United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres has praised Vietnam as a model of peace and sustainable development in the world, honoring the nation as a ‘star of ASEAN.’

The UN leader made the comments at a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on the sidelines of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related summits in Vientiane, Laos on Friday, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Guterres extended his congratulations on Vietnam’s recent socio-economic development and expressed his wish to closely coordinate with Vietnam to realize the key outcomes of the UN Summit of the Future, which took place in the U.S. on September 22-23 with a theme of ‘Multilateral Solutions for a Better Future.’ 

Encouraging Vietnam to continue leading global efforts in promoting peace, stability, and inclusive and sustainable development, the UN chief assessed Vietnam as a “star of ASEAN,” which serves as a global example of peace and sustainability. 

He also highly appreciated Vietnam's role in magnifying the voice and position of developing countries on the international arena.

In addition, Guterres fully supported PM Chinh’s ‘people-centered, inclusive’ approach to addressing global challenges such as natural disaster, climate change, population aging, and resource depletion.

PM Chinh congratulated the UN on successfully organizing the Summit of the Future in New York, and commended the role of the UN leader and UN agencies in maintaining peace and stability, narrowing gaps and driving global development.

Chinh reiterated Vietnam’s stance to consistently support multilateralism and international law, actively contribute to global efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation, and effectively participate in the UN peacekeeping missions.

He also suggested the UN further assist Vietnam in enhancing its resilience and response to natural disasters, strengthening climate change adaptation and promoting energy transition.

Both sides agreed to further strengthen ASEAN-UN relations, highlighting ASEAN’s role as a bridge to foster dialogue and cooperation amid the complex global and regional situation with emerging conflicts and disputes.

The Vietnamese PM thanked the UN and its agencies for their support for Vietnam to overcome the aftermath of typhoon Yagi that hit the country’s northern region on September 7.

On the occasion, Chinh invited Guterres to visit Vietnam, to which the UN leader accepted with pleasure.

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