Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of Vietnam’s permanent mission to the UN. (Photo: VNA)

Themed “Promotion and consolidation of peace through respect for International Law”, the meeting discussed global affairs, impacts on NAM, powerful countries’ interference on internal affairs of small countries as well as challenges arising from within the Movement.

The role of the Non-Aligned Movement

NAM was established in 1961 at the height of the independence struggles of the peoples worldwide and the Cold War’s risk to lead to a new World War. Newly-established countries had diverse cultures, religions, and socio-politics, but the same demand to assemble to guarantee political independence, gradually gained economic independence, and protect peace for co-existence and development.

At present, Non-Aligned Movements countries and developing countries in general are facing serious challenges in economic development and impacts of globalization. While handling international problems of poverty, social instability, sectarian and religious disputes, developing countries have to counter pressure and interference from other countries. Some NAM members have derailed from the Movement’s fundamental targets and principles in handling regional disputes, including independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs.

Vietnam actively contributes to NAM

At the meeting, Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Head of the Vietnamese delegation to the UN, underscored the need to strengthen unity and solidarity and called on member countries to promote NAM’s basic principles, especially independence and not being affected by external pressure and interference, especially of big countries.

He stressed that the NAM needs to keep bringing into play its role in promoting the adherence to the UN Charter and international law, along with the respect for international commitments and agreements. It should also step up efforts to create an open, equal, transparent and rules-based multilateral trade system that ensures the interests of developing countries.

Regarding Southeast Asia and East Sea situations, Mr. Quy highlighted the role and contributions of ASEAN, particularly in fostering cooperation and dialogue; maintaining a peaceful and stable environment; ensuring navigation and aviation freedom in the region; peacefully resolving conflicts and disputes on the basis of international law, including the UN Charter and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea; respecting diplomatic and legal processes; fully implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea; and promoting negotiations to soon finalise an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the waters that is in line with international law. The ambassador called on countries concerned to exercise self-restraint and avoid actions complicating the situation, including unilateral actions and militarisation in the East Sea.

He also updated participants about recent developments in the East Sea, calling on NAM member states to understand and support ASEAN’s common stance, which he described as a manifestation of their respect for international law and solidarity with countries in the region.

Participating in the NAM’s ministerial meeting in Caracas has affirmed Vietnam’s commitment to contribute to NAM’s development. It’s more important when Vietnam will take a seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 term.