New York (VNA) – On the threshold of the election offive countries as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Councilslated for June 7, a Japanese high-ranking diplomat has expressed his belief thatVietnam will have a high chance to win the election.

Speaking to Vietnam News Agency correspondents on the possibility,head of the Japanese delegation to the UN Koro Bessho stressed: “I am sure Vietnamwill be elected”. He also said he hopes Vietnam, when elected, will have a roleto play in a very important issue, that is to keep the council continuing itsoperations in an effective way.

The diplomat affirmed Vietnam is a “very important, close friendand strategic partner” of Japan, that is why the two sides want to help eachother in international issues.

With regard to the Asian-Pacific region, he said Japan lookstowards Vietnam’s leadership in helping the point of view of regional countriesbe reflected.

Vietnam has “very important” history of overcoming the warand building peace and economy, and this will give the country a status in thesecurity council, the Japanese diplomat stressed, adding that the experience willalso help Vietnam give good advice and input into the organization.

He also shared his country’s experiences in solvingchallenges during the 22 years when Japan was a non-permanent member of thecouncil, stressing on the need for thorough preparations to grasp the issuesemerging in reality at different points of time.-VNA