The message was delivered by Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (U.N.), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and other international organizations in Geneva at a recent interview granted to the Geneva Geostrategic Observatory. The interview about Vietnam’s policies and the role of multilateral systems was published on Switzerland’s Tribune de Genève.
Sharing Vietnam’s views about multilateral negotiations in Geneva, Ambassador Dung affirmed that multilateralism and international integration are at the heart of Vietnam's diplomacy. The country always attaches great importance to the multilateral mechanisms and forums of the U.N. and WTO, among others, and is pro-actively participating in multilateral negotiations in Geneva, especially as a member of the U.N. Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 term.
He stressed that Vietnam wishes to diversify its partnership relations and strengthen a peaceful and stable international environment to facilitate its development. This will not only help the country better protect its national interests, but also take advantage of external resources for its sustainable development. It also allows the country to contribute to international efforts in solving common issues and promote peace and development in the world.
Regarding changes in international relations, the Vietnamese ambassador said that the multilateral system established after the Second World War has played a crucial role in preventing wars and fostering peace and international cooperation for the development of nations.
However, according to Ambassador Dung, today's global situation has changed significantly, creating new requirements for the global multilateral system. Humanity has to face new challenges, such as terrorism, poverty, food insecurity, epidemics, natural disasters, and climate change. The rise of many emerging countries has changed the balance of power.
In addition, the development of science and technology has changed the way of thinking. Factors, such as lack of trust, protectionist tendencies, heightened nationalism, and realpolitik undermine the multilateral system. In this context, it is necessary and urgent to reform the multilateral system. This reform must be based on respect for independence, sovereignty, and legitimate interests of all nations. It must promote democratic and equitable participation of nations in making decisions.
Source: VNA
Translated by Tran Hoai