Imprints of Top Vietnamese Leader at UNGA 81 and the US
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam’s attendance at the high-level general debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) and his bilateral engagements in the US from September 20–23 highlighted Viet Nam’s commitment to the central role of the United Nations while further strengthening the Viet Nam–US comprehensive strategic partnership.
During his working visit, General Secretary and President To Lam delivered a keynote address at UNGA 81 and held high-level discussions with foreign leaders, US officials, business executives and community representatives.
Held under the theme "Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all," the debate brought together more than 120 heads of state and government. In his address, the Vietnamese leader called on countries to strengthen trust, enhance dialogue, bridge differences and work together towards a fair, humane, peaceful and cooperative world order.
Addressing a global landscape marked by protracted conflicts, climate impacts, natural disasters, and the rapid rise of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), General Secretary and President To Lam outlined four broad orientations: restoring trust among countries based on respect for the UN Charter and international law; promoting fair, humane, inclusive and sustainable development; proactively shaping technology governance so that scientific advances serve people and common development; and strengthening multilateralism and the central and indispensable role of the UN.
He emphasized that restoring trust does not require countries to eliminate their differences, but to responsibly manage those differences together. Crises must be prevented. Competition must be managed. Dialogue must be maintained. Commitments must be respected and fully implemented. Major powers need to take the lead in respecting international law, exercising restraint, and responsibly addressing common challenges. The United Nations must play a central role in these efforts.
The top leader affirmed that Vietnam remains steadfast in pursuing a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, self-strengthening, peace, friendship, cooperation and development. It will continue to uphold the UN Charter and international law, promote peaceful settlement of disputes and participate more deeply in peacekeeping operations. Vietnam is also working with other member states to build a united and resilient ASEAN community, while actively preparing to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Week in 2027, thereby contributing to peace and prosperity in the region and the world, he said.
On the sidelines of UNGA 81, the top leader’s engagements with US leaders, sector heads and major corporate executives advanced high-level agreements between the two nations, ensuring the Viet Nam - US comprehensive strategic partnership develops in a stable, practical and long-term manner. The visit offered a valuable opportunity to exchange views on strategic priorities, deepen mutual understanding and garner broad support for Viet Nam - US relations./.
- Story: Thanh Hoa/VNP
Photos: VNA