Vietnam hands over APG Chairmanship, affirming proactive, positive and responsible role

On the afternoon of July 2 at the Vienna International Center (VIC), Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang, Head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to international organizations and the United Nations in Vienna, chaired the handover ceremony of the role of Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) in Vienna to Ambassador Shambhu Kumaran, Head of the Indian Delegation.

Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang spoke at the event.

The ceremony took place solemnly, with the participation of delegates from APG member countries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang emphasized that the spirit of solidarity, inclusiveness and cooperation of the APG Group has been maintained and promoted throughout Vietnam's term as coordinator (from December 2024 to June 2025).

Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang expressed his deep gratitude to member countries for their trust and active support, and expressed his belief that under the leadership of India, APG will continue to promote its role and common voice at multilateral forums in Vienna.

During the 6-month term, Vietnam chaired and participated in many outstanding activities, affirming the active and proactive role of APG in multilateral mechanisms and the United Nations.

Specifically, Vietnam spoke on behalf of the Group at the event “Asia-Pacific collaborative get-together with UNIDO” on South-South cooperation for an inclusive future in the region, which took place on January 23.

Vietnam also represented the APG in attending and speaking at important meetings such as the Committee on Drug Control (CND68), the Committee on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ34), and the Conference of States Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), and coordinated regular consultations between the APG and the Chair of the IAEA Board of Governors.

In particular, Vietnam coordinated with UNODC and Indonesia to successfully organize the APG meeting on the review mechanism for the implementation of the UNTOC Convention on March 27, and spoke at the UNODC side event within the framework of CCPCJ34, sharing common experiences and challenges in the region.

In addition, Vietnam hosted thematic exchanges with INTERPOL (14 May) and UNCITRAL (10 June), providing updates and supporting member countries in preparing for technical meetings. Vietnam also contributed a video statement on behalf of the APG to the upcoming 21st UNIDO General Assembly (scheduled for October 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia).

Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang hands over the role of Chairman of the Asia- Pacific Group in Vienna to Ambassador Shambhu Kumaran, Head of the Indian Mission.

Vietnam's successful performance as Chair of the APG has contributed to strengthening the Group's prestige and position in multilateral activities in Vienna, while affirming Vietnam's commitment to promoting regional and international cooperation in a constructive and inclusive spirit.

Vietnam pledges to continue supporting and accompanying India in the upcoming term to contribute to further strengthening the role of APG in the United Nations system in Vienna.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/viet-nam-ban-giao-chu-cich-apg-khang-dinh-vai-tro-chu-dong-timch-cuc-trach-nhiem-319748.html