PHAM BINH MINH, Deputy Prime Minister of Viet Nam, pointed out that global military spending surged to $2.1 trillion while the international community failed to raise $100 billion tackling climate actions, threats to global security and poverty exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Despite this dire context, he reaffirmed his support for multilateralism and emphasized the need for international solidarity and partnerships at all levels.  On a national level, he affirmed that cooperation was indispensable during the Doi Moi renovation, resulting in Viet Nam being on track to become a developed, high-income country by 2045.  Emphasizing that his country is not an exception, he encouraged the international community to choose partnership over mistrust to bring about positive change.

He expressed solidarity with Cuba and called for the immediate lifting of the unilateral embargoes.  International law must be respected as it is the only way to maintain the sovereign integrity of States and resolve disputes peacefully.  Calling for a cessation of hostilities in Ukraine, he offered his country’s support towards diplomatic efforts and the country’s reconstruction.  He also noted that multilateral institutions must continue sharing knowledge between members in order to find appropriate global solutions to problems.  To this end, the Secretary-General’s Our Common Agenda is an example of forward-looking proposals.  Regional organizations can bolster multilateral cooperation, highlighting his country’s with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).  Turning to security in the South China Sea, he called on all parties to exercise self-restraint, refrain from unilateral activities and attempts to change the status quo, and not to threaten or use force, in accordance with international law including the United Nations Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

This year, Viet Nam celebrates its forty-fifth year as a United Nations member, he reported, underscoring that the Organization has been the most reliable partner during the period of post-war reconstruction, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Doi Moi Renovation.  Detailing Viet Nam’s relationship with the Organization, he noted that it was a member of major United Nations bodies, most recently the Security Council.  His country’s men and women also serve in peacekeeping missions in South Sudan, Abyei and the Central African Republic and the country is aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, an ambitious goal given its level of development and technology capacity.  His country is also hoping for a seat on the Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 term, he said, adding:  “In unity there is strength, with solidarity and partnerships there is power.”