UN Resident Coordinator Kamal Malhotra said he spoke highly of Viet Nam’s efforts to prevent spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic so far. 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (right) welcomes UN Resident Coordinator
Kamal Malhotra at the Government Office in Ha Noi on March 10. Photo: VGP

 He made the above statement at a meeting with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Ha Noi on Tuesday, during which the pair also discussed Viet Nam’s participation in the UN Security Council (UNSC) and peacekeeping operations.

Viet Nam was the first country to successfully contain the epidemic in the first stage with the recovery of the first 16 patients, Kamal said, adding the UN shared Viet Nam’s experience with other countries.

Regarding new infection cases reported over the past days, the UN still highly valued Viet Nam’s drastic and proactive measures to prevent spread of the epidemic to communities, according to Kamal.

He said UN organizations in Viet Nam will accompany Viet Nam in the fight against the epidemic through technical assistance to help the country evaluate impacts of the epidemic.

Regarding the participation in the UNSC , Kamal stated Viet Nam had prepared well and successfully completed its role as the UNSC President in January.

He also praised Viet Nam’s participation in UN-led peacekeeping operations, especially its preparations for deployment of field hospital in South Sudan.

Meanwhile, PM Phuc appreciated effective cooperation of the UN organizations with Viet Nam amid complicated developments of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Viet Nam has taken drastic, comprehensive and prompt actions under the whole-Government approach, thus gaining the support of the public and the World Health Organization.

As the UNSC non-permanent member, Viet Nam has actively performed its duties on the basis of its foreign policy of independence and self-reliance and principled position of making constructive and responsible contribution to ensuring common interests, peace, stability across  the world.