Message from the General Secretary and President on the occasion of Vietnam taking on new responsibilities

This is the confidence that General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong conveyed in his Message on the occasion of Vietnam assuming the responsibility of ASEAN Chair 2020 and non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 term.

General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong.

We respectfully introduce the full text of the Message:

In 2020, in the context of our country joyfully celebrating many major holidays and important political events, our entire Party, people and army strive to successfully complete the 5-year Socio-Economic Development Plan 2016-2020 and the Resolution of the 12th National Party Congress; successfully organize Party congresses at all levels towards the 13th National Party Congress, which is also the first time Vietnam has the honor to simultaneously assume both the responsibilities of ASEAN Chair 2020 and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 term.

With its central role in the evolving regional structure, ASEAN is highly regarded by countries within and outside the region, and is expected to enhance cooperation. After more than four years of its establishment, the ASEAN Community - a common home of 650 million people - has been continuously developing in all aspects, strengthening and expanding intra-bloc connections as well as with ASEAN partners.

At the global level, for three-quarters of a century, with its key role as the body with the leading responsibility for maintaining international peace and security of the United Nations (the largest international organization with 193 member states), the Security Council has affirmed the central role of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security.

The determination to successfully assume both the responsibilities of ASEAN Chair 2020 and non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 term demonstrates the consistent implementation of the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development; diversification and multilateralization in foreign relations; proactive and active international integration as set forth by the 12th National Party Congress; demonstrates Vietnam's aspiration to contribute to peace and development in the region and the world as a responsible member of the international community; at the same time, making an important contribution to maintaining a peaceful and stable environment, taking advantage of more favorable conditions for the cause of national construction and defense, rapid and sustainable development and enhancing the role and international position of our country.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc receives the ASEAN Chairmanship hammer from Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha. Photo: VNA

Realizing that, we have identified the theme “Cohesion and proactive adaptation” for the ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020 and “Vietnam: A reliable partner for sustainable peace” when taking on the responsibility of a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 term.

With that theme, at these two leading important forums at the regional and global levels, we will, together with member countries, friends and partners, focus on the following major orientations:

First, promote the common interests of the region and the international community, which are peace, cooperation and development. Following the teaching of President Ho Chi Minh: “A career is made by unity”, the initiatives and priorities that we propose at ASEAN and the Security Council reflect the common denominator of interests of all member countries, including Vietnam, while ensuring harmony with the interests of regional and international partners.

Second, promote the role of multilateralism, the United Nations Charter and the fundamental principles of international law for a more peaceful, just and better world. In particular, on this occasion, enhance the effectiveness of cooperation and the Comprehensive Partnership between ASEAN and the United Nations, for the common interests of ASEAN countries and the international community.

Third, proactively and actively contribute to solving common global and regional challenges, especially issues that directly affect the interests of countries and the region such as peace, security, stability, sustainable development, climate change, rising sea levels, overcoming the consequences of war, and post-conflict reconstruction...

This is a great honor, but at the same time a great responsibility and difficulty, a great challenge, requiring the participation of the entire political system, the companionship and joint efforts of our entire Party, people and army; along with the support and assistance of friends and the international community.

Central ministries, branches and localities nationwide need to clearly identify this as one of the top important political tasks of the Party and State in 2020; it is necessary to ensure close and smooth coordination within the political system, especially between forces directly involved in foreign affairs to ensure the successful implementation of all set tasks and goals.

The Vietnamese delegation was delighted after the results of the vote for non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council were announced.

With the country's new position and strength after nearly 35 years of Doi Moi; with the strength of solidarity and the unified will of our entire Party, people and army; with the valuable support and effective cooperation of ASEAN countries, friends and the international community, we firmly believe that Vietnam will successfully assume the responsibility of ASEAN Chair in 2020 and non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-2021 term, making an important contribution to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world./.