From ideas, initiatives...
Vietnam's contribution has been shown via its active and responsible participation in finding out solutions for issues of concern for the United Nations (U.N.) - the largest multilateral organization in the world - as well as other regional and international organizations.
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Vietnamese officers participate in U.N. peacekeeping operations in South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Abyei. |
Up to now, Vietnam has successfully served two terms as a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council (UNSC), demonstrating its high responsibility and direct contributions to efforts to maintain peace and security in the region and the world. What Vietnam did during its first term (2008-2009) in this position included its contribution to decisions on many issues related to conflicts in different regions, post-conflict reconstruction, counterterrorism, enhancing the transparency of the UNSC; promoting cooperation between the U.N. and regional organizations, particularly in strengthening trust and dialogue, preventing and handling conflicts, and addressing global common challenges.
In January 2020, Vietnam pushed for the adoption of the UNSC's first Presidential Statement on the respect for the U.N. Charter, helping to emphasize the values, principles, and norms of conduct based on the U.N. Charter and international law. Later, when assuming the role of President of the UNSC in April 2021, Vietnam promoted the adoption of a Presidential Statement, emphasizing the need to enhance international cooperation in dealing with the consequences of post-war landmines and unexploded ordnance for the safety and livelihoods of people and communities.
In the region, during its journey as an ASEAN member, Vietnam has made substantive contribution to cooperation inside the association as well as between ASEAN and its partners. Attentively, during its two terms as ASEAN Chair in 2010 and 2020, Vietnam played a leading role in promoting the spirit of solidarity and unity within the grouping; enhancing cooperation, cohesion, mutual support among ASEAN member states; and promoting efforts to address regional security challenges. Additionally, when Vietnam hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in 2017, it was one of the countries actively proposing and implementing many initiatives in trade, investment, healthcare, and counterterrorism, to name but a few.
...to concrete actions
In addition to actively proposing ideas and initiatives, Vietnam has implemented specific activities to support the international community and its friends and partners in addressing big issues.
In 2014, Vietnam sent officers to participate in the U.N. peacekeeping operations in South Sudan, and then in the Central African Republic. After 10 years of involvement, Vietnam has deployed more than 900 military and police officers, including several rotations of Level-2 Field Hospital and engineering force to U.N. peacekeeping missions in South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Abyei. Vietnamese officers have well performed their duties, showed their bravery and competence and received high appreciation from U.N. leaders and officials. This has helped to spread a positive image of Vietnam, its people, and the Vietnam People's Army.
When Turkey suffered from devastating earthquakes in February 2023, Vietnam was one of the first countries to send search and rescue teams to assist. Despite the harsh weather conditions, Vietnamese troops teamed up with forces from other countries to find locations of victims and successfully completed the assigned tasks. Notably, this was the first time that the Vietnam People's Army deployed forces for humanitarian assistance and earthquake relief abroad.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam actively shared its experience in pandemic prevention and control with the international community, conducted activities to provide medical supplies and equipment to support other countries in the region and in the world. Vietnam contributed to the U.N.'s COVID-19 Response Fund and the COVAX mechanism and sent medical experts to assist several ASEAN countries in their fight against the pandemic.
The regional and international situation is witnessing many changes, but with obtained outcomes and its foreign policy of openness, multilateralism, and diversification of international relations, Vietnam is expected to make more significant contribution to the goals related to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.
Translated by Quynh Oanh