Nhan Dan- On October 16, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly elected Vietnam as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2008-2009 term with 183 out of 190 votes. Becoming one of the 15 members of the UN's most important agency in maintaining international peace security and is a great honour and simultaneously a heavy responsibility.

The broad support given by the UN members toward Vietnam’s new position is vivid evidence of the country’s higher role and prestige in the international arena. This event marks the international community’s appreciation of the great efforts and achievements made by the Vietnamese people during their struggle for national independence and national construction, especially in over 20 years of renovation. It is also the result of the Vietnamese Party and State’s correct foreign policy in the spirit that “Vietnam is a friend and reliable partner to all countries in the international community striving for peace, independence and development.”

During the past 30 years as a UN member, Vietnam has always actively contributed to the cause of peace, stability, co-operation and development globally. In recognition of the country’s multifaceted contributions to the UN’s work, member countries have elected Vietnam to many important positions in UN agencies including vice chair of the UN General Assembly in 1997, 2000 and 2003. The country was also one of the first eight countries in the world selected to implement 'One UN Initiative' reform process at the country level.

Living in a country devastated by the war, the Vietnamese people, of all people, are well aware of the value of peace. Vietnam has always supported efforts to peacefully settle conflicts and protect national sovereignty and independence in other countries. Vietnam has established diplomatic relations with 174 countries and trade and economic relations with most countries and territories in the world and has made important contributions to turning Southeast Asia into a peaceful, friendly and co-operative region. Being an active member of many regional and international organisations and forums, Vietnam has actively expanded foreign relations and social-economic co-operation which has helped raise the country’s prestige and image in the international arena. The official accession to the World Trade Organisation as the 150th member in 2006 promotes Vietnam’s integration in the global economy and at the same time helps it gains more trust from international investors while being regarded as a example for developing countries in poverty reduction, economic development in combination with effective settlement of social issues and rapid growth in human development. With an average GDP growth of 7-8% in several recent years, Vietnam has completed the poverty reduction goal within its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) ahead of schedule together with improvement of quality in health care, education HIV/AIDS control, co-operation for development and environmental protection. The country has seen positive changes in terms of political security and social order.

Stemming from a wish to make further contributions to common development, since 1997, Vietnam has applied for non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for the 2008-2009 term. In October 2006, Vietnam was nominated by the Asian group of countries as the only candidate from the region for the post. During the last few years, Vietnam has always affirmed and proved to international friends that the country is able to hold this important position. Most recently, the message “Vietnam, an active, constructive, co-operative and responsible member of the international community,” extended by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung at the 62nd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, received support from many UN member countries. It can be said that Vietnam has successfully created an impressive image in the eyes of international friends and has gained the trust of UN member countries thanks to the country’s strong will and efforts to move forward, a determination to walk abreast other countries worldwide, a correct foreign policy and practical contributions to peace, stability and development in the region and the world as a whole.

Becoming a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Vietnam is fully aware of this great honour and heavy responsibility. This event ushers in an opportunity for Vietnam to become involved in settling issues relating to peace and security at the global level. Vietnam pledges to make every effort to contribute to the Security Council’s noble mission, closely co-operating with other members to prevent conflicts in various regions in accordance with the UN Charter, establish international political and economic ties on the basis of equality and mutual benefit and contribute further to the joint efforts for peace in the world. The result of this work is expected to contribute a part in implementing the country’s top foreign relations requirement of maintaining a peaceful environment and to speed up the on-going renovation process, socio-economic development, national industrialisation and modernisation. Through the activities at the Security Council, Vietnam will have an opportunity to show its international capability, thus further beatifying the image of a reforming, stable and responsible country among the international community.

However, the country will face difficulties and challenges common to other members of the Security Council. It is the fact that as many as 192 members of the UN have different points of view in many issues. Therefore, it is not easy for Vietnam to fulfil its responsibility at the Security Council, while maintaining and expanding friendly relations with other countries. The role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council requires Vietnam to have correct, timely and convincing stand so as to help members make concessions and reach agreement. Once this target is achieved, Vietnam’s prestige will be further promoted in the international arena.

Many international friends have judged that Vietnam will not only be active in the Security Council but also in the activities of other UN agencies. Participating in the Security Council, Vietnam is responsible not only for itself but also for other UN members, especially those in Asia which Vietnam represents.

The Vietnamese people strong believe that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam and with the support of the great achievements in over 20 years of renovation, Vietnam is certain to fulfil satisfactorily its task, thus living up to the expectations and trust of the international community.

TRAN NGUYEN