Hanoi (VNA) - The Vietnamese Government pledges to actively participate inUN peacekeeping activities, said Deputy Defence MinisterSen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh.

Vietnam also applauds the UN action for peacekeeping that Vietnam is a signatory,which highlights the importance of compliance with international law andpeacekeeping in the world, Vinh said in his speech delivered at the 2019 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting at the UN headquarters in NewYork on March 29.

Vietnam recently coordinated with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) to hold aworkshop at the UN on efforts to overcome war consequences and to promote peaceand sustainable development, he said, adding that this shows Vietnam’sresponsibility for UN’s peacekeeping mission.

The Deputy Defence Minister emphasised the country strongly supports the UN’sinitiative on enhancing women’s role in UN peacekeeping activities, adding thatVietnam will send more female officers to UN peacekeeping missions in Africa inthe time to come.

Vietnam plans to work with UNDP to organise an international conference themed“Women with UN peacekeeping operations” late this year, aiming to honour therole of women in promoting peace and contributing to security of the world.

Regarding the UN’s policy on combating sexual abuse, Vinh said all countriesneed to focus on improving discipline and fighting sexual abuse.

He finally reaffirmed the Vietnamese Government's determination to buildsustainable peace and security around the world.

Vinh called for support of countries for Vietnam’s candidacy fora non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council in the2020-2021 tenure, adding that Vietnam hopes to further contribute to peace,security and development in the world.

The 2019 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting, which gathered more than 500delegates from 150 countries and international organisations, discussedand generated specialised capabilities necessary for contemporary peacekeeping,with a specific focus on performance, the protection of civilians and women,peace, and security.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres praised UN peacekeepingmissions for their support for many countries around the continents, sayingthat the presence of ministers and deputy ministers at the conference show strongcommitment of UN member states to maintaining peace in the world.

During the meeting, participants voiced their support of theSecretary-General’s Action for Peacekeeping initiative and highlighted progresson relevant commitments in the Declaration of Shared Commitments on UN PeacekeepingOperations. Member States also announced specific pledges of key peacekeepingcapabilities requested by the UN, including specialided enabling capabilitiesfor high-risk missions, rapidly deployable units, training andcapacity-building support and related partnership initiatives.-VNA