Vietnamese representative re-elected to International Law Commission
Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Hong Thao was re-elected to the International Law Commission (ILC) for the 2023-2027 tenure on November 12 with 145 out of 191 votes, ranking fourth among 11 candidates from Asia-Pacific.
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese AmbassadorNguyen Hong Thao was re-elected to the International LawCommission (ILC) for the 2023-2027 tenure on November 12 with 145 out of 191 votes, ranking fourth among 11 candidates from Asia-Pacific.
The ILC is an independent body of the UN, and specialises in developing and codifying international law, and reporting to the UN General Assembly’s Legal Committee. It is composed of 34 members who are elected by UN member states every five years via secret ballot.
In an interview granted to Vietnam News Agency at the UN headquarters following his re-election, Ambassador Thao expressed hispride in getting a chance to make further contributions to Vietnam’s position, thusmeeting international friends’ expectation for Vietnam’s role in buildinginternational law to address disputes and promote cooperation among nations.
He pledged to make greater efforts during his second tenureto heighten Vietnam’s stature on international arena.
Heattributed his success in the re-election to international friends’ deep impressionon Vietnam’s the two resistance wars, aswell as the country's achievements in the Doi Moi (renewal) process over the past 35 years.
Thaosaid countries also highly value Vietnam’s consistent external policy of in𒅌dependence andself-reliance, being a friend of all countries. The final factor is the month-longcampaigning process in New York, capitals of countries and 𝕴other representativeagencies in the UN.
Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Hong Thao (L) at the election (Photo: VNA)
However, the most important factor is Vietnam’s rising stature, he said. This year,Vietnam continues serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Counciland has made contributions to peace processes worldwide.
During the 2017-2022 tenure, Ambassador Thao was the first Vietnamese to be elected to the ILC.He actively joined and offered ideas to the committee's important discussions regardingenvironment protection in armed conflicts, atmosphere protection, response to rising sealevel and international law.
Thao earned a doctorate degree on law from the University of Paris 1Pantheon-Sorbonne and previously held important positions such ⛦as ViceChairman of the National Border Commission and head of the Vietnamese delegations to negotiations on border agreements with neighbouring countries of Vietnam./
Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Hong Thao has been elected as the Second Vice Chairman of the United Nations International Law Commission (ILC) during the commission’s 70th session in New York, the US.
Vietnam has contributed to the diversity of the International Law Commission (ILC) via information and arguments towards increasing benefit balance, objectivity, fairness and justice, said an official.
Members of the International Law Commission (ILC) have hailed the realities in Vietnam and Southeast Asia at the first session of the just-concluded 71st general assembly at the United Nations office in Geneva, according to a diplomat.
Vietnam's permanent missions to the United Nations (UN) in New York and Geneva have recently sent diplomatic notes to the UN and countries informing the candidacy of Ambassador Nguyen Hong Thao to the International Law Commission (ILC) for the 2023-2027 tenure, marking the official start of the Vietnamese candidate's campaign for re-election to the UN’s important body.
Vietnam’s participation at the meeting underscores the country’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification, and proactive international integration in a broad, deep, and effective manner. It also conveys Vietnam’s ambition and determination to enter a new era - the era of the nation’s rise.
The amended law will take effect on July 1, 2025, except for provisions on civil servant evaluation in Section 3, Chapter IV, which will be implemented from January 1, 2026.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s participation at the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Tianjin, China, reflects the Vietnamese Party and Government’s strong commitment to the Vietnam–China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, while injecting fresh momentum into bilateral economic and trade cooperation amid a volatile global economic landscape.
A key amendment was made to Clause 2, Article 16, which now stipulates that a child born to one parent who is a Vietnamese citizen and the other a foreign national shall be granted Vietnamese nationality, if both parents agree to choose Vietnamese nationality for the child during birth registration with competent Vietnamese authorities
PM Chinh's participation demonstrates Vietnam's strong appreciation and support for China. This, in turn, contributes to further promoting the positive development of the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, aiming to build a Vietnam-China community with a shared future, which carries strategic significance.
At the WEF meeting in Tianjin, Vietnam continues to affirm its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation, as well as its proactive and active approach to comprehensive, extensive, and effective international integration
Vietnam always regards the RoK as an important and long-term strategic partner; and hopes that the two sides will work together to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a more substantive, effective, and comprehensive manner in the coming time.
Within the framework of the Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, people-to-people exchanges and local cooperation have been priorities.
The merger of Nam Dinh, Ha Nam, and Ninh Binh aims to shape a modern, vibrant development space with Ninh Binh at its heart, transforming the region into a hub of smart and green industry and services by 2030, while preserving its unique identity as a national heritage centre.
While praising the efforts of ministries, sectors, and localities in tackling smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeiting, and intellectual property violations, PM Chinh acknowledged that in some places and at certain times, there has been lax enforcement and unclear jurisdiction, leading to increasingly complex developments in these issues.
At the working session, General Secretary Lam presented the Party Committee of the VFF and central mass organisations with the Politburo’s Decision No. 304-QD/TW, which outlines the new structure, functions and tasks of the VFF Central Committee, marking a significant step in improving its organisational effectiveness.
Describing the exhibition as a large-scaled, content-rich, and unprecedented event with high requirements and limited preparation time, PM Pham Minh Chinh urged all ministries, sectors, and localities to participate with the highest sense of responsibility, ensuring the exhibition is inclusive, objective, truthful, feasible, and impactful.
Vietnam’s attendance reaffirms its consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification, and comprehensive, intensive, extensive and effective international integration.
Cheng stressed that this is third time PM Chinh has attended the meeting and he is among the few senior government officials participating in this year's event, which is considered as a rare and commendable gesture.
The fact that the Vietnamese PM has been invited to attend and speak at this important event for three consecutive years reflects the WEF as well as the international business community's recognition and high regard for Vietnam's position, role, and contributions to global and regional economic growth.
At the election (Photo: VNA) 
Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Hong Thao (L) at the election (Photo: VNA) 
