Vietnamese Ambassador Re-elected to International Law Commission

Ambassador Nguyen Hong Thao has been elected to the International Law Commission for the second time.
November 14, 2021 | 08:49
Vietnamese Ambassador Re-elected to International Law Commission
Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Hong Thao. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Hong Thao won re-election to the International Law Commission (ILC) for the 2023 to 2027 tenure on November 12. Ambassador Thao got 145 out of 191 votes, ranking fourth among 11 candidates from the Asia-Pacific region.

In an interview granted to the media at the UN’s headquarters in New York following his re-election, the ambassador expressed his pride in being given a chance to make further contributions to the Vietnamese position within the international stage, VOV reported.

This is an opportunity to meet the expectations of global friends regarding the country’s role in building international law aimed at addressing disputes and promoting cooperation among various nations globally.

He pledged to make greater efforts during his second tenure and strive to elevate the nation’s stature in the international arena.

Vietnamese Ambassador Re-elected to International Law Commission
Ambassador Thao got 145 out of 191 votes, ranking fourth among 11 candidates from the Asia-Pacific region. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Thao attributed his success in the re-election to international friends’ deep impression on Vietnam’s the two resistance wars, as well as the country's achievements in the Doi Moi (renewal) process over the past 35 years.

The ambassador said global partners also highly value Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and being a friend of all countries. The final factor is the month-long campaigning process carried out in New York, capitals of countries, and other representative agencies in the UN.

However, the most important factor is the nation’s rising stature, he said. This year has seen the country continue to serve as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council whilst making contributions to the peace processes worldwide.

During the 2017 to 2022 tenure, Ambassador Thao became the first Vietnamese to be elected to the ILC. He actively joined in and offered ideas regarding the committee's important discussions on environment protection in armed conflicts, atmosphere protection, response to rising sea levels, and international law.

The local diplomat earned a doctorate degree on law from the University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne and previously held important positions such as Vice Chairman of the National Border Commission and head of the Vietnamese delegations in negotiations on border agreements with neighbouring countries.

International confidence in Vietnam

Vietnamese Ambassador Re-elected to International Law Commission
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son. Photo: VNA

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son told the press that Ambassador Thao’s re-election to the ILC with 145 approval votes is evidence of the sound external policy of the Party and the State, and reflects the international community’s support and confidence in Vietnam, affirming the country’s enhanced stature and prestige on international arena.

Vietnam’s continued participation in the ILC demonstrates a strong shift in the country's international integration which is to actively contribute to building international law together with the international community for a world of peace, national independence, democracy, respect of international law, development cooperation and social progress.

It also manifests the maturity of Vietnam’s multilateral diplomacy, the international community’s confidence in Vietnam’s persistent efforts as well as active and responsible contributions to the UN and multilateral institutions. The event also proves that the ability and expertise of Vietnamese diplomatic officials have increasingly improved, gradually meeting regional and global standards.

As for Ambassador Thao, the re-election is the international community’s recognition of his expertise, capability and experience as well as active contributions to important international law issues during his working tenure from 2017-2022 in the ILC, Son said, as cited by VietnamPlus./.

The ILC is an independent body of the UN and specialises in developing and codifying international law, along with reporting to the UN General Assembly’s Legal Committee. It is made up of 34 members who are elected by UN member states every five years via a secret ballot.

Apart from the ILC, Vietnam has been actively bidding for seats in important international organisations and institutions such as the UNESCO Executive Board (for 2021-2024 term), the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2022-2026 term), the World Heritage Committee (2023-2027 term), and the UN Human Rights Council (2023-2025 term).

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