A meeting of the UN Security Council in New York (Photo: AFP/ VNA)

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of the Vietnamese mission to the United Nations, on May 21st chaired the first online informal meeting between ambassadors of the 10 non-permanent member countries of the United Nations Security Council (E10) and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

The ambassadors and Guterres exchanged views on matters regarding the agenda of the UN Security Council (UNSC), covering the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guterres said the UN and its Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) have shifted priorities towards helping countries cope with the pandemic, with specific activities.

Many countries and parties have responded to his call for global unconditional ceasefire, he said, adding that, however, some conflicts still develop complicatedly.

He highlighted the E10’s significant role in pushing ahead with specific measures in order to maintain international peace and security, and cited pragmatic and diverse initiatives proposed by the countries when they hold the UNSC monthly presidency.

The countries lauded efforts of the UN Secretariat and Guterres to help countries cope with the pandemic.

The ambassadors said many of the UN Chief’s proposals and initiatives are practical, contributing to coordinating international cooperation, improving public awareness of pandemic impacts, and mobilising resources, especially for the areas hardest hit by the epidemic, thus supporting millions of people who are experiencing the humanitarian crisis.

For his part, Quy affirmed that Vietnam, together with the E10 and other UNSC member countries will back the UN Secretary General’s efforts to maintain international peace and security, cope with the pandemic and promote sustainable development.

Vietnam is holding the position as coordinator of the E10 in May./.