Hanoi (VNA) – Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of theVietnamese Permanent Mission to the United Nations, has called for strongerinternational support for the Great Lakes Region in Africa, for peace andsustainable development. 

The ambassador made the appeal at a video conference of theUN Security Council (UNSC) on the situation in the Great Lakes Region,including the implementation of the peace agreement, on April 22. 

Quy affirmed Vietnam’s support for the role of regional organisationsin Africa and the UN, and lauded efforts of the Democratic Republic of Congoand regional countries to maintain a peaceful and cooperative environment. 

He, however, voiced concern over some security challenges inthe region that have affected civilians, especially when the COVID-19 pandemicis spreading in this area. 

The root of the instability must be settled by comprehensivemeasures, he said, calling for greater efforts in diplomacy, reconciliation,restraining activities of armed groups and facilitating development in countries. 

Huang Xia, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary‑General for theGreat Lakes Region, delivered a report on the implementation of the Peace,Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo andthe Region.

He said the political and security situation in the regionhas seen positive developments, with the Democratic Republic of Congo resolvingto enhance cooperation with regional countries to stabilise security andnormalise relations. 

However, challenges remain, especially activities of armed groupsand impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on humanitarian activities, which havehampered the progress, he cautioned. 

Xia also affirmed the UN’s commitment to coordinating withpartners in stabilising the situation and bringing peace and development to theregion. 

Other UNSC members also applauded efforts to stabilise thesituation, build up trust and intensify cooperation in the region, includingthose in easing tensions between Rwanda and Uganda.

Given the impacts of COVID-19, the UNSC issued a press statementcalling on regional countries to step up coordination in order to preventunnecessary impacts, and backing Xia’s suspension of some activities regardingthe implementation of the agreement amidst the pandemic spread. 

The UNSC’s main concern in the Great Lakes Region lies withthe implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for theDemocratic Republic of the Congo and the Region signed by 13 regional countriesin 2013 to maintain peace and cooperation after prolonged tensions andconflicts in the region./.