Diplomatic highlights in September

Viet Nam’s 40-year UN membership

On the occasion, State President Tran Dai Quang held a press conference, highlighting that as a positive and responsible member of the international community, Viet Nam always considers the relations with the UN as one of top priorities in her foreign policies. 

Thanks to effective efforts and contributions to the UN development, Viet Nam was highly appreciated and elected to the UN bodies especially the United Nations Security Council - UNSC (2008-2009 term); the Economic-Social Council (1998-2000 and 2016-2018 tenures); the Human Rights Council (2014-2016 term), the UNESCO Executive Council (2015-2019), and the International Law Commission (2017-2021 term).

In addition, Deputy PM Vuong Dinh Hue attended and delivered a speech on September 14 in Geneva, Switzerland at the celebration of Viet Nam’s 40-year UN membership under a witness of over 500 Ambassadors and Heads of Diplomatic Corps. 

Addressing the event, Mr. Hue stressed that Viet Nam treasured the relations with the UN and the valuable supports which the international body, its member states, and international friends have given for Viet Nam in the cause of national liberation, reform, and integration. 

Deputy PM Hue hoped that other UN member states would back Viet Nam’s bid to become a UNSC non-permanent member in the 2020-2021 term. 

Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Mukhisa Kituyi congratulated Viet Nam’s achievements over the last seven decades especially after joining in the UN 40 years ago.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi (L) pays first ever State visit to Viet Nam Ha Noi, September 6, 2017 - Photo: VOV

Opening up new chapters in bilateral ties with Egypt, Hungary

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Hungarian PM Orbán Viktor and his spouse paid official visits to Viet Nam from September 6-7 and September 24-26 at the invitations of State President Tran Dai Quang and PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc, respectively.

This was the first official visit of an Egyptian President since the two countries set up diplomatic ties in 1963, contributing to open up a new charter for the bilateral ties between Viet Nam and Egypt. The visit helped to forge a good foundation for the two countries to cooperation in different aspects namely trade, investment, culture, and others. 

At talks, both Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and his Vietnamese counterpart Tran Dai Quang highlighted their commitments to strive for US$ 1 billion two-way trade turnover.

The two Heads of States were unanimous in jointly hosting practical and meaningful events to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2018. 

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) shakes hands with his Hungarian counterpart Orbán Viktor, September 25, 2017

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Hungarian counterpart Orbán Viktor held talks on September 25, agreeing to improve efficiency of the Joint Committee on economic cooperation especially in aspects which Hungary has strength and Viet Nam has demand including water resources, environmental protection, pharmaceuticals, husbandry, food processing, and renewable energy.

PM Phuc welcomed Hungary for considering Viet Nam as a prioritized partner in ODA provision and giving 200 annual scholarships for Vietnamese students.

Overseas strips of three Deputy PMs

In the ninth month, Permanent Deputy PM Truong Hoa Binh visited China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and partook in the 14th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (CABIS) from September 11-13 at the invitation of the Chinese Government.

At the invitations of foreign countries and international organizations, Deputy PM Vuong Dinh Hue visited Switzerland, Belgium, the EU, Slovakia, and Geneva-based international organizations from  September 11.

Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh led a Vietnamese delegation to partake in the informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (IAMM) on the sidelines of the 72th session of the United Nations General Assembly./.

By Huong Giang