Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – The General Assemblyof the United Nations is holding a special session on COVID-19 response fromDecember 3-4 in New York. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has sent his remarksto the session. Following is the full text.
“Ladies and gentlemen,
“I commend the convening of the Special Session in Responseto the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic within the 75th Session of the UN General Assembly, as we are less than a month away from theend of 2020. COVID-19 has made this year particularly challenging in many ways forall of us.
“To win this battle against COVID-19 for rebounding in the nextyear, allow me to share some of my thoughts.
“First, we need to uphold the central role of the UN, step uppolicy coordination, take collective action, and champion internationalcooperation and multilateral efforts in global governance.
“As a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the 2020-2021term, Vietnam reiterates its support for the UN Secretary General’s call for aglobal ceasefire, lifting of unilateral sanctions, and provision ofhumanitarian assistance in the fight against COVID-19.
“Second, the interest of our people should form the core ofall policies and actions. Our top priority should be to protect the lives andhealth of the people and ensure universal and affordable access to vaccines andtreatments.
“Third, we need to actively adapt to the ‘new normal’ forsustainable development. In addition to pandemic containment, we shouldsimultaneously promote economic recovery, facilitate cross-border trade,investment and travel, and maintain supply chains of essential goods, food andmedical equipment.
“Countries should not lose sight of commitments with regardto the UN Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030 and climate action. Inparticular, developing countries should receive financial, commercial, andtechnical assistance in realising the UN SDGs as needed.
“Ladies and gentlemen,
“Vietnam has managed to contain COVID-19, ensured socialsecurity, and restored growth. Let me take this opportunity to express mysincere thanks to the UN and international organisations for the meaningfulsupport and cooperation extended to Vietnam.
“As the 2020 ASEAN Chair, Vietnam has worked with fellowmember states in putting forth initiatives in COVID-19 response such as theASEAN COVID-19 Response Fund, the Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies, theStrategic Framework for Public Health Emergencies, and the ASEAN Centre forPublic Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases. ASEAN has also adopted theComprehensive Recovery Framework and its Implementation Plan across the threeCommunity pillars to support people and businesses in overcoming the impacts ofthe pandemic and return to normal life.
“Vietnam has proposed a range of ideas and initiatives withinthe UN framework and engaged in discussions with fellow members to adoptResolutions and documents for enhancing international cooperation in COVID-19response.
“Guided by the spirit of sharing and caring, the VietnameseGovernment, organisations, businesses and people have gifted domesticallyproduced medical supplies to many countries hard-hit by the pandemic. We alsoshared our experience, and made donations to international funds on COVID-19, despiteour financial constraints.
“Ladies and gentlemen,
“As we confront the greatest challenge since the birth of theUN, Vietnam believes that the international community will emerge triumphant byharnessing the will and power of each nation, and strengthening our solidarityand cooperation. Together we can build a brighter future for each and everycountry and individual.
“Vietnam will contribute all it can to this noble endeavor.
‘Thank you.”./.
“Ladies and gentlemen,
“I commend the convening of the Special Session in Responseto the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic within the 75th Session of the UN General Assembly, as we are less than a month away from theend of 2020. COVID-19 has made this year particularly challenging in many ways forall of us.
“To win this battle against COVID-19 for rebounding in the nextyear, allow me to share some of my thoughts.
“First, we need to uphold the central role of the UN, step uppolicy coordination, take collective action, and champion internationalcooperation and multilateral efforts in global governance.
“As a non-permanent member of the UNSC for the 2020-2021term, Vietnam reiterates its support for the UN Secretary General’s call for aglobal ceasefire, lifting of unilateral sanctions, and provision ofhumanitarian assistance in the fight against COVID-19.
“Second, the interest of our people should form the core ofall policies and actions. Our top priority should be to protect the lives andhealth of the people and ensure universal and affordable access to vaccines andtreatments.
“Third, we need to actively adapt to the ‘new normal’ forsustainable development. In addition to pandemic containment, we shouldsimultaneously promote economic recovery, facilitate cross-border trade,investment and travel, and maintain supply chains of essential goods, food andmedical equipment.
“Countries should not lose sight of commitments with regardto the UN Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030 and climate action. Inparticular, developing countries should receive financial, commercial, andtechnical assistance in realising the UN SDGs as needed.
“Ladies and gentlemen,
“Vietnam has managed to contain COVID-19, ensured socialsecurity, and restored growth. Let me take this opportunity to express mysincere thanks to the UN and international organisations for the meaningfulsupport and cooperation extended to Vietnam.
“As the 2020 ASEAN Chair, Vietnam has worked with fellowmember states in putting forth initiatives in COVID-19 response such as theASEAN COVID-19 Response Fund, the Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies, theStrategic Framework for Public Health Emergencies, and the ASEAN Centre forPublic Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases. ASEAN has also adopted theComprehensive Recovery Framework and its Implementation Plan across the threeCommunity pillars to support people and businesses in overcoming the impacts ofthe pandemic and return to normal life.
“Vietnam has proposed a range of ideas and initiatives withinthe UN framework and engaged in discussions with fellow members to adoptResolutions and documents for enhancing international cooperation in COVID-19response.
“Guided by the spirit of sharing and caring, the VietnameseGovernment, organisations, businesses and people have gifted domesticallyproduced medical supplies to many countries hard-hit by the pandemic. We alsoshared our experience, and made donations to international funds on COVID-19, despiteour financial constraints.
“Ladies and gentlemen,
“As we confront the greatest challenge since the birth of theUN, Vietnam believes that the international community will emerge triumphant byharnessing the will and power of each nation, and strengthening our solidarityand cooperation. Together we can build a brighter future for each and everycountry and individual.
“Vietnam will contribute all it can to this noble endeavor.
‘Thank you.”./.
VNA
