Vietnam Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang told the press during a regular briefing in Hanoi on Thursday that Vietnam considers this an obligation of a responsible member of the United Nations as well as an opportunity to introduce the country’s consistent efforts at promoting policies to protect human rights since the last review cycle in 2014. She said that Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung has led a delegation with members from 11 ministries and agencies in a dialogue with 122 UN member states on Vietnam’s human rights promotion and protection on January 22. During  Vietnam’s UPR session, most countries recognized Vietnam’s policies, efforts and achievements in ensuring human rights and implementing UPR recommendations. Many developing countries appreciated Vietnam’s endeavors in reducing poverty and narrowing development gaps between regions as well as ensuring access to healthcare and education, particularly for people inhabiting remote and ethnic minority areas.

They welcomed and highly appreciated  Vietnam’s serious implementation of the second cycle of the UPR’s accepted recommendations and its efforts in the 3^rd cycle.

Responding to questions about progress of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, the spokeswoman made clear that the EVFTA is of significant importance bringing a good deal of benefit to the people and the business community in both Vietnam and the EU. In this spirit, both sides have moved finalize procedures for early official ratification and approval of the agreement in advance of its implementation.