that clearly showed Vietnam’s global stance and its wish to be a non-permanent member of UN Security Council during 2008-2009.
John Hendra, UN resident coordinator in Vietnam, said the candidacy campaign marked the country’s big step towards international integration. He believed that this event was testimony to Vietnam’s international political integration that was similar to its admission to the World Trade Organization - testimony to its international economic integration.
Pete Peterson, former US ambassador to Vietnam, said that Vietnam’s candidacy move was an important step.
“It proves that Vietnam has really grown up in the environment of the UN where there are many complicated issues that require delicate approach,” said Peterson. He also said that he strongly believed Vietnam would get enough votes to win the seat.
Professor Carlyle A. Thayer, from the Australian Defence Force Academy, said the impending membership was perhaps the most important diplomatic success it had achieved to date. He also said that the seat would bring many benefits to Vietnam.
“Vietnam will gain increased international prestige. Vietnam will expand its global network of relations, earn respect from other countries, and can expect reciprocation after Vietnam’s term on the Security Council expires,” said Thayer.
Dung said that Vietnam had made great socio-economic achievements during its 30 years of being a UN member. The country has actively participated in the UN’s common activities and in many areas and has made financial contributions to and participated in a number of UN activities in restoring peace in some countries.
He said Vietnam was completing the preparatory process for its effective participation in UN peace keeping operations in accordance with its conditions and capacity.
“We will do whatever we can to fulfil this important mission,” said Dung.