Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem reaffirmed Viet Nam’s support for national reconciliation process in Myanmar while receiving the United Nations Secretary General’s special envoy to Myanmar in Ha Noi on November 24.

Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari has been in Viet Nam since November 23 for a five-day visit as part of the UN’s plan to exchange views with ASEAN member countries in dealing with the Myanmar issue. He visited several ASEAN member countries earlier.

Deputy PM Khiem also stated that Viet Nam has backed a dialogue between concerned parties in Myanmar to find a solution that is acceptable to all sides and wishes Myanmar to quickly achieve stabilisation so as it can concentrate on building the country.

The Vietnamese senior official welcomed positive developments in Myanmar . He appreciated recent cooperation between the UN and Myanmar and expressed his hope that the cooperation will continue to be fostered on the basis of respect for the UN Charter in order to bring in more positive outcomes in the coming time.

As a former victim of embargo and blockage policies, Viet Nam will not support any embargo or blockage on Myanmar and respects the Myanmar people’s right to self-determination, the Deputy PM stressed.

He told his guest that the UN Security Council non-permanent membership for the 2008-09 term was an honour for Viet Nam but it also places a heavy responsibility on the country.

Viet Nam is willing to take part in solving issues of mutual concern, and continue to coordinate in dealing with the Myanmar issue, Deputy PM Khiem affirmed.

He praised the UN for its activities in Viet Nam and reiterated that the country always treasures its cooperation with the world body and will always be an active and responsible member of the body.

The UN envoy highlighted Viet Nam’s role and position in Southeast Asia and the country’s non-permanent membership on the UN Security Council which will take effect as of January 1, 2008.

He briefed the Deputy PM, who is also Foreign Minister, of positive developments in Myanmar and several problems that need to be solved.

The envoy also said that the UN wants to cooperate with Viet Nam as well as with other Southeast Asian countries so that the Myanmar issue can be smoothly handled. (VNA)