General Secretary To Lam hosts UN Secretary-General, top Lao leader

Both António Guterres and Thongloun Sisoulith are in Ha Noi to attend the signing ceremony of the UN Convention against Cybercrime.

At the meeting with the Guterres, Party leader To Lam reassured that Viet Nam stands ready to engage in addressing global challenges, including peacekeeping, conflict settlement, sustainable development, human rights protection, and climate change.

The nation advocates the settlement of disputes and conflicts through peaceful means, in accordance with the UN Charter and international law, he reiterated.

To called on the UN Secretary-General to support Viet Nam's greater role in UN peacekeeping operations, particularly amid a volatile global security landscape.

He affirmed Viet Nam's willingness to share experience and support other nations in economic growth, agriculture, health care, and education.

To appreciated the UN and its member states for electing Viet Nam to the UN Human Rights Council for two consecutive terms, emphasizing that this stands as the clearest testament to Viet Nam's commitments and achievements in ensuring the rights and well-being of its people.

Guterres commended Viet Nam's journey of overcoming the hardships of war, blockade and embargo to achieve impressive socio-economic growth, while fulfilling its commitments on climate change response and playing an increasingly important role across all three pillars of UN mission. He called for Viet Nam's strong support for balanced reform of the UN.

Both sides underlined the need to strengthen solidarity, promote dialogue and cooperation to prevent conflicts, and resolve disputes peacefully in line with the UN Charter and international law, highlighting the importance of regional organizations, particularly ASEAN, and ASEAN–UN cooperation.

During his meeting with Lao leader, Party chief To affirmed that Viet Nam always offers strong and comprehensive support for Laos's reform, and is willing to share its experience and give top priority to helping Laos successfully hold major national events.

Thongloun, for his part, praised Viet Nam for its proactive role in negotiations and hosting the cybercrime convention signing, reflecting the Party and State's commitment to cybersecurity prevention and combat.

Both leaders pledged to make breakthroughs in economic cooperation commensurate with their strong political relationship by fostering bilateral trade, expanding infrastructure connectivity, and effectively rolling out strategic cooperation projects to drive long-term, sustainable, and mutually beneficial development.

In a volatile global environment, host and guest underscored the importance of solidarity, closer consultations, and mutual support at regional and multilateral forums, including ASEAN.

The pair vowed to back each other's goals, particularly in hosting upcoming national party congresses and parliamentary elections, to ensure the success of their respective Party and State agendas./.