VN highlights importance of strengthened cooperation, int'l solidarity in COVID-19 fight

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh attends the High-level Open Debate of the United Nations Security Council on Pandemics and Challenges to Sustaining Peace, held in form of online meeting, August 12, 2020 - Photo: VGP/Hai Minh

The event attracted the participation of Foreign Ministers of Indonesia, Estonia and South Africa, Minister of State of Germany and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and representatives of the UNSC member countries.

Deputy PM Minh referred to the impacts of the pandemic to all aspects of lives, especially conflict-affected areas in the world, adding that pandemic threatens to wipe out hard-won peace-building gains and worsen the already complex and fragile situations, especially the humanitarian situation. 

Such a multi-dimensional crisis demands multi-dimensional solutions, stressed Minh, adding that at national level, a whole-of-government approach is needed to tackle the pandemic from a disease-control perspective, and at the same time strengthen institutions, build trust and foster co-operation. 

Special support must be given to the most vulnerable in conflicts and health crises, particularly the elderly, women and children, persons with disabilities, refugees and displaced persons. 

Globally, a threat like COVID-19 can only be curbed by working together through multilateral efforts, Minh said.

He welcomed the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2532, and the Secretary-Generals appeal for an immediate global ceasefire and facilitation of humanitarian activities.

Commending the UN peace operations for continuing to fulfill their crucial mandates and support host countries, despite even more challenging operating environment, Minh urged the UN peace-building architecture, from headquarters to field operations, to take coordinated actions and deliver as one.

He went on to say that sustaining peace in a time of pandemic can generate great impact even from the smallest actions to win the hearts and minds of the local community.

As of early August 13, Viet Nam confirmed 883 COVID-19 cases including 409 recovered cases and 18 fatalities./.