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VN chairs first meeting of UNSC non-permanent members

VGP – Representatives from the 10 current non-permanent members (E10) and the five newly-elected non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) met on November 25 to share best practices and experiences in UNSC activities .

November 26, 2020 9:58 AM GMT+7

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh chairs E10-15 Dialogue within the framework of the UNSC, Ha Noi, November 25, 2020. Photo: VGP 

This is the first international event presided over by Viet Nam within the framework of the UNSC since its first term in 2008-2009. Norway and South Africa co-hosted the event together with Viet Nam.

The meeting represented Viet Nam's contributions and coordination with the E10 countries to raise the operational efficiency of the council in maintaining international peace and security.

Addressing the event, Deputy PM, FM stressed the UNSC has continued to fulfill its role as the body bearing the primary responsibility in the maintenance of international peace and security.

The UNSC was also quick to adapt to the new realities created by the Covid-19 pandemic and adjusted its working method to allow its essential work to move forward.

As for the E10, Minh said the members have managed to play a more important and proactive role in the Council, both individually and collectively, as evidenced in a large number of proposals, initiatives and outcome documents.

The E10 have been able to maintain coordination, exchange of information, experiences and views among ourselves, he added.

For its part, Viet Nam has been working closely with UNSC members to promote dialogue, aiming for the de-escalation of tension and confrontation, and finding fair and reasonable solutions to conflicts and disputes.

The country has worked during and beyond our first Presidency to strengthen global commitment and adherence to the UN Charter and international law and joined efforts to promote multilateralism and multilateral solutions to conflicts, with the United Nations as the coordinating center for these joint efforts and regional organizations playing a more active role.

Minh pledged that Viet Nam will work to secure more Council’s attention to and action on: (i) conflict prevention, (ii) protection of civilians, including particularly vulnerable groups and critical civilian infrastructure, and (iii) post-conflict recovery and reconstruction, especially mine action.

As a group of countries from diverse backgrounds, with varying interests and priorities, cooperation among E10 members is, more importantly, about having the readiness to work together to achieve the best available solution even in issues of different opinions, Minh said.

He expressed his belief that through coordinated efforts, E10 can help nurture and promote cooperation in the Council, thus substantively contributing to the resolution of complex global peace and security challenges, and strengthening the Council’s credibility.

"Looking back on our own experience 10 years ago, we now find ourselves in a Council where E10 members cooperate better, have more substantive roles to play, and show more determination in advocating for more equal distribution of work with the permanent members," Minh highlighted.

Minh strongly believed that as India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico and Norway join the Council in 2021, the E10 will continue to build on this momentum./.

By Kim Loan