HÀ NỘI — Party General Secretary, President Nguyễn Phú Trọng has sent a message on the occasion of Việt Nam’s assumption of the roles of ASEAN Chair 2020 and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2020–21 tenure. Following is a translation of his message.

As the country marks major anniversaries and great and important political events in 2020, the entire Party, people and army are striving to accomplish the 2016-20 socio-economic development plan and the resolution adopted by the 12th National Party Congress, and to hold Party congresses at all levels towards the 13th National Party Congress. For the first time, Việt Nam will serve as both the ASEAN Chair and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council at the same time.

With its central role in the evolving regional architecture, ASEAN is highly appreciated by countries in and outside the region that want to co-operate with it. Over the past four years, since the formation of the ASEAN Community – with a population of 650 million – the bloc has been developing in various areas, as well as strengthening and expanding connectivity with partners. 

On a global scale, for over three-quarters of a century, with its key role as an agency holding the top responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, and the largest international organisation with 193 member states, the UN Security Council has affirmed its central role of maintaining international peace and security. 

The will to successfully undertake the roles of both the ASEAN Chair 2020 and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-21 tenure reflects the consistent realisation of a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, co-operation and development; diversification and multilateralisation in foreign relations.

It also reflects Việt Nam’s aspirations to contribute to peace and development in the region and the world as a responsible member of the international community, and makes important contributions to the maintenance of an environment of peace and stability, further taking advantage of favourable conditions for national construction and defence, rapid and sustainable development, and raising the country’s international role and stature.

Việt Nam has set the theme of “Cohesive and Responsive” for the ASEAN Chair Year 2020, and “Việt Nam: Trustworthy Partner for Sustainable Peace” when it shoulders the heavy responsibility as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-21 tenure. 

In these roles, Việt Nam will focus on the following major orientations.

Firstly, upholding the common interests of the region and the international community, which are peace, co-operation and development. Consistent with the teachings of the late President Hồ Chí Minh that successes are made on the basis of common ground, the initiatives and priorities put forward by Việt Nam at ASEAN and the UN Security Council reflect the common interests of all member countries and ensure harmony between regional and international partners.

Secondly, promoting the role of multilateralisation, the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law for a world of peace, equality and betterment. Particularly, enhancing the efficiency of co-operation and comprehensive partnerships between the ASEAN and the UN.

Thirdly, proactively contributing to the settlement of common regional and global challenges, especially issues that directly affect peace, security, stability, sustainable development, climate change, rising sea levels, post-war consequences settlement and post-conflict reconstruction.

This is a great honour and, at the same time, also a tough responsibility and a major challenge that demands the involvement of the whole political system, the Party, the people and the army, along with support and assistance from friends and the international community. Ministries, central authorities, sectors and localities nationwide should take this as one of the most important political missions of the Party and the State in 2020. It is necessary to ensure close and harmonious co-ordination in the political system, especially among direct external affairs authorities, to successfully fulfil all their tasks.

With the country’s new position and power after nearly 35 years of đổi mới (renewal), and the solidarity and unity of the entire Party, people and army, as well as the valuable assistance and effective co-operation from ASEAN countries, friends and the international community, we firmly believe that Việt Nam will successfully shoulder the roles of the ASEAN Chair 2020 and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-21 tenure, thus making important contributions to peace, stability, co-operation and development in the region and the world. — VNS