Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Vietnam's Permanent Representative to the UN, expresses Vietnam's stance at a special emergency session at the General Assembly. Photo: VOV reporter in the US.

Speaking at the UNGA’s emergency special session on the Middle East situation and the Palestine issue in New York, Giang affirmed that Vietnam stands side by side with Palestine in exercising its inalienable right to self-determination and supports its early admission as a full member of the UN.

He said admitting Palestine is the most beneficial step for the two-state solution, creating a foundation for equal negotiations between the parties; and is an important step towards sustainable peace in the Middle East.

The Vietnamese diplomat also expressed his concern about the risk of escalating the conflict in Gaza into a regional war, strongly condemned all forms of violence against civilians and essential civil infrastructure, and opposed all violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint; hold dialogue; abide by international law, and the Charter and relevant resolutions of the UN; implement an immediate and permanent ceasefire; unconditionally release all hostages; and ensure the unimpeded supply of humanitarian goods.

Giang also reaffirmed Vietnam's support for the two-state solution and continued backing for the central role of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in performing humanitarian relief responsibilities in the region.

The UNGA emergency special session was convened after a draft resolution on the admission of Palestine had been vetoed at the UN Security Council (UNSC) on April 18.