Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese Deputy Minister ofForeign Affairs Le Hoai Trung has stressed the need tofoster friendly relations among countries and observe the UN Charter and international law, including the 1982 UN Convention onthe Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The international community has been confronting major threats andchallenges stemming from the disrespect for and violations of the core principles of the UN Charter and the UNGeneral Assembly Resolution 2625 on “The Declaration onPrinciples of International Law concerning Friendly Relations and Cooperationamong States,” Trung told the UNSC’s virtual debate on “Peacebuilding andSustaining Peace: Contemporary Drivers of Conflict and Insecurity.”

He particularly underscored the importance of the principles concerningsovereignty equality, no use of force or threat to use force, and settlement of international disputes via peaceful means.

Such disrespect and violations are behind tensions,confrontations and conflicts all over the world, he said, citing theinterference in domestic affairs of states; the complexdevelopments of arms race, notably in nuclear energy; and violations of theUNCLOS 1982 as examples.

Describing COVID-19 as a non-traditional security challenge, Trung urged all actors to heed the Secretary-General’s callfor a global ceasefire, and member states to exercise restraint to stopescalation of tensions and hold dialogues toseek long-term solutions.

Trung also highlighted the need to lift unilateral sanctions that hampersocio-economic development and livelihoods of people living in war-tornregions.

He went on to say that multilateralism must be further enhanced and the UNshould play a central role in strengthening international partnerships toharmonise interests of member states and beefing up cooperation with regionalorganisations.

The UNSC must make the best use of available tools, such as preventivediplomacy, and improve the effectiveness of its peacekeeping operations, hesaid.

Additionally, the UNSC must address the root causes of conflicts and insecurity by engaging in all stages, fromprevention, early warnings to proposing solutions for post-conflict recoveryand sustainable development, the DeputyMinister added.

Vietnam rose from the ashes of war and became a middle-income country, hecontinued, together with other ASEAN member states, it is striving to develop a cohesiveASEAN Community of sharing and cooperation, a peaceful, stable Southeast Asiaand a regional environment for friendship, partnership and prosperity.

The virtual debate was presided over by Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister ofSaint Vincent and the Grenadines, which holds November’s presidency, and attendedby UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed./.