Co-Chairs,
1. I join others before me to express our delegation's gratitude to you for convening the first meeting of the Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) during the 77th session of the General Assembly on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council.
Although the complex and unprecedented challenges faced by the world today have shown no immediate sign of dissipating, they can create momentum for change.
Therefore, I wish to take this opportunity to suggest that the Co-Chairs come up with a detailed timeline for the negotiation of other issues under the purview of IGN at the earliest possibility.
Under that circumstance, we can work together for a comprehensive and profound reform of the Security Council that enable a full discharge of its primary responsibility for maintenance of international peace and security.
Co-Chairs,
2. As we have stated on previous occasions, the Security Council's enlargement must apply to both categories of membership, permanent and non-permanent, to ensure that it truly represents all United Nations members as stipulated in the Charter, with an equitable regional representation and adequate representation of developing countries.
For example, regional groups like the Asia-Pacific and the African account for more than 56% in the membership of the United Nations but 40% of the Council and 20% of the permanent seats. With this under-representation, many countries in the regions have never had a chance to serve the Council.
Therefore, an increase in the membership of the Council for each region should correspond to their respective proportion in the membership of the United Nations.
It is the only way to ensure that the Council is representative, equitable and democratic.
It is essentially so when countries in these under-representation regions, including my own country, have increasingly shouldered the responsibilities of maintaining peace and security through their active participation in peace operations and in the work of the Security Council.
On the other hand, the increase in the membership of the Council should be considered in close connection with other matters. My delegation shares the same view with other Member States that the Council's working method should be further improved and the veto right should be limited.
Co-Chairs,
3. IGN process has been established for nearly 15 years. Viet Nam appreciates all tireless efforts of member states to facilitate dialogue and discussion on this important matter.
Now it is high time member states focused on negotiation to "seek a solution that can garner the widest possible political acceptance by Member States" as indicated in General Assembly Resolution 62/557.
The negotiation should be conducted in good faith, with mutual respect and in an inclusive and transparent manner.
In closing, we reaffirm our commitment to actively and constructively engaging in this important issue.
I thank you./.