Ambassador Bui The Giang, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN Security Council, made the statement at the council’s debate on the situation in Afghanistan in New York on March 19.

“There can be no purely military solution to the situation,” he said, adding that an integrated approach and a comprehensive vision are required.

Moreover, improving social welfare, including healthcare and education services, should continue to be amongst the main priority tasks of the Afghan government, he said.

“In this process, it is important that the Afghan authorities and people are provided with necessary assistance to enhance their capacity and pro-active participation in both decision-making and implementing socio-economic projects and programmes,” Mr Giang said.

In this political field, the Vietnamese ambassador called on Afghan leaders to give priority to peace and political stability, overcome divisions, renounce violence, and advance dialogue and cooperation in the common interests of the country.

He expressed his hope that the presidential elections scheduled for August will be successful, helping restore peace and security in the country.

He also highly valued all efforts by the international community and other regional countries to further support Afghanistan and welcomed the upcoming special conferences on Afghanistan to be convened in Moscow and The Hague.