In a recent interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s resident correspondents, Francis highlighted the significance of the Vietnamese top leader’s trip and Vietnam’s contributions to the UN’s operations, stating that the trip will contribute to elevating the relationship between Vietnam and the UN to a new height.
Vietnam is an active and responsible member, and it is continuously making significant contributions to the UN, he stressed, adding that in terms of international peacekeeping, Vietnam has sent peacekeepers to hotspots around the world, including South Sudan, where he directly met with Vietnamese officers and soldiers.
Vietnam has also made numerous contributions as a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2023-2026 tenure, the International Law Commission (ILC) for the 2023-2027 term, and as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, he said, noting that these successes reflect Vietnam's strong commitment to core principles and values of the UN Charter, international law, and multilateralism in general.
For Vietnam’s “bamboo diplomacy”, Francis said the policy represents a soft yet resolute approach that is highly dynamic and open, clearly reflecting Vietnam's policy of fostering friendship with all nations around the world.
Francis said he is impressed by the policy, which contributes to promoting and strengthening multilateralism, demonstrating its rationality and effectiveness in the context of globalisation age.
With its "bamboo diplomacy" policy, Vietnam has practical experience to share with countries in the Global South, which are lagging behind in their efforts to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), both in terms of development and peacekeeping.
Francis said he believed that the relationship between the UN and Vietnam will continue to be strengthened following the top leader’s visit.
UNGA 79 will focus on promoting human dignity and rights, enhancing values in health and education, and strengthening peace and sustainable development, and these are also strong commitments of Vietnam, he stated.
Meanwhile, the UN Summit of the Future will offer a venue for international leaders to promote solidarity and multilateralism to realise the UN’s goals, he said, adding that Lam’s trip is an opportunity for Vietnam to strongly reaffirm its commitment.
