Vietnam: A friendly country with aspirations for national strength and prosperity.

This significant visit coincides with Vietnam's celebration of 45 years of membership in the United Nations; the country has just successfully completed its term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2020-2021, and has also been elected as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for 2023-2025.

The atmosphere was warm and peaceful.

In the domestic and international press,image of the head of the United Nations organizationPresent at numerous locations in Vietnam and featured prominently in many publications, the UN Secretary-General spent two days in Vietnam, and according to observers, his schedule was almost completely full. During his visit, António Guterres laid a wreath at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, visited the Presidential Palace historical site; paid a courtesy call on General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong; attended the official welcoming ceremony and held talks with President Nguyen Xuan Phuc; and met with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue…

On the afternoon of October 21, 2022, at the Party Central Headquarters, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong received United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. Photo: VOV.

As shared by the head of the world's largest multilateral organization, 45 years ago, when Vietnam first joined the United Nations, it was a poor and backward country. Today, Vietnam is becoming a dynamic economy not only in the region but also globally. Vietnam's position and role are increasingly valued and appreciated at the United Nations forum. During his conversations and dialogues with Vietnamese youth and students, the UN Secretary-General expressed his emotion at being welcomed with warmth and affection by the Vietnamese people throughout his visit and work in this peaceful and beautiful country.

A friendly and hospitable country.

In fact, it wasn't just the man from Portugal who felt the warmth and hospitality of the people throughout Vietnam; many heads of state and political figures had visited Vietnam before him. The world media surely still preserves images of this country that are remarkably simple – simple yet special. These include the late French President Francois Mitterrand strolling by Hoan Kiem Lake (Hanoi); and the US President Bill Clinton being welcomed by the people of Hanoi when he arrived to normalize diplomatic relations 25 years after the end of the Vietnam War. Bill Clinton, his wife, and daughter visited Vietnam many more times afterward. The Vietnamese people still remember the image of Hillary Clinton wearing a conical hat while exploring this unique country.

The Vietnamese people gave US President Bill Clinton a very warm welcome. Photo: Archival material.

Also from the United States, there's the image of President Barack Obama, down-to-earth and naturally relaxed, visiting a humble eatery to enjoy traditional Vietnamese bun cha on Le Van Huu Street in Hanoi. There's also the image of Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull eating banh mi on the sidewalk in Da Nang; and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau jogging along the Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe canal in Ho Chi Minh City. Even more remarkably, Vietnam was chosen by US President Donald Trump and North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un to host the second US-North Korea summit on February 28, 2019. Westerners and the world were astonished and impressed by the Vietnamese government and people. A country that has not gone a century without being ravaged by war. Yet, the world did not see a resentful, hostile Vietnam; instead, the Vietnamese people showed the world a friendly, peaceful, and good-natured Vietnam. Therefore, it is understandable that UN Secretary-General António Guterres felt a warm atmosphere wherever he went in this country.

A reliable and responsible partner

During the celebration of the 45th anniversary of Vietnam's accession to the United Nations (September 20, 1977 - September 20, 2022), President Nguyen Xuan Phuc expressed gratitude for the United Nations' assistance to the Vietnamese people during the post-war reconstruction period. President Nguyen Xuan Phuc mentioned the food and medical aid programs that the United Nations provided to the Vietnamese people during their most difficult times. Conversely, in recent years, with its deep integration into the global economy, politics, and culture under the leadership of the United Nations, Vietnam has demonstrated itself as a responsible partner nation.

Vietnamese peacekeeping forces hold a departure ceremony to carry out their United Nations mission at UNISFA. Photo: VOV

Vietnam's participation in the pillars of the United Nations has affirmed this.Vietnamese peacekeeping missionsIn South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Abyei, the role of the United Nations in international affairs has become increasingly clear. Vietnam has become a leading country in the region, actively participating and making significant contributions to promoting world peace.

A steadfast belief of the nation.

However, the stance of our Party and Government is clear and unambiguous; we will not trade national interests for any illusory power. Vietnam's highest goal is to protect the country's independence and sovereignty, and to safeguard the happiness of its people. Therefore, the consistent position of our Party and State is not to participate in military alliances, not to ally with one country against another; not to allow foreign countries to establish military bases or use Vietnamese territory to fight against other countries, and not to use force or threaten to use force in international relations. In addition, Vietnam is also a country that actively and fully fulfills its international commitments and effectively implements the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.

While UN Secretary-General António Guterres was visiting Vietnam, somewhere on the internet, some individuals attempted to create a so-called "joint letter" addressed to the UN Secretary-General. Scattered appeals from some foreign-based non-governmental organizations, seeking to convey their pleas to the UN head, urged Vietnam to release certain criminals disguised as "environmental activists." Then there were the constant touting of terms like "court of conscience," "human rights," etc. It's worth remembering that this recent development is no coincidence.Vietnam was elected as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council.term 2023-2025. This and all of the above contribute to dispelling international doubts about Vietnam in the trend of integration and development. Furthermore, according to the latest assessment by the World Bank (WB), Vietnam's economic growth rate in 2022 is projected to reach 7.2%. Vietnam is one of the two countries in the world with the most promising growth rate this year. Vietnam has pursued its aspiration for national strength in many ways, and we have every reason to believe in it.

Hanoi city. Photo: VOV

Dao Tuan