This is an important visit of the head of the world’s largest multilateral organization, which, as affirmed by the UN Secretary-General ahead of the trip, demonstrates the importance the UN attaches to its partnership with Vietnam over the past 45 years, and that Vietnam is an indispensable member of the UN, which has been significantly contributing to UN efforts in addressing global challenges, for peace and development in the world.

The visit takes place after Vietnam excellently performed its role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in the 2020-2021 tenure and was elected to the UN Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 tenure.  

The UN head is accompanied during the visit by Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific (ESCAP); Selwin Hart, Special Adviser and Assistant Secretary General for Climate Change ; and Pauline Tamesis, UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, among others.

During the visit, Guterres is scheduled to pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum, hold talks with President Phuc, and had meetings with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue.

He and President Phuc will co-chair a ceremony to mark the 45th anniversary of Vietnam’s membership of the UN and some other activities.

The UN top official was welcomed at the Noi Bai International Airport by Vice President of the President's Office Phan Thi Kim Oanh, Director of the Foreign Affairs Department of the President's Office Nguyen Vu Ha Le, and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mr. António Guterres is the 9th Secretary-General of the United Nations. He is now in the second term. This is his first visit to Vietnam as the Secretary General of the United Nations. Previously, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon visited Vietnam in May 2015.

Mr. Guterres was born in 1949, Portuguese nationality. He assumed the UN Secretary-General position in 2017. Previously, he was the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, President of the European Council, President of the International Socialist Organization, and Prime Minister of Portugal.

Tran Thuong