The highest priority of UN organizations now is to support Viet Nam’s COVID-19 response, especially in accessing vaccine through the COVAX Facility and in the transfer of vaccine production technologies so that Viet Nam can be self-sufficient in vaccine, said outgoing UN Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam Kamal Malhotra. 

State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) shakes hands with UN Resident Coordinator
in Viet Nam Kamal Malhotra, Ha Noi, August 12, 2021 - Photo: VGP

The outgoing UN Resident Coordinator made the above statement at his meeting with Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Ha Noi on August 12.

Congratulating Malhotra on his successful mission in Viet Nam, the Vietnamese President appreciated UN organizations’ valuable support and cooperation over the past more than four decades as well as their active role in helping the nation respond to COVID-19. 

The host leader called on the UN organizations to continue offering Viet Nam with timely policy recommendations, technical and financial support especially in growth model transformation to optimize opportunities of the fourth Industrial Revolution. 

The State President underlined that Viet Nam will continue to make proactive and responsible contribution to the UN Security Council, join UN peacekeeping activities, and step up the implementation of UN sustainable development goals and climate-change commitments under the Paris Agreement.

He also announced Viet Nam will run for a seat in the UN Human Rights Council for the 2023 – 2025 tenure.

In reply, Mr. Malhotra thanked Vietnamese public agencies and sectors for their assistance for UN organizations.  

According to the guest leader, the COVAX Facility has provided nearly 10 doses of vaccines for Viet Nam. He recommended Viet Nam prioritize vaccines for over 65-year-old people and those with chronic diseases and vaccinate as many people as possible with at least one dose each./.