Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Vietnamese permanent mission to the UN, speaking on behalf of ASEAN member states Vietnam and Indonesia during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on October 8, reiterated both nations’ support for the solidarity, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Mali.

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Vietnamese permanent mission to
the UN speaks at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) 

Both countries therefore called for a comprehensive approach aimed at dealing with security and humanitarian challenges, in addition to promoting socio-economic development in the West African nation. Indeed, they have kept a close watch on the ongoing situation there and recognise the appointment of both the President and the Prime Minister of the transition Government, Ambassador Quy said.

Given the ever-worsening situation in Mali caused by growing terrorism and extreme violence, the Vietnamese diplomat called on all concerned parties to consolidate trust and co-operation. This should be done as a means of promoting national harmony, promptly returning the country to a civilian regime, and continuing to carry out the terms of the 2015 peace deal.

Ambassador Quy therefore expressed his strong support for efforts made by the UN, the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the international community to push ahead with the process of transition and stability in the West African nation.

During the first face-to-face meeting of the UNSC held since March, Mahamat Saleh Annadif, special representative of the UN Secretary-General and head of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), briefed participants on the current state of Mali. Annadif expressed that it is now time for Malian residents and relevant parties to unite for the cause of peace and security, whilst building on sustainable development to improve the country.

MINUSMA stands poised to help Mali and its citizens fulfill these goals, he pledged.

A number of participating countries also underscored the need to ensure that humanitarian activities run smoothly, whilst simultaneously assisting Mali in their fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and strive for greater sustainable development.