Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh of Việt Nam on Wednesday took part in the UN Security Council’s high-level open debate on “Pandemics and the Challenges of Sustaining Peace” via videoconference. — VNA/VNS Photo Lâm Khánh

HÀ NỘI — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh has called for the lifting of sanctions and creating of favourable conditions for humanitarian aid because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The official was speaking during the United Nations Security Council’s online high-level open debate on the pandemic and the challenges to sustaining peace on Wednesday.

In his speech, he touched upon the deep impact COVID-19 has had on all aspects of life and how it is threatening the peace process and humanitarian work in conflicted areas worldwide.

Minh highlighted the need for comprehensive solutions, stating that Việt Nam welcomes the UNSC’s adoption of Resolution 2532 on COVID-19 response and on its support for the UN Secretary-General’s appeal for a global ceasefire.

He praised the role of the UN peacekeeping operations in assisting nations, adding that the involvement and coordination of the entire UN system plays a key role in the realisation of the commitment to developing peace and sustainable growth.

Minh noted how Việt Nam and other ASEAN member states have mobilised concerted efforts from the communities to protect people’s health, the economy, and the regional peace and security harm caused by COVID-19.

He affirmed Việt Nam’s commitments and called for increasing international cooperation and solidarity to successfully combat the pandemic.

At the debate, participants praised the approval of Resolution 2532, noting that the fight against COVID-19 is an opportunity to boost international collaboration and unification within the UN. — VNS