Vietnam should continue its efforts in containing avian influenza as the disease may return at any time, visiting United Nations (UN) Secretary General Kofi Annan said here Wednesday.

"Public education must continue, efforts to contain the disease must continue," said Annan, who started his three-day trip to Vietnam on Tuesday, at a press briefing. He added that Vietnam has succeeded in combating bird flu with impressive results, demonstrating the government's remarkable ability in taking effective action in emergent situation.

"I hope that the Vietnamese government is ready to share its expertise in organizing a strategy to combat avian flu with other countries and other regions," he said.

Not only the government and international organizations, but also private sector, should participate in the fight, he said while working with Vietnamese agricultural and health officials on the same day. He suggested that the country should seek ways to have more bird flu medicine Tamiflu, and take more prevention actions.

Regarding Vietnam's running for the non-permanent membership of UN Security Council in the 2008-2009 term, the secretary general said "your chance is very good", as Vietnam now is the only candidate in Asia for the position.

At the press briefing, Annan also praised results that the country gained in poverty reduction.

"Vietnam is the leader among countries in each category in achieving and making progress towards the MDGs (Millennium Development Goals). That the dramatic decline in poverty over the past decade is a historic achievement."

The UN, which have "special relations" with Vietnam, will continue to help the country in realizing the MDGs, he said.

"For Vietnam and the UN, the job (the assistance) will not be done until everyone (in the country) enjoys freedom from hunger, access to education, protection from infectious diseases, health, and safe environment," he said.

Mentioning the UN's assistance to Vietnam in dealing with natural disasters, he said the organization would share information and forecast ability with the country.

Regarding Iran's nuclear weapon issue, Annan called for a negotiated solution to the dispute.

Iran should cooperate with the UN agencies to clarify its nuclear aims, and "lift the cloud of uncertainty surrounding its nuclear project", he said.

After visiting Vietnam, Annan will go to Thailand, the last leg of his six-nation tour which also includes Australia, South Korea, Japan and China.

Source: Xinhua