Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh speaks during a programme in New York on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoài Thanh

NEW YORK — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh called for support for Việt Nam’s candidacy as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in the 2020-21 tenure during a programme in New York on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly.

Addressing the programme, which drew more than 100 leaders, ministers and representatives of embassies and UN member countries, Minh said that Việt Nam’s bid for the position proves the country’s external policy of peace, independence and self–reliance as well as its wish to make more contributions to joint efforts of the international community for peace, security and sustainable development.

He affirmed that if elected, Việt Nam will exert every effort to promote dialogue and co-operation to prevent conflict and peacefully settle international disputes, protect civilians amidst conflicts and deal with war aftermaths, thus building sustainable peace.

Việt Nam will work to strengthen co-operation between the UN Security Council and regional organisations, he stated, expressing his belief that with the support of UN member countries, Việt Nam will complete the tasks of a UN Security Council member, contributing to peace and security in the region and the world.

All participants showed their belief that Việt Nam will successfully perform the role of a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and make positive contributions to the activities of the UN as well as the international community.

The same day, he had bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers of Australia, Ukraine, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ecuador, Uganda Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and US Deputy Secretary of State, during which he thanked the countries for extending condolences to Việt Nam over the death of President Trần Đại Quang.

He said that with achievements in external relations, economic development and the results of international commitment implementation, Việt Nam is willing to take the role and successfully complete the tasks of a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in the 2020-21 tenure.

He proposed that EU partners support Việt Nam and accelerate the signing of a free trade agreement between Việt Nam and the bloc.

Foreign officials hailed the role and position as well as important contributions of Việt Nam to common work in the region and the world, while promising to consider Việt Nam’s proposal and continuing to coordinate closely with the Southeast Asian country to maintain international peace and security, contributing to stability, co-operation and development in the region and the world.

Minh and Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne agreed to continue the exchange of delegations, especially at the high level, as well as the sharing of measures to boost economic and trade partnerships between the two countries, including the import and export of agricultural products, while promoting trade facilitation and regional economic connectivity.

Australia will assist Việt Nam to engage more deeply in peacekeeping operations and build e-government, while working closely with Việt Nam at ASEAN, APEC and the UN, said Payne.

At the meeting between Minh and Slovakian Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak, the two sides agreed on the need to continue taking measures to maintain and bolster the sound traditional ties between the two countries.

Minh suggested that Slovakia create favourable conditions for Vietnamese investors in Slovakia as well as the Vietnamese community in the country.

Meeting with Slovenian Foreign Minister Karl Erjavec, Minh proposed that the two sides start negotiations and signing of a number of framework agreements, including the double-tax avoidance deal and another to recognise each other’s qualifications, while strengthening affiliation in areas related to maritime transport, tourism, pharmaceuticals and house appliances.

In his meeting with Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Henry Oryem Okello, Minh asked the Government of Uganda to support Vietnamese firms to sell Vietnamese products in Uganda and seek investment opportunities in the country, including activities of the telecommunication firm Viettel.

The two sides concurred to soon negotiate and sign a visa exemption deal for diplomatic and official passport holders.

Meeting US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan, Minh stated that Việt Nam values its relationship with the US and hopes to continue promoting bilateral ties in key pillars of economy, trade, education-training, and science and technology.

To mark 25 years of diplomatic ties in 2020, the two sides agreed to increase delegation exchange at all levels and foster co-operation between the two ministries.

On the occasion, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Minh proposed that the US continue supporting Việt Nam in dealing with war remnants, including the implementation of a dioxin detoxification project at Biên Hòa Airport at an early date.

Ealier, on Wednesday, Minh attended the fifth ASEAN-Pacific Alliance Ministerial Meeting on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly. At the meeting, delegates reviewed co-operation results and discussed plans for the two organisations’ future relationship.

PM arrives for 73rd session

Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc arrived in New York on Thursday morning (Hà Nội time) to attend the high-level general debate of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly.

PM Phúc will deliver a speech at the high-level general debate at the session on Thursday, and attend a seminar with US businesses on investing in Việt Nam amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

On the sidelines of the session, the PM will meet with leaders of the UN General Assembly and the Secretary-General of the UN. He will hold bilateral meetings with the President of the Council of State of Cuba, the Presidents of Fiji and Croatia, and the Prime Ministers of Saint Lucia and Bulgaria. — VNS