New York (VNA) - The visit to Vietnam bySecretary-General António Guterres from October 21 – 22 reflects the importancethe United Nations attaches to the international role and position of andcontributions by the Southeast Asian nation as well as the partnership betweenthe two sides, a diplomat has said.

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency(VNA), Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to theUN, stressed that the visit is of great significance.

Through meetings between the UN Secretary Generaland Vietnamese high-ranking Party and State leaders and diverse activitiesduring the visit, the multi-faceted cooperation between the two sides will beenhanced in a more intensive and practical manner, the ambassador said.

This also helps promote issues of shared concernsuch as the implementation of the sustainable development goals (SDGs),especially those on environmental protection and climate change response,enabling Vietnam to contribute more to international efforts in addressingglobal challenges, for peace, stability and development in the region and theworld, he continued.

Reviewing the cooperation between the two sides over thepast 45 years, Giang noted that the UN was Vietnam’s biggest international partnerthat provided support for the country in the post-war reconstruction through arange of projects in poverty reduction, helping to ensure its people’s lives.

Gradually, with marked achievements in reform,socio-economic development and international integration, Vietnam hasconsolidated its position in the international arena.

Vietnam has set up diplomatic ties with nearly 190UN member countries and strategic and comprehensive partnerships with allleading important partners, Giang said, adding that Vietnam’s international positionis associated with its active, responsible and practical contributions to commonaffairs of the international community, particularly the UN.

Vietnam won seats at UN agencies like the SecurityCouncil for the 2008-2009 and 2020-2021 tenures, the Human Rights Council for2014-2016, and the Economic and Social Council for 2016-2018; and had chances toengage in discussions to promote solutions in important areas.

Since 2014, Vietnam has joined UN peacekeepingoperations. Most recently, the country was elected a Vice President of the77th UN General Assembly for 2022-2023, and a member of the HumanRights Council for the 2023-2025 tenure.

Through such engagement, Vietnam has affirmed thatit not only is serious and willing to be a reliable, constructive and responsible memberof the international community, but also has full capacity in terms of capacity and resources to take on tasks and join international efforts inhandling common issues, according to the ambassador.

Giang added that Vietnam has played a role inpromoting multilateralism and collective approach, which is crucial anddrawing attention of countries given the complex developments, competitions and differencesof the world situation.

These noteworthy achievements have helped affirmVietnam’s development attainments over the past years, while facilitating itsintensive and extensive participation in regional and global affairs in thetime ahead, he said.

They have also contributed to implementing Vietnam’sinclusive target of ensuring the highest interest of the nation and utilisingresources to serve the national development.

Giang said the current global and internationalsituation, as well as the country’s potential and its rising position, has both requiredand created conditions for Vietnam to work harder to make quality progress forthe relationship with the UN.

He suggested Vietnam further work together withother countries to promote multilateralism and the role of the UN, while activelycontributing to joint efforts in maintaining international peace and security,especially issues directly related to the region.

Vietnam's joining UNpeacekeeping activities will be further expanded in various localities, he said, emphasising that the country will carry forwardits active role in promoting important agendas, covering the implementation ofSDGs.

The engagement is expected to help Vietnam optimise resourcesand support of the international community for its sustainable development.

Giang noted Vietnam is working together with key countries to prepare a UN summit on improving the world’s response topandemics, and that Vietnam will strive to bring into full play opportunitiesthrough its membership at the Human Rights Council for 2023-2025./.