Nguyen Phuong Nga, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN (Photo: VNA)

Addressing the UN Security Council Open Debate on July 25, themed "The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”, the diplomat said together with the international community, Vietnam is deeply concerned about the serious developments in the region, especially the recent escalating tensions and violent clashes in and around the ancient city of Jerusalem.

She stressed that Vietnam strongly condemns all acts of violence that have caused a vast number of deaths, disruption of culture and the livelihoods of civilians, and posed a serious threat to regional and international peace and security.

"It is essential for all parties to exercise self-restraint, strictly comply with the UN Charter and international law, including the international humanitarian and human rights laws, implement the relevant UN Resolutions and take concrete actions to resume peace talks without any further delay,” Nga noted.

The diplomat reaffirmed Vietnam’s unconditional 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.

She called on the international community to "make use of every window of opportunity to strive for comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East through negotiation under strong UN leadership”.

Chaired by Liu Jieyi, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, the debate gathered representatives from nearly 50 countries and international organisations.