(VOVWORLD) - Since Vietnam became a UN member in 1977, the bilateral relationship has grown steadily. Vietnam has widely participated in the organization’s activities and contributed to its development.
The 32nd session of the UN General Assembly in New York opened on September 20, 1977 and adopted a resolution recognizing Vietnam's membership at the UN (Source: VNA archive )
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During its 43 years in the UN, Vietnam has put a great effort into contributing to the UN’s peacekeeping and human right ensuring activities.
Active member
Vietnam’s participation in the UN opened a new chapter in its foreign policy of multilateralization and diversification. Vietnam has mobilized foreign support and resources for its post-war national development. Former Vietnamese Ambassador to the UN Le Hoai Trung said: "The UN plays an important role in Vietnam’s international integration. It’s a global mechanism involving all countries including partners of Vietnam and many areas. Vietnam needs to take advantage of the organization to implement its foreign policy during international integration. "
Vietnam has always tried to fulfill its tasks and put forth practical initiatives. Vietnam supports the UN’s primary goals of maintaining peace and security, protesting arms races, promoting disarmament, settling disputes and conflicts by peaceful means, and strengthening friendship between nations. Vietnam has signed several international treaties designed by the UN.
 The Chairman of the UN General Assembly on June 7, 2019 announced Vietnam's non-permanent membership at the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure (Photo: baoquocte.vn)
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Vietnam was one of the first countries to complete the Millennium Development Goals and one of the 8 countries piloting the initiative “Unified Action”. At UN forums, Vietnam participated in discussions on economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian and human rights issues and has contributed to the reform of UN organizations toward expanded transparency, democracy, and efficiency.
Vietnam’s contributions have been acknowledged by the UN. In a congratulatory message marking the 75th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2), UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said: “Vietnam is a strong partner of the UN joining the organization in 1977. Your women and men in uniform are playing their part in the UN peacekeeping missions and your leading role in achieving the Millennium Development Goals is the solid foundation for your support to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The vision and ambition of sustainable development’s role will be more important than ever as we are recovering from the COVID pandemic. As an elected member of the UN Security Council, Vietnam has been making important contribution in supporting sustainable peace. The 75th anniversary of Vietnam’s independence coincides with your Chairmanship of ASEAN and membership of the Security Council demonstrate your strong presence on the global stage. Please accept my best wishes in this anniversary year.”
 Vietnam participates in the UN peacekeeping mission (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA) |
Vietnam’s contributions
During the last 43 years, Vietnam has been a reliable and responsible partner of the international community. In 2019, for the second time, Vietnam was elected a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (2020-2021 term). The almost unanimous votes reflected the international community’s acknowledgement of Vietnam’s role and contribution to global issues. As one of the countries participating in peacekeeping activities, Vietnam’s stance of respecting international law and settling disputes in the East Sea, known internationally as the South China Sea, by peaceful means received international support.
With its open foreign policy, Vietnam’s relationship with the UN is expanding in all fields and at all levels.