New York (VNA) – During the working term as anon-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) in 2020-2021, Vietnamwill work hard to contribute to preventing conflicts, promoting preventivediplomacy and dealing with disputes peacefully in the spirit of Article 6 ofthe UN Charter.

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Vietnamese PermanentMission to the UN, introduced priorities during the country’s tenure in the UNSCat a press conference in New York on December 12.

The Ambassador said that Vietnam will also try to engage inthe reform of the council’s operation and the active cooperation between thecouncil and regional organisations.

He said that Vietnam will voice its opinions on major issuessuch as the protection of civilians and essential infrastructure works inconflict areas, the safeguarding of women and children during armed conflicts,the settlement of bombs and mine left by war, and the UN peace-keepingoperations.

Countering the impacts of climate change on peace andsecurity will also be among priorities for Vietnam in the year, he stated.

Answering reporters’ questions on whether Vietnam will workfor stronger voice of non-permanent members at the UNSC, the diplomat said thatthe efforts of a sole member cannot make any change. However, if allnon-permanent members join hands together, things may be different, he said.

Regarding the relationship between Vietnam and theDemocratic Republic of Korea (DPRK), especially after Vietnam’s hosting of thesecond DPRK-US Summit in early 2019, Ambassador Quy said that Vietnam and theDPRK have both multilateral and bilateral ties, and Vietnam is striving to deliverto the DPRK its message that opening its door and integrating into the world willmake each country stronger and assist with its development.

Vietnam has shared its experience with the DPRK innormalising the relationship with the US, he said, noting that Vietnam and theUS have lifted their relations to a comprehensive partnership.

Answering questions on whether Vietnam will bring the EastSea issue to the UNSC discussions, Quy said that for a matter to be debated atthe council, there should be support from at least nine member countries.Vietnam will do what it should and can do at suitable time, he added.

The Vietnamese representative also answered questions on otheroutstanding matters such as the reconstruction of Syria, the human rightsituation in some countries as well as humanitarian relief activities of theUN.

Currently, Vietnam has finished preparations to take theresponsibilities of a non-permanent member of the UNSC. As the Chair of the UNSCin January 2020, Vietnam will chair the council’s meetings, and after receivingthe permission from the council, Vietnam will represent the council as a UNagency./.