The ASEAN Foreign Ministers attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers narrow conference
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The conference adopted the theme of ASEAN in 2017 is "Together we create change, connecting with the world"; consensus with the six priority directions that Philippines President recommended. It is building the ASEAN Community towards people; promoting peace, security and stability in the region; enhancing security and maritime cooperation; embracing growth and creativity; improving the capacity and resilience of ASEAN to become a model of regional cooperation.
DPM Pham Binh Minh stressed to promote cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Joint Commission Meeting at the foreign ministerial level slated for the third quarter in Vietnam, and the Joint Committee on economic, scientific and technological cooperation. They decided to boost cooperation on security and defence, pledging to share information and work closely to combat terrorism in the region.
Deputy PM and FM Pham Binh Minh lauded the cooperation of the ASEAN in dealing with Vietnamese fishermen detained in Indonesia in past years, and expressed his hope that the country will continue addressing the issue in a humanitarian spirit and in line with the strategic partnership between the two nations.
ASEAN partners agreed to coordinate with Vietnam during APEC 2017 which is being hosted by the country, and promote ASEAN’s central role in the region. She also vowed to work with Vietnam for the development of ASEAN’s three pillars of politics – security, economics, culture and expand cooperation between the bloc and other nations.
Referring to East Sea issues, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed concern about the complicated developments in the field, emphasized ASEAN should strengthen solidarity, unity, persistence and promote common positions. He attached significance to maintaining peace, stability, maritime and aviation security and safety. They agreed on the need to address disputes using peaceful measures with respect for international law, including the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea 1982. The nations will work with other ASEAN nations to effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and hasten the formation of a Code of Conduct for the East Sea.
