Foreign Minister: cyber security crucial for peace, prosperity
Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son delivered a speech at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)’s online open discussion on maintaining international peace and security on cyberspace hosted by Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, UNSC President for June 2021.
Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son at the event (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese Foreign MinisterBui Thanh Son delivered a speech at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)’sonline open discussion on maintaining international peace and security oncyberspace hosted by Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, UNSC Preཧsident for June2021.
In his speech, Son said theboom in information and communications technology has been creating strong and deep impacts on every aspect of life globally, contributing to promoting the exchange of human knowledge, increasing mutualunderstanding as well as sustainable development in each nation. However, more and moreterrorists and trans-national criminals are taking advantage of technology toinfiltrate banking and financial systems, destroy essential infrastructure,incite social disorder, spread extremist ideology and distorted information in the community, causing huge damage to the global economic development,seriously threatening sovereignty, security and development while eroding trustamong nations.
In such circumstances, the Vietnamese FM affirmed that cyber security is crucial for peace, security, development andprosperity on national and global scales. Sovereignty and interest of eachnation on cyberspace must be fully respected.
He suggested the international community establisha global framework with rules and a code of conduct on cyberspacebased on consensus and the wide and full involvement of countries. Every activ🌜ity oncyberspace should be in accordance with the United Nations Charter andinternational law, especially basic principles such as respecting nations' independence and sovereignty, not interfering into internal affairs, not using force, and settling disputes peacefully.
The minister expressedconcern and objection to the use of harmful ICT technology toattack medical, electricity, water and food facilities. He called on all countriesto actively engage in and contribute to enhancing international cooperation,building trust and ensuring security on cyberspace.
The explosive development of ICT technology is an irreversible trend which will be a launch pad for humans on thejourney towards prosperity. Aware of that, Vietnam has built a national dꦑigitaltransformation strategy and is striving to have its digital economy account for30 percent of the gross domestic product by 2030, he said.
He added that in Southeast Asia, Vietnamactively and proactively joined regional cyber security mechanisms, includingthe ASEAN Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy. The country also formed effectivepartnership with many nations and international partners in the field. Vietnam is ready to work with partners tobuild a cyberspace of peace, stability and safety for the people andsustainable development, he stated. Participants highlighted a need to upholdinternational law and the United Nations Charter in maintaining peace, securityand stability on cyberspace, apart from measures to build trust, improvecapacity and coordinate actions among countries./.
Taking advantage of the upcoming Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, when demand for online transactions, payments, gifts and to send lucky money increases, many hacker groups are stepping up their fraudulent activities aimed at users of banking services and e-wallets.
Viettel Cyber Security Company, a subsidiary of Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group, triumphed at the Pwn2Own 2021 contest - one of the world largest cyber-attack competitions – which was held virtually by Trend Micro’s Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) on April 7 and 8.
Vietnam needs to foster rapid and sustainable digital transformation but at the same time must ensure cyber security and safety, Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Huy Dung has emphasised.
Singapore’s Ministry of Defence announced a new cybersecurity and information centre of ASEAN will be set up in Singapore for better exchange of information among defence ministries of member countries to combat cyber security threats and misinformation.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son at the event (Photo: VNA) 
