Politics & Law
Việt Nam International Defense Exhibition extends visiting times to some areas
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| Spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lê Thị Thu Hằng. — VNA/VNS Photo Văn Điệp |
HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam is making meticulous preparations and drawing on the experiences of countries, UN agencies and international research organisations to prepare for participation in the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the 2020-21 term, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lê Thị Thu Hằng said at the ministry’s regular press conference in Hà Nội on Thursday.
Hằng was asked how Việt Nam is getting ready to take on the role of non-permanent member of the UNSC and what its priorities would be should its bid be successful. She noted that the UN General Assembly will elect five new UNSC members today, and Việt Nam was selected as the only candidate from the Asia-Pacific region.
The country’s priorities will be revealed publicly by Vietnamese leaders after the election results are announced, she said.
Hằng was also asked about Việt Nam’s response to the speech by Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the 18th Shangri-La Dialogue on May 31 in which he said Việt Nam had “invaded” and “occupied” Cambodia. Hằng said: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and competent agencies of Việt Nam have been in official and unofficial touch with Singaporean counterparts. We have already sent a diplomatic note to the Singaporean Embassy in Hà Nội. I believe that Singapore will understand our message.”
In response to questions about the 13 US congresspersons who proposed sanctions on Chinese individuals and entities for their involvement in the East Sea issue, Hằng reiterated that Việt Nam has the legal foundation and historical evidence to prove its sovereignty over the Trường Sa (Spratly) and Hoàng Sa (Paracel) archipelagos in line with international law.
“Relevant parties need to strictly implement legal obligations stipulated by international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and must contribute to ensuring peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation in the East Sea,” she said. — VNS
