Vietnam's PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

Mr. Phuc said in the past 75 years, no world wars have come to pass. Peace, cooperation and friendship have been thriving. Poverty and diseases have been on the retreat. The life of humankind has been changing for the better.

He attributed the immense achievements to the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, and the United Nations itself, as the “centre for harmonizing the actions of nations”.

His remark said the world today is faced with unprecedented challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic, together with instabilities, conflicts, great power competition, power politics, and climate change are threatening the sustainable peace and development of nations.

Mr. Phuc quoted a Vietnamese saying which goes “As fire tests gold, so do hardship test one's resolve”. The greater the challenge we face, the more we need towork together in solidarity and strengthen multilateralism with the UN at its core.

“The UN Charter and international law must be observed. The independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of states must be respected. The people must be at the heart of all efforts for developmentso that no one is left behind,” Mr. Phuc said.

For the Vietnamese nation, “nothing is more precious than independence and freedom”, and the country has spared no effort to defend its independece and freedom, he noted.

In the past 35 years, Vietnam has engaged in a process of Doi Moi reforms with the people at the center. Today, Vietnam, with much confidence, is enjoying vibrant growth, and pursuing extensive economic restructuring and active international integration, participating as a responsible member at numerous multilateral forums, especially the United Nations. Vietnam is exerting all efforts for the goal of a prosperous people and a strong nation that enjoys equality, democracy and the fruits of civilization.

Mr. Phuc told the event that thanks to the collaboration with all international partnersand with its own efforts, Vietnam has managed to basically contain the COVID-19, and a strong rebound of our economy is expected to follow.

He took the opportunity to extend to fellow UN member states Vietnam’s gratitude for entrusting it with a non-permanent membership at the UN Security Council for 2020-2021. Vietnam is doing its utmost to fulfill this mandate as we concurrently serve as the Chair of ASEAN in 2020, where Viet Nam is working closely with fellow ASEAN member states to build an ASEAN Community of unity, resilience and prosperity.

“We in Viet Nam are determined to work alongside all other nations around the world to safeguard peace and realize the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Vietnamese flag will be flying at even more UN Peacekeeping Missions. I am fully confident that with strong determination and joint actions, together we will build a brighter future for all,” said the Vietnamese Prime Minister.