Speaking at the expanded SCO summit in Tianjin, China on 1/9, prime minister Pham Minh Chinh acknowledged humanity's unprecedented achievements. However, he noted the world faces multiple crises, including local conflicts and growing development inequality, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The prime minister affirmed that no nation, large or small, can single-handedly address today's multifaceted challenges. Therefore, he stressed the urgent need for countries to promote multilateralism and strengthen international cooperation and unity.
Emphasizing the deep interdependence of nations in today's globalized world, the prime minister stated that the destiny of each country is tied to the common destiny of the international community. He argued that national security is inseparable from regional and global security.
To address these security challenges and multifaceted crises, countries need a comprehensive, global approach. This involves finding appropriate and sustainable solutions for traditional security hotspots, as well as non-traditional security challenges, ranging from energy and water security to cybersecurity and human security.
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Prime minister Pham Minh Chinh addresses the expanded 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO +) summit on 1/9. Photo: TTXVN |
Prime minister Pham Minh Chinh addresses the expanded 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO +) summit on 1/9. Photo: TTXVN
The prime minister identified uneven development as a root cause of insecurity. He commended the SCO's significant contributions over two decades, evolving from a security-focused organization to one encompassing development cooperation.
Prime minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed Vietnam's support for enhanced cooperation between the SCO and other international and regional organizations, especially ASEAN. This aims to reinforce ASEAN's central role in the evolving regional structure.
To enhance the SCO's contribution to the international community, the prime minister proposed three solutions: promoting multilateralism, unity, and international cooperation in addressing both traditional and non-traditional security challenges; increasing resource mobilization for development and improving global governance; and fostering trust, mutual understanding, and mutually beneficial cooperation, starting with neighboring countries, to strengthen comprehensive regional and global connectivity.
The prime minister reaffirmed Vietnam's consistent pursuit of an independent, self-reliant, peaceful, friendly, and cooperative foreign policy focused on development. This includes multilateralism, diversification of foreign relations, and responsible global citizenship, while adhering to the "Four Nos" defense policy. He emphasized Vietnam's continued close cooperation with SCO members, partners, and international friends.
The prime minister's address marked the first time a high-ranking Vietnamese leader spoke at an SCO summit. Invited as a guest of the host nation, prime minister Pham Minh Chinh's presence signifies the SCO's recognition of Vietnam's importance and its desire to hear Vietnam's perspective on regional and global security, political, and development issues, according to deputy foreign minister Nguyen Minh Vu.
Founded in 2001 in Shanghai, the SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, and security organization. Its 6 original members are Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan joined in 2017, Iran in 2023, and Belarus in 2024.
This year's summit, the largest in the organization's 25-year history, was attended by heads of state and government from over 23 countries and leaders of 10 international and regional organizations.
Huyen Le
