Vietnam supports resolution on Palestine's UN membership

On May 13 (New York time), the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) continued to hold a special emergency session on the situation in the Middle East and the Palestinian issue.

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, speaks about Vietnam's stance at the special emergency session of the General Assembly. Photo: Thanh Tuan/VNA

According to VNA correspondents at the UN, at the meeting, the majority of countries continued to express deep concern over the conflict and humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip in the face of recent complicated developments and the risk of escalation into a regional war; welcomed the General Assembly's adoption of a new resolution granting Palestine additional rights as a UN Observer State; assessed that the newly adopted resolution is an important step towards admitting Palestine as a full member of the UN, contributing to promoting the implementation of the "two-state" solution to achieve long-term and sustainable peace in the Middle East.

Speaking at the session, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, stated that Vietnam co-sponsored and supported the historic resolution of the General Assembly; supported the State of Palestine's early admission to the United Nations; affirmed that Vietnam stands side by side with Palestine in exercising its inalienable right to self-determination and supports Palestine's early admission as a full member of the United Nations; and said that the admission of Palestine is the most beneficial step for the two-state solution, creating a foundation for equal negotiations between the parties and an important step towards sustainable peace in the Middle East. Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang emphasized that Vietnam's solidarity and unwavering support for Palestine are deeply rooted in the long-standing common struggle for sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, freedom and the pursuit of happiness for the people.

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang also expressed concern about the risk of escalating the conflict in Gaza into a regional war; strongly condemned all forms of violence against civilians and essential civilian infrastructure; opposed all acts of violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity; called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, engage in dialogue and comply with international law, the UN Charter and relevant resolutions, implement an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unconditionally release all hostages and ensure the unimpeded supply of humanitarian goods; reaffirmed Vietnam's support for the two-state solution and continued support for the central role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in carrying out humanitarian relief responsibilities in the region.

The special emergency session of the UN General Assembly was convened after a draft resolution on the admission of Palestine was vetoed by the UN Security Council on April 18, 2024. According to Article 4 of the UN Charter, the admission of a new member must be approved by the Security Council before being submitted to the General Assembly for decision.

Panorama of the special emergency session of the United Nations General Assembly on the situation in Gaza and the Palestinian issue. Photo: VNA

Previously, on the first day of the session on May 10, the UN General Assembly discussed the situation in Gaza and voted to pass a resolution introduced by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on granting additional rights to Palestine as a UN Observer State.

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