Vietnam chairs plenary of Conference on Disarmament
Ambassador Duong Chi Dung, head of Vietnam's permanent mission to the United Nations in Geneva, on June 25 chaired a plenary session of the Conference on Disarmament (CD) at the UN headquarters in Geneva.
Ambassador Duong Chi Dung, head of Vietnam's permanent mission to the United Nations in Geneva (Photo: VNA)
Geneva (VNA) – AmbassadorDuong Chi Dung, head of Vietnam's permanent mission tothe United Nations in Geneva, on June 25 chaired a plenarysession of the Conference on Disarmament (CD) at the UNheadquarters in Geneva, the first plenary of the CD during Vietnam’s term as CDPresident (from June 24-28 and from July 29 to August 18).
In opening the session, Ambassador Dung stressed theimportance of cooperation in the framework of multi-lateral frameworks toaddress increasingly complicated common challenges to international peace andsecurity.
He recalled Vietnam’s contributions when it served asPresident of the CD for the first time in 2009, and underlined the country’scommitment to making continued contributions to peace and security,particularly when it was just elected to a non-permanent seat in the UnitedNations Security Council for 2020-2021 and will take up the rotary Chair of theAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations in 2020.
The Ambassador shared Vietnam’s priorities and tasksas CD President, especially holding simultaneous consultations with membercountries, CD Presidents in 2019, coordinators and the secretariats, to gainunderstanding of all sides’ concerns and thus seek solutions to existingobstacles.
Under Vietnam’s initiative, forthe first time in CD’s history ASEAN Secretary General Lim Jock Hoi was invitedto attend and speak at the plenary.
The Secretary General reiteratedASEAN’s commitment to disarmament and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, andintroduced the main contents of the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-FreeZone Treaty (SEANWFZ). He called on countries with nuclear weapons to join the SEANWFZ for the effective implementation of the treaty.
During discussions, countriesaffirmed their support of Vietnam’s initiatives and efforts in the CDframework. They appreciated the role and contributions of regionalorganisations, including the ASEAN, in the field of disarmament in particularand in maintaining international peace and security in general.
On behalf of the EU, Romaniavoice support of ASEAN’s central role in maintaining peace and security in theregion, preventing conflicts and actively seeking a solution to the Koreaissue.
In 2019, Vietnam along withUkraine, the UK, the US, Venezuela and Zimbabwe serve as President of the CD ona rotary basis.-VNA
Nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament is essential to the world’s peace and security, and the total elimination of nuclear weapons is the only guarantee for countries not to be threatened with or attacked by nuclear weapons.
Vietnam has always been consistent with its anti-nuclear weapons policy and was one of the first countries to support, sign and ratify the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), President Tran Dai Quang wrote in his greeting message on July 31 to the 63rd World Conference against Atomic & Hydrogen Bombs.
An international workshop was held in Hanoi on April 2 under the theme “Vietnam in the UN Security Council: Strengthening partnership for sustainable peace”.
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.
Ambassador Duong Chi Dung, head of Vietnam's permanent mission to the United Nations in Geneva (Photo: VNA) 
