I would like to thank Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan H.E. Mr. Ayman Safadi and Minister for International Development Cooperation of Sweden H.E. Mr. Peter Eriksson for co-chairing and inviting Viet Nam to this year's pledging conference for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). I welcome Mr. Philippe Lazzarini as a new Commissioner-General of UNRWA.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The plight of the Palestinian refugees has prolonged for over 70 years. Millions of people, who deserve to live in an independent State, have still wrestled with experience in the occupied territory and refugee camps.
We are deeply concerned by the fact that the Palestinian people continue to suffer from many difficulties, including an inadequate basic supply, a health system on the verge of collapse, and a severe economic contraction. In addition, Palestinian women, men, and even children continue to be detained, injured, and killed.
In that context, we are pleased to note the worthwhile assistance and protection that UNRWA has provided for some 5.6 million Palestinian refugees. UNRWA has not only provided them with day-to-day services and education, but it has also helped them to achieve their human potential. We call for the increased support of the international community for the Agency to ensure its unimpeded operation and its continued provision of services. In this connection, Viet Nam has pledged a contribution of 50.000 USD for UNRWA's 2020 Programme Budget.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We share the grave concern addressed by the Member States and the Secretary-General about the continued settlement activities and the plan of annexation. As the Secretary-General said, if implemented, such annexation would constitute a most serious violation of international law, including the UN Charter. We call on Israel to immediately stop these attempts and to fulfill its obligations provided by Security Council resolution 2334 as well as other relevant United Nations resolutions.
We would like to express our solidarity and full support for the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people for their fundamental rights, especially the sacred right of self-determination and establishment of an independent and sovereign state on the basis of the pre-1967 lines and with East Jerusalem as its capital. We firmly believe that the two-state solution, which allows the Palestinians and Israelis to live side-by-side in peace, security, and mutual recognition, is the only viable solution to the conflict.
Thank you for your attention.