New York(VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh called forsupport to Vietnam’s candidacy as a non-permanent member of the United NationsSecurity Council in the 2020-2021 tenure during a programme in New York onSeptember 26 on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the UN GeneralAssembly.

Addressing theprogramme which drew more than 100 leaders, ministers and representatives ofembassies and UN member countries, Minh said that Vietnam’s run for theposition proves the country’s external policy of peace, independence,self–reliance as well as its wish to make more contributions to joint effortsof the international community for peace, security and sustainable development.

He affirmed that ifelected, Vietnam will exert every effort to promote dialogue and cooperation toprevent conflicts and peacefully settle international disputes, protectcivilians amidst conflicts and deal with war aftermaths, thus buildingsustainable peace.

Vietnam will work tostrengthen cooperation between the UN Security Council and regionalorganisations, he stated, expressing his belief that with the support of UNmember countries, Vietnam will complete the tasks of a UN Security Councilcouncil, contributing to peace and security in the region and the world.

All participantsshowed their belief that Vietnam will successfully perform the role of a non-permanentmember of the UN Security Council and make positive contributions to activitiesof the UN as well as international community.

The same day, he hadbilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers of Australia, Ukraine, Slovakia,Slovenia and Ecuador, Uganda Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and US DeputySecretary of State, during which he thanked the countries for extending condolencesto Vietnam over the passing away of President Tran Dai Quang.

He said that with economicachievements in external relations and results of international commitmentimplementation, Vietnam is willing to take the role and successfully complete thetasks of a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in the 2020-2021tenure.

He proposed that EUpartners support Vietnam and push up the signing of a free trade agreementbetween Vietnam and the bloc.

Foreign officialshailed the role and position as well as important contributions of Vietnam to commonwork in the region and the world, while promising to consider Vietnam’sproposal and continuing to coordinate closely with the Southeast Asian countryto maintain international peace and security, contributing to stability,cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Minh and AustralianForeign Minister Marise Payne agreed to continue the exchange of delegations,especially at the high level, as well as the sharing of measures to boosteconomic and trade partnership between the two countries, including the importand export of agricultural products, while promoting trade facilitation andregional economic connectivity.

Australia will assistVietnam to engage deeper to peacekeeping operations, build e-government, whileworking closely with Vietnam at the ASEAN, APEC and UN, said Payne.

At the meeting betweenMinh and Slovakian Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak, the two sides agreed onthe need to continue taking measures to maintain and bolster the soundtraditional ties between the two countries.

Minh suggested thatSlovakia create favourable conditions for Vietnamese investors in Slovakia aswell as the Vietnamese community in the country.

Meeting with SlovenianForeign Minister Karl Erjavec, Minh proposed that the two sides startnegotiations and signing of a number of framework agreements, including thedouble-tax avoidance deal and another to recognise each other’s qualifications,while strengthening affiliation in areas related to maritime transport,tourism, pharmaceuticals and house appliances.

In his meeting withUganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Henry Oryem Okello, Minh asked theGovernment of Uganda to support Vietnamese firms to sell strong Vietnameseproducts in Uganda and seek investment opportunities in the country, including activitiesof the telecommunication firm Viettel.

The two sidesconcurred to soon negotiate and sign a visa exemption deal for diplomatic andofficial passport holders.

Meeting US DeputySecretary of State John Sullivan, Minh stated that Vietnam values relationshipwith the US and hopes to continue promoting bilateral ties in key pillars ofeconomy, trade, education-training, and science and technology.

To mark 25 years of diplomaticties in 2020, the two sides agreed to increase delegation exchange at alllevels and foster cooperation between the two ministries.

On the occasion, Deputy PM and Foreign MinisterMinh proposed that the US continue supporting Vietnam in dealing with waraftermaths, including the implementation of a dioxin detoxification project atBien Hoa Airport at an early date.-VNA