Hanoi (VNA) – President Nguyen Xuan Phuc congratulatedAntonio Guterres on his reappointment by the United Nations (UN) General Assemblyas UN Secretary-General in the 2022-2026 tenure, and proposed a number ofmeasures to further foster the Vietnam-UN partnership during their phone talks on June 19.

Both leaders affirmed they treasure and are delighted at the fruitful development of the relationshipbetween Vietnam and the UN over the past years.

President Phuc highly evaluated contributions that Guterres hasmade in the last term, and showed his support for priorities and directions of the UN Secretary-General in the next five years.

As a responsible member of the UN, Vietnam has made positivecontributions to the common affairs of the UN by performing the role of anon-permanent member of the UN Security Council and engaging in UN peacekeepingoperations, implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and running for aseat in the UN Human Rights Council in the 2023-2025 tenure, said theVietnamese leader.

Highlighting Vietnam’s efforts in implementing the “dualtarget” of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and boosting socio-economic development, President Phuc thanked the UN for supporting Vietnam over the recent timesand proposed that UN organisations continue to assist Vietnam, especially in accessingvaccine supplies and post-pandemic recovery consultancy.

For his part, Guterres lauded Vietnam’s socio-economicachievements, especially its success in COVID-19 prevention and control.

Having recognised positive and responsible contributions thatVietnam has made to the UN and in global issues, especially in the UN SecurityCouncil's operations, the implementation of the SDGs, climate change response and COVID-19control, the UN leader said that Vietnam is an important factor that has contributed tothe maintenance of peace and stability in the region.

Guterres highly appreciated Vietnam’s efforts in treating a UN staff member who had contracted COVID-19, which, he said, showed the international solidarity to overcome the pandemic.

Regarding regional and international issues, both leadersunderlined the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, andsecurity, safety and freedom of navigation in line with international law, including the 1982UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), affirming the central role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in dealing with regional issues.

Earlier, President Phuc also sent a letter ofcongratulations to the re-appointed UN Secretary-General, in which he expressedhis belief that with his commitments, experience and prestige, the UNleader will continue to make contributions to enhancing the UN's role in thecommon efforts to settle global challenges./.