Vietnam Backs Stronger Cooperation between UNSC, AUPSC

Vietnam supports efforts to boost effective cooperation between the UN Security Council (UNSC) and the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC).

Rosy Huong

huongthhd@gmail.com December 18, 2021 | 08:25

Vietnam Backs Stronger Cooperation between UNSC, AUPSC

Ambassador Pham Hai Anh, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN). Photo: VNA

The affirmation was made by Ambassador Pham Hai Anh, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), while addressing an annual joint meeting between the UNSC and AUPSC on December 16.

Anh emphasised the need to promote their participation in and cooperation with sub-regional organisations in Africa in relevant issues during UNSC discussions and field trips, VOV reported.

He also appreciated the roles and contributions of African countries as members of the UNSC and supported their continued leading roles in promoting collaboration between the UNSC and AUPSC.

Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, spoke highly of the UNSC’s contributions to promoting peace, security and development in Africa, affirming that the AUPSC will actively maintain cooperation with the Council.

He stressed the importance of maintaining and promoting cooperation between the two sides, especially in responding to security challenges in Africa such as conflicts, terrorism and extreme violence, climate change, diseases and human trafficking.

The annual meeting focused discussions on strengthening cooperation between the UNSC and AUPSC by improving the working method and promoting predictable and sustainable financing for AU-led peacekeeping operations./.

A working session of the United Nations Security Council. Photo: Reuters

The UNSC has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It has 15 members, and each member has one vote. Under the Charter of the United Nations, all member states are obligated to comply with Council decisions.

The UNSC takes the lead in determining the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression. It calls upon the parties to a dispute to settle it by peaceful means and recommends methods of adjustment or terms of settlement. In some cases, the council can resort to imposing sanctions or even authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security.

The Peace and Security Council (PSC) is the standing decision-making organ of the AU for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts. It is a collective security and early warning arrangement intended to facilitate timely and efficient responses to conflict and crisis situations in Africa. It is also the key pillar of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), which is the framework for promoting peace, security and stability in Africa.

The Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council was adopted on 9 July 2002 in Durban, South Africa, and entered into force in December 2003. The PSC became fully operational in early 2004. The PSC Protocol, together with the PSC Rules of Procedure, the AU Constitutive Act and the conclusions of various PSC retreats, provide operational guidance to PSC activities.

Vietnam Continues to Fulfill UNSC Commitments

Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, reaffirms Vietnam's commitment to the UN Security Council and the international community.

Ambassador of Peace: How A Young Vietnamese Contributes to UN’s Peacekeeping

Along with Vietnam’s position as the president of the UNSC in January 2020 and April 2021, Vietnamese armed forces have contributed to its first UN ...

Vietnam Underscores Importance of Humanitarian Aid to Syrian Residents

Vietnam’s representative to the United Nations has emphasized the need to prioritize humanitarian assistance efforts to help the Syrian people overcome the impact of the ...

Rosy Huong