Vietnamese Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh emphasized the need for respecting international law as well as independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of countries during his speech at the United Nations (UN) this weekend.

Deputy PM Minh delivered a speech at the high-level joint discussion session during the 77th UN General Assembly (UNGA 77) in New York on Saturday (local time), the Vietnam News Agency reported.

The world is at a turning point in history when confrontations, conflicts, and violations of international law continue to increase, reflecting the great power competition and unilateralism, the deputy premier stated.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and many other non-traditional security challenges are threatening the very existence of humanity, delaying efforts to implement the Sustainable Development Goals.

In that context, the deputy prime minister emphasized that the international community needs to make fundamental changes and reshape its approach to global issues.

It is necessary to put people at the center of all development efforts, he added.

Vietnam's experiences over the past decades show that international solidarity and cooperation constitute an important ‘key’ in this process.

Confrontational and zero-sum game approach must be eliminated, Minh proposed, calling for the promotion of multilateralism and international cooperation in an open, inclusive, fair and mutually beneficial manner.

He emphasized the need for respecting international law, the United Nations Charter, and especially the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of countries,

All disputes should be settled by peaceful means, the deputy premier continued, highlighting the need for strong and effective multilateral institutions, with the UN at the heart, to best address global challenges.

Regarding the regional situation, Southeast Asian countries are making efforts to build a strong and united ASEAN Community that plays a central role in the regional security architecture and in promoting cooperation with partners.

Minh praised ASEAN's efforts to find comprehensive solutions to problems in the region, including the situation in Myanmar.

He underlined the need for maintaining peace, stability, maritime safety, and security in the East Vietnam Sea, and called on all parties to resolve disputes by peaceful means, with full respect for legal and diplomatic processes and in accordance with international law including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

He quoted the President of the 32nd Session of the General Assembly while welcoming Vietnam to the UN 45 years ago as saying that the admission of Vietnam marked a further step toward consolidating peace and security in the world. 

"We have consistently supported and pursued a balanced and constructive approach in seeking lasting solutions to global issues," Minh stated.

Vietnam has consistently worked to advance mutual understanding and respect as well as foster dialogue and cooperation.

The deputy premier called for support from UN members as Vietnam is striving for a seat on the Human Rights Council for the 2023-25 term.

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