Hanoi (VNA) - Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to theUnited Nations (UN), has affirmed Vietnam’s strong support for all efforts andinitiatives that can help promote the Middle East peace process.

During his speech at a video debate on April 22 of the UN Security Council (UNSC)on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestine issue, AmbassadorQuy urged all parties to take measures to build trust and refrain fromunilateral actions that could negatively affect the prospect of negotiationsfor the process.

Vietnam applauds the progress of preparations for upcoming elections in Palestine,he said, calling on the Israeli Government to facilitate the elections across the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.

He also expressed his sharing with the Palestinian people about thehumanitarian situation in the occupied territories, especially the complicateddevelopments of COVID-19 pandemic and deteriorating economic conditions in theGaza Strip, and called on efforts from international donors to helpPalestinians fight the health crisis, especially in high-risk areas.

Ambassador Quy reiterated Vietnam's steadfast stance in favor of a two-statesolution, including the establishment of the Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital in line with international law, the UN Charter andrelevant resolutions of the UN.

Addressing the event, Tor Wennesland, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, briefed participants on preparations for the upcoming elections in Palestine,affirming that the success of the elections will be an important step towards national harmony and promote the peaceprocess with Israel.

He urged the international community to roll out a specific roadmap to promote an end tothe Israelioccupation of all Palestinian territories, and to achieve alasting peace.

The parties should take concrete steps to get back to negotiations, he said,stressing that the UN pledges to assist Israel and Palestine in advancing theseefforts.

Participants expressed support for the organisation of the elections inPalestine, and efforts to promote the Middle East peace process, affirming thata two-state solution is the only one for a sustainable peace between Israel andPalestine.

They also called for more assistance for UN agencies that are carrying out humanitarianactivities in Palestine./.