Visiting General Secretary of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon will discuss with Vietnamese leaders many important issues, including peace, world security and human rights, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said.

>> An audio version of the story is available here The UN chief’s two-day visit to Vietnam with his wife, starting today, May 22, is his second to the Southeast Asian country since he took office in 2007. The visit is aimed at promoting the relationship and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and the UN and improving the efficiency of UN aid in implementing the post-2015 Development Agenda, especially in mitigating the impacts of climate change. The UN General Secretary is scheduled to meet Vietnamese State President Truong Tan Sang, General Secretary of the Community Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong, and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.    During their talks, the hosts and guest will discuss a wide range of issues, including development, peace, international security, human rights, UN-Vietnam cooperation, UN peacekeeping operations and the Myanmar issue. Established on October 24, 1945 with 51 initial members, the UN now has 193 member countries, according to the Vietnam News Agency. Vietnam became a UN member in 1977 and has since made contributions to the organization’s activities, including fulfilling its role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2008-2009. The country is currently a member of the UN Human Rights Council for the 2013-16 term. Vietnam has also been taking part in UN peacekeeping activities and its reform initiatives. The “One-UN Initiative” in Vietnam is the first of its kind to be implemented by the UN in the world, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

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