In Hanoi, UN chief lauds Viet Nam’s ‘impressive progress’ and leadership in field of development

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today began a two-day visit to Viet Nam and commended President Trương Tấn Sang for the “increasingly important role” his country is playing at the United Nations, including his efforts to combat climate change and in helping shape a new development agenda.

Mr. Ban also said the two leaders discussed regional security concerns, including the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, “or East Sea as you call it here” and drew attention to the importance of all parties concerned to resolve their disputes through dialogue and in conformity with international law.

“It is important to avoid actions that would provoke or exacerbate tensions,” he said at a joint press encounter after meeting with the Vietnamese President.

“I hope the ongoing consultations between ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian States) Member States and China on the proposed Code of Conduct under the Framework of the ‘Declaration on the [Conduct] of Parties in the South China Sea’ will lead to increased mutual understanding between all parties.”

Mr. Ban also that tomorrow he will inaugurate the “Green One UN House,” which he said “is an example of how the UN and Viet Nam can work together to combat climate change and deliver as one for the people of Viet Nam.”

Saying he had a “very productive” meeting with the president, Mr. Ban commended Viet Nam for the “impressive progress” towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and “displaying leadership in the development of a set of holistic sustainable development goals (SDGs) to be adopted by the [UN] General Assembly in September.”

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on his visit to the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. UN Photo/Evan Schneider

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“We agreed that ensuring a smooth transition from the MDGs to the new sustainable development goals, SDGs, is a high priority for both the United Nations and Viet Nam,” he said.

The Secretary-General also said he discussed Viet Nam’s efforts to combat climate change, including Viet Nam’s efforts to move down a low-carbon pathway.

Saying that Viet Nam is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, he drew attention of the importance of submitting its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution as soon as possible.

“These plans,” he said, “will form the foundation of the climate agreement that we need to reach in Paris this December.”

Mr. Ban told reporters that Viet Nam served as a non-permanent member of the Security Council in 2008 to 2009 and is currently serving on the Human Rights Council for 2014 to 2016, reflecting “the increasingly important role it is playing in the United Nations at the global level.”