Vietnam’s President Luong Cuong joined global leaders at the opening of the 80th UN General Assembly session in New York, affirming Vietnam’s commitment to multilateralism and global peace.
On September 23, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York (USA), President Luong Cuong attended the high-level general debate of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), under the theme “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: 80 years and beyond for peace, development, and human rights.”
The event brought together nearly 150 heads of state, government leaders, senior representatives of member states, and heads of international and regional organizations.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the world’s shift toward multipolarity, urging the need for an effective multilateral system to avoid repeating historical mistakes that led to World War I.
He described the United Nations as a moral compass and a vital force for maintaining peace, upholding international law, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring human rights - transforming global commitments into tangible actions.
High-level debate at the UN General Assembly on September 23. Photo: UN
The Secretary-General outlined five key directions for the international community:
First, peace must be based on international law.
Second, human rights and dignity must be protected through the implementation of international commitments, increased resource mobilization, and reforms to the global financial system to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Third, climate justice and action must be advanced through equitable and sustainable energy transitions, along with green climate funding through updated financial policies.
Fourth, advanced technologies and artificial intelligence must be harnessed for the benefit of global development and humanity.
Fifth, the UN must be reformed to become more inclusive, transparent, and fit for the 21st century. This includes initiatives such as the UN80 reform proposal and revising the 2026 budget to enhance accountability, improve service delivery, and reduce costs.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivers remarks. Photo: UN
Speaking after the opening session, Brazilian President Lula da Silva called for a realignment of global priorities, including reducing military expenditures and increasing funding for sustainable development.
U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that while the UN holds great potential, it currently lacks effective governance and has failed to resolve many armed conflicts. He highlighted his administration’s achievements, including ending seven global conflicts and securing tariff agreements with various countries, including Vietnam. Trump emphasized the need to end the Gaza conflict and called for the release of all hostages.
Many world leaders acknowledged the unprecedented challenges facing the global community and expressed strong support for the UN’s central role in multilateralism, adherence to international law, and institutional reform.
Vietnam - U.S. relationship hailed as model of international reconciliation
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the debate. Photo: UN
Also on September 23, President Luong Cuong held meetings with several U.S. lawmakers.
During his meetings with Representative Brian Mast (Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee) and Representative Young Kim (Chairwoman of the Indo-Pacific Subcommittee), President Luong Cuong reaffirmed Vietnam’s steadfast foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, and diversification. He emphasized Vietnam’s role as a reliable partner and responsible global member, while reiterating that the U.S. is a strategic partner both regionally and globally.
Sharing Vietnam-U.S. bilateral progress over the past three decades, President Luong Cuong described the relationship as a model for international reconciliation. He stressed that with mutual trust, respect, and shared interests, even countries with painful pasts can move forward toward a more cooperative and amicable future.
President Luong Cuong meets with U.S. Congressman Brian Mast, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Photo: VNA
President Luong Cuong praised the U.S. Congress and its members for their efforts to heal war wounds, foster trust, and lay the foundation for bilateral cooperation. He called on Representative Brian Mast and the House Foreign Affairs Committee to continue supporting and strengthening ties across all fields, especially parliamentary collaboration.
Representative Mast affirmed that the U.S. considers Vietnam a key partner in Southeast Asia and supports the deepening of substantive bilateral relations. He pledged to promote parliamentary exchanges, foster legislative dialogue, and advocate economic and trade cooperation initiatives.
Representative Young Kim acknowledged the Vietnamese-American community’s role as a bridge between the two nations and welcomed expanded cooperation in trade, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
In a meeting with Senator Chris Coons (Senior Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee), President Luong Cuong expressed appreciation for generations of American lawmakers who contributed to healing war wounds and advancing bilateral ties.
President Luong Cuong meets U.S. Senator Chris Coons. Photo: VNA
The President highlighted Delaware’s strengths in biotechnology, high-tech agriculture, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals, and encouraged Senator Coons to promote cooperation between the state and Vietnamese localities.
Senator Coons affirmed that Vietnam is one of the U.S.'s most important regional partners and voiced strong Senate support for expanding cooperation across all channels and sectors, particularly economic and trade development, war legacy resolution, and education. He pledged to continue advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and to uphold the legacy of previous senators who championed bilateral reconciliation and healing.
The senator also praised Fulbright University Vietnam for strengthening educational ties and contributing to Vietnam’s efforts in cultivating high-quality human resources.
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