Vietnam’s Inaugural Participation at the UN General Assembly

The General Secretary and President of Vietnam, To Lam, is set to attend the Future Summit and the high-level sessions of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in the U.S. This is a notable first for a Vietnamese leader to directly participate in these prestigious UN meetings.

Before the journey, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bui Thanh Son, announced that this will be To Lam’s first multilateral diplomatic outing and official visit to the U.S. in his new role, marking a historic occasion, as no prior Vietnamese leader has attended high-level UN gatherings personally.

Deputy Prime Minister Son emphasized that these sessions are occurring during a time of significant change within the global landscape and the United Nations, presenting numerous challenges that demand united efforts.

Around 150 leaders from various countries are anticipated to attend. The United Nations and the wider international community will work together to analyze and devise effective approaches to fast-track the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, setting a significant agenda for the future.

At the UN, To Lam plans to convey essential messages supporting multilateralism and reaffirming the UN’s pivotal role in fostering peace, cooperation, and development globally.

This event allows Vietnam to reiterate its commitment to an independent and diversified foreign policy, highlighting its proactive and positive engagement with the international arena.

This mission coincides with the first anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the U.S., as both countries prepare to celebrate three decades of diplomatic relations in 2025.

Deputy Prime Minister Son pointed out that this occasion is vital for both nations to reflect on the milestones achieved under the new partnership framework and to discuss strategies for sustained growth moving forward.

Both nations are committed to upholding their bilateral relations based on key principles, including adherence to the UN Charter and respect for each other’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. This dedication aims to bolster political trust and strategic confidence, fulfilling the aspirations of both peoples.

During his visit, To Lam will engage in crucial bilateral talks with U.S. officials, participate in events marking the 30-year diplomatic relations milestone, and meet with prominent business leaders, experts, and academics from the U.S.

Discussing the Vietnam-U.S. relations, Deputy Prime Minister Son referred to the thriving interactions between the two countries. Both nations have not only maintained annual dialogues but have also established new frameworks, transforming their commitments as laid out in the 2023 Joint Statement.

Economic and trade partnerships are fundamental to the relationship, with bilateral trade reaching nearly $88 billion in the first eight months of 2024, which is a 22% rise. Companies from both countries are increasingly investing in each other’s markets, creating strong interdependencies.

Security and defense collaborations are effectively progressing, with addressing the consequences of past conflicts remaining a central focus. Efforts in law enforcement and security cooperation are also strengthening.

Both nations are expected to continue their close cooperation in multilateral forums and pursue joint efforts to tackle global challenges.

The Deputy Prime Minister commended nearly 50 years of fruitful cooperation between Vietnam and the United Nations. Throughout its history of post-war recovery, overcoming trade barriers, and integrating into the world economy, Vietnam has consistently benefited from UN support.

Vietnam has established itself as a reliable, proactive, and responsible member of the international community. “We actively contribute across all critical areas of the UN, including peacekeeping, security, and developmental cooperation,” stated Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son.

Vietnam has garnered the trust of the international community, successfully occupying significant positions within the United Nations. UN officials have praised Vietnam’s contributions and encouraged the nation to maintain its active involvement in priority areas of the UN.