Deputy PM, FM Minh’s remarks at Summit on UN peacekeeping

Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh - Photo: VOV

Ladies and gentlemen,

We thank the United States for taking the initiative to organize this Summit to identify ways to make UN peacekeeping operations more effective as we work together to find peaceful solutions to disputes and conflicts around the world.

Mr. Vice President,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

For nearly seven decades, UN peacekeeping operations have been crucial to the peaceful settlement of disputes and maintenance of international peace and security. This success owes in large part to the untiring efforts of the UN, the international community and especially of the generations of men and women on the ground with the UN peacekeeping missions.

Viet Nam welcomes and supports the UN's effort to review past operations, distill best practices and propose ways to enhance the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping operations.

Building on past achievements, future UN peacekeeping operations should focus more on addressing the root causes of conflicts by involving all stakeholders in finding, by peaceful means, long-term comprehensive solutions covering all political, security, economic, and social dimensions.  

All operations must be guided by the fundamental principles of UN Peacekeeping. Accordingly, the establishment or expansion of missions must be fully in line with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and non-interference.

Mr. Vice President,

UN peacekeeping operations can only succeed and sustain when they have strong political support along with sufficient human and other resources. Bearing that in mind, since 1996, Viet Nam has made financial contributions to UN peacekeeping missions. And starting last June, Viet Nam has sent officers to join the UN Mission in South Sudan as liaison officers. At home, the Viet Nam Peacekeeping Center has been established to coordinate the training, preparation and deployment of future Vietnamese peacekeepers. We will continue to make more contributions to PKO missions.

Becoming a troop contributing country is an important and serious undertaking by the Government of Viet Nam. It demonstrates Viet Nam's determination and commitment to make responsible contributions to the work of the international community, striving for a peaceful and stable international environment. Viet Nam looks forward to the continued support and cooperation with other countries, the UN and the international community in our future endeavours.

Thank you.