Vietnam – good model for developing countries: UN Secretary-General
Vietnam serves as a good model for many developing countries, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at a meeting with President Vo Van Thuong on the sidelines of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF 3) in Beijing, China, on October 18.
President Vo Van Thuong (R) and UN Secretary-General António Guterres at their meeting on the sidelines of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, China, on October 18. (Photo: VNA)
Beijing (VNA) – Vietnam serves as a good model for many developing countries, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said at a meeting with President Vo Van Thuong on the sidelines of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, China, on October 18.
Thuong highly evaluated the role and contributions of the Secretary-General and the UN in promoting international peace, stability, and security and affirmed Vietnam's readiness to support and make contributions to such efforts.
The State leader said Vietnam consistently considers the UN a leading organisation for global peace, cooperation, and development, as well as a trustworthy, loyal, and long-standing partner of Vietnam in all of its development stages.
Vietnam is actively working with UN organisations to implement a variety of cooperative activities such as the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, climate change response, digital transformation, green transition, social equity, and UN peacekeeping missions, Thuong said.
He urged the UN to continue supporting Vietnam in its implementation of international commitments, including Our Common Agenda (OCA) – the Secretary-General's vision for the future of global cooperation – and of national development goals.
For his part, Guterres expressed his gratitude for Vietnam's excellent cooperation with and support for the UN in a range of priority activities, particularly peacekeeping, international security, climate change, sustainable development, and water and food security.
Describing Vietnam as an important partner of the UN, he expressed his hope that the Southeast Asian nation will make greater contributions to global governance.
Fully agreeing with Vietnam's perspectives on upholding multilateralism and international law, and improving the effectiveness of international institutions, the Secretary-General wished the country will successfully realise its goals of peace and prosperity, and continue its contributions and responsibilities to the world and the UN. He also affirmed his strong commitment to assisting Vietnam in its sustainable development efforts and climate change response.
Regarding the regional situation, the two leaders concurred on the need to uphold the respect for law, promote the role of dialogue and cooperation mechanisms between regional organisations and the UN, and support the centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)./.
President Vo Van Thuong had a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, China, on October 17 on the sidelines of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF).
President Vo Van Thuong met with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China Zhao Leji in Beijing on October 17, the first day of his trip to China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF).
President Vo Van Thuong received Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in Beijing, China, on October 18 on the sidelines of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF).
President Vo Van Thuong and a high-ranking delegation from Vietnam attended the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF 3) in Beijing on October 18 at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and President of China Xi Jinping.
Vietnam attaches importance to developing its traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Sri Lanka, and wants to further promote the relationship for the benefit of their people, President Vo Van Thuong told his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe in Beijing, China, on October 18.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vietnam is a country with which Russia shares a special relationship. In the 1950s and 60s, particularly during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, the two countries forged a deep bond. While much has changed over time, the friendship and cooperation between our nations have endured, said Russian President Vladimir Putin.
For 50 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have worked together to uphold peace and prosperity for their peoples and the region. The friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding Vietnam and New Zealand nurtured have grown from a seed into a deeply rooted, strong, and thriving tree, she stressed.
Since the Strategic Partnership was established in 2020, Vietnam and New Zealand have witnessed steady growth in the relations. Beyond the remarkable 40% increase in bilateral trade over five years, political relations and multilateral interactions, particularly within the CPTPP framework, have remained highly positive.
Known as the “four pillars for Vietnam’s ascend”, the Pobiburo's Resolutions 57, 59, 66, and 68 focus on cultivating a robust national entrepreneurial spirit, unlocking resources for innovation across society, and accelerating the development of digital economy, knowledge-based economy, green economy, and circular economy, propelling Vietnam forward rapidly and firmly on the path of modernisation and international integration.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang cleared up deputies' concern regarding how to spur socio-economic growth, renew traditional growth motives and establish new momentum for development.
Vietnam proposed several priorities: narrowing the digital divide, strengthening women’s leadership in the digital economy and AI governance, and mobilising sustainable financing for gender equality initiatives in line with each country’s national priorities and context. Vietnam also advocated for genuine women’s participation and leadership across all areas of public life.
President Vo Van Thuong (R) and UN Secretary-General António Guterres at their meeting on the sidelines of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, China, on October 18. (Photo: VNA) 
