Hanoi: Vietnam supports the humanitarian goals of international conventions banning cluster munitions and anti-personnel mines as well as efforts to prevent their indiscriminate use, a Vietnamese official said at the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions in Vientiane on September 14. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Thi Hoang Van, who led a Vietnamese delegation to the conference as an observer, said Vietnam supports efforts to protect civilians from these weapons while respecting the legitimate right of every country to ensure national security, defence and self-defence in line with the UN Charter and international law.
According to Vietnam News Agency, the Deputy Minister emphasized Vietnam’s commitment to the humanitarian principles enshrined in the international conventions and highlighted the importance of international cooperation in achieving these goals. The Vietnamese delegation’s participation as an observer underscores Vietnam’s ongoing engagement with global disarmament efforts and its dedication to mitigating the harm caused by these weapons.
The conference provided a platform for nations to discuss the implementation of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which seeks to eliminate the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of these weapons that pose significant risks to civilian lives. The Vietnamese official’s remarks reflect the country’s stance on balancing national security interests with international humanitarian responsibilities.