Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, as quoted by the Vietnam News Agency, told UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres during their meeting in Vientiane, Laos, on October 11, on the sidelines of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related meetings, that Vietnam values and supports the United Nations’ central role in global governance.

The Vietnamese PM congratulated the UN on the recent success of the Summit of the Future in New York, and commended the role of the UN Secretary-General and UN agencies in maintaining peace and stability, narrowing gaps and driving global development.

He thanked the UN for offering invaluable cooperation and support to Vietnam’s Doi moi (renewal) and development over nearly four decades.

Vietnam will continue to support multilateralism and international law, make contributions to global efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation, and effectively participate in the UN peacekeeping mission, PM Chinh said, suggesting the UN further assist Vietnam in improving its resilience and response to natural disasters, climate change adaptation and energy transition.

Mr. Guterres, in turn, praised Vietnam as a model of peace and sustainable development, referring to the nation as the "star of ASEAN". He also lauded Vietnam's role in amplifying the voice and influence of developing countries on the global stage.

The UN Secretary-General expressed his desire to work closely with Vietnam to realize the key outcomes of the Summit of the Future and encouraged Vietnam to continue leading global efforts in promoting peace, stability, inclusive development and sustainability.

He fully endorsed PM Chinh’s “people-centered, inclusive” approach to addressing global challenges such as natural disaster, climate change, population aging, and resource depletion.

Both sides agreed to further strengthen ASEAN-UN relations, highlighting ASEAN’s role as a bridge to foster dialogue and cooperation amid the complex global and regional landscapes with emerging conflicts and disputes.

On the occasion, the Vietnamese PM thanked the UN and its agencies for their active coordination in helping Vietnam recover from the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi.

The Vietnamese Government leader extended a formal invitation to the UN Secretary-General to visit Vietnam, and the latter accepted the invitation with pleasure and promised to make the trip in the near future.