Viet Nam raised important issues for debates and discussions and made positive contributions when the nation served as the UN Security Council Presidency in January 2020 and April 2021.

United Nations Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam Kamal Malhotra

The UN Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam, Kamal Malhotra, made the above comments in his recent interview with the VGP.

Going further, Malhotra said it has been a very difficult and challenging year for the world and therefore for the UNSC but that Viet Nam has played a positive and responsible role when it served as the UNSC President twice.

The Southeast Asian country’s positive contributions at the UNSC have been highly valued by all members of the Council, he underscored.

As the UNSC Presidency for the first time in January 2020, Viet Nam initiated two important debates, one on upholding the UN Charter to maintain international peace and security and the other on the role of regional organizations, particularly the role of ASEAN.

In April 2021, Viet Nam had three important debates, said Kamal Malhotra, adding that the most important was the role of regional organizations, particularly the role of ASEAN in the Myanmar situations.

He underlined the significance of the Resolution on protection of objects indispensible to the survival of the civilian population which was adopted on April 27. 

“I have witnessed the destruction in countries like Syria and I think these are always underreported and never given enough attention. I very much appreciate Viet Nam bringing this particular topic for an open debate and very much appreciate the Resolution”, said the UN Resident Coordinator.

Three recommendations for Viet Nam to uphold achieved success in UNSC

When asked about recommendations for Viet Nam to uphold achievements it gained while holding the UNSC Presidency twice, Malhotra said that Viet Nam will be soon asked to vote again annually on the Resolution on Syria. “I used to serve in that region as the head of the UN and I have discussed this issue with Vietnamese leaders many times there is one of the world's most conflicts and remaining crisis areas”, he said, suggesting Viet Nam should continue to work on the right side of that Resolution.

Viet Nam has played a crucial role over the Myanmar issue as it serves in ASEAN and is the only ASEAN member in the UNSC. ASEAN leaders had agreed five-point plan for Myanmar in a recent meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia. With its unique position, Viet Nam should work to ensure that ASEAN continues to play a key role but actually implements those five points.

Malhotra also expressed his hope that Viet Nam will play an active and positive role in advancing peace and security agenda based on the outcome statement of 75th session of the UN General Assembly.

For this remaining term, which is roughly six months from now, Malhotra expected that Viet Nam will continue to make more contributions to arising issues such as global peacekeeping and COVID-19 response.