Top leader To Lam meets UN Secretary-General in New York

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the high-level general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81).

Guterres affirmed that Viet Nam has become an important pillar of multilateralism, with a special relationship with the UN, appraising the nation's active and pioneering engagement in security, political affairs, sustainable development and just energy transition.

The UN Secretary-General expressed his hope that Viet Nam would continue to play a strong role in the world's transformation, contribute to efforts to address climate change, and promote emerging technologies such as AI.

To, for his part, noted that Viet Nam's direction in the new period is to pursue sustainable development, with the quality of life, safety and happiness of the people serving as the core measures of development.

Viet Nam has made a strong transition from an aid recipient to a proactive and active member making responsible contributions to strengthening the central role of the UN, stated the Vietnamese leader, affirming Viet Nam's support for the UN80 Initiative to optimize the effectiveness of the organization's operations.

The nation would continue to deepen its engagement in UN peacekeeping operations, provide free office premises for UN agencies in Ha Noi for the next 10 years, with an estimated value of US$3 million, contribute nearly US$1.3 million to the international peacekeeping budget; and stand ready to host major international conferences, emphasized To.

Viet Nam will also make active contributions to UN initiatives promoting global governance in science and technology, AI, green transition and digital transformation, he added.

He called on the UN to continue accompanying Viet Nam in digital transformation, capacity building, experience sharing and connecting Viet Nam with international networks of experts, technology and finance, as well as in responding to climate change and promoting green transition, particularly by mobilizing resources and strengthening implementation of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Looking ahead, the two sides vowed to effectively implement the Viet Nam-UN Cooperation Framework for 2027-2031, together with country program documents signed between Viet Nam and UN agencies such as the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with a view to reforming global governance and international financial system in a fair and transparent direction.

They underlined the need to further strengthen ASEAN-UN cooperation; reaffirmed support for ASEAN centrality; and voiced their support for the principled stance of ensuring security, safety and freedom of navigation in the region on the basis of respect for international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The same day, To had a meeting with President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh.

Khürelsükh reiterated that Mongolia always attaches importance to advancing relations with Viet Nam, regarding Viet Nam as its "third neighbor" and one of its most important partners in Southeast Asia.

He expressed his wish to continue working with Viet Nam to further nurture the traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, making the bilateral ties increasingly prosperous and flourishing in the new era of development.

To, for his side, congratulated Mongolia on its new and significant achievements in implementing socio-economic development strategies and the "Vision 2050."

The Party, State and people of Viet Nam always treasure and stand ready to closely, comprehensively and extensively cooperate with Mongolia across all fields, in line with the framework of Viet Nam-Mongolia Comprehensive Partnership, with a focus on the economy, trade, investment, cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties, stated To.

He expressed his hope that the development of Viet Nam-Mongolia relations would increasingly meet the aspirations of the peoples of both countries and contribute to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

The leaders of the two countries pledged to continue close coordination and mutual support at international and regional forums and mechanisms, particularly at the UN./.