HCMC - Vietnam has been elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2020-2021 term, receiving 192 out of 193 votes.

Vietnam is one of the five non-permanent members elected this year, and the only one in the Asia-Pacific. The country will replace Kuwait at the UNSC on January 1, 2020.

This is the second time Vietnam has secured a non-permanent seat on the UNSC, after the first time in 2008-2009. The country was the UNSC chairman in July 2008 and October 2009.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh said the Security Council is an important organization in which all UN members seek to participate in. Vietnam has striven to be elected to the post, which reflects the country’s prestige, position and contributions to the UNSC.

Speaking with the international media at the UN’s headquarters on June 7, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung expressed Vietnam’s gratitude to the countries and territories supporting Vietnam to become a non-permanent member of the UNSC. The election proves that other countries and territories have recognized Vietnam’s achievements in its rebuilding and foreign policy, focused on peace, independence and cooperation.

Trung said Vietnam would strive to expand cooperation with other members of the UNSC and the UN to handle security issues.

The country will be a bridge between the UNSC and other organizations, such as ASEAN.

In a message following the country’s election to the UNSC, Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong, on behalf of the Vietnamese Party, State and people, expressed sincere gratitude to UN members for their support of Vietnam in the election.

This is the international community’s recognition and appreciation of Vietnam's role and contributions to international and regional work, expressing Vietnam's increasingly important position and prestige in the international arena, he said.

It is a great honor for Vietnam to become a non-permanent member of the UNSC, affirming the country’s positive foreign policy. However, it is also a heavy responsibility that requires Vietnam to do its utmost to fulfill tasks assigned by the international community, the Party General Secretary and State, he noted.

Vietnam will pursue its foreign policy of independence, autonomy and multi-lateralization of foreign relations, Trong said, adding that the country will remain a reliable friend and partner, and a responsible member of the international community.

The country will also promote compliance with the UN Charter and international law, contributing to the global efforts for maintaining peace, cooperation and development.