Vietnam pledges to make efforts to protect civilians and resolve conflicts if elected to the Security Council.

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh said on September 26 that Vietnam is committed to promoting dialogue and cooperation to prevent conflicts and peacefully resolve international disputes if elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2020-2021 term, a statement from the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Speaking at Vietnam's campaign meeting before more than 100 senior leaders and representatives of countries attending the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam will also make efforts to protect civilians in conflicts, deal with the consequences of war to build a sustainable peace, and at the same time strengthen cooperation between the Security Council and regional organizations.

The Vietnamese leader emphasized that Vietnam's candidacy for the UNSC reflects its foreign policy of peace, independence, and self-reliance, as well as its desire to contribute to the international community's common efforts for peace, security, and sustainable development. He believed that with the support of other countries, Vietnam would fulfill its responsibility as a member of the UNSC, contributing to ensuring peace and security in the region and the world.

During meetings with the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Uganda, the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam is ready to assume and successfully fulfill its responsibility as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 term. Representatives of these countries said they will continue to closely coordinate with Vietnam to contribute to maintaining international peace and security, contributing to stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Speaking with US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan on the sidelines of the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to its relationship with the US and asked the US to continue supporting Vietnam in overcoming the consequences of war, especially in the early implementation of the dioxin remediation project at Bien Hoa airport. The two sides agreed to increase delegation exchanges at all levels in preparation for the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2020.