Vietnam’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and its fulfilment of the role over the past two years have marked a strong development step of the country and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the UN Ambassador Enrique A. Manalo has said.
New York (VNA) – Vietnam’s election as a non-permanentmember of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and its fulfilment of the role over the past two years have marked a strong development step of thecountry and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well, PermanentRepresentative of the Philippines to the UN Ambassador Enrique A. Manalo hassaid.
In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency(VNA)'s resident correspondents in New York, the ambassador said both Vietnam and Indonesia, which are ASEAN member nations,took over the post last year, which has helped to significantly advance thebloc’s position, especially their contributions to addressing international matters.
In its capacity as non-permanent member and especiallyrotating President of the UNSC, Vietnam has brought interests to the bloc,while helping to consolidate relations between the UN and ASEAN, he said,noting that Vietnam has actively contributed to countries, particularly other ASEANnations.
Among initiatives raised by Vietnam at the UNSC, Manalolauded those that aimed to strengthen cooperation between the UN and ASEAN and otherregional organisations.
Thanks to Vietnam’s UNSC non-permanent membership, theASEAN-UN cooperation agreement has been advanced to a new height, he said.
Vietnam has created its influence during UNSCdiscussions, especially those on Asian matters like the Myanmar issue, theambassador said, explaining that Vietnam has provided other ASEAN countrieswith updates on the UNSC discussions and vice versa.
The country has elevated its position not only in theUNSC but also in ASEAN, the diplomat continued.
Vietnam has worked to add ASEAN matters to the UNSCagenda, helping to raise the bloc’s image to a new level and enhance relationsbetween regional organisations and the UN, especially the UNSC.
Therefore, regional organisations will play a moreimportant role in handling global issues such as security and climate change, andregional issues will be addressed more satisfactorily, Manalo said.
Vietnam has fulfilled its commitments as a UNSCnon-permanent member, he affirmed.
Vietnam won the election to become anon-permanent member of the UNSC for 2020-2021 after getting 192 votes out ofthe 193 members of the UN General Assembly.
The country will officially conclude its UNSCnon-permanent membership at the end of this month./.
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A working session of the UNSC (Photo: VNA) 
