Vietnam calls for more support to ASEAN’s Centrality

Vietnam has called for more support for ASEAN’s central role in solving regional disputes and maintaining peace and security in the region in a transparent and constructive manner.

Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington, D.C.on May 13. Photos: VGP

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh shared the view in the US-ASEAN Special Summit held on May 13 in Washington, D.C., with the participation of ASEAN members’ leaders and the bloc Secretary General.

Chinh expressed his hope that major countries and partners of ASEAN respect ASEAN’s central role, fully consult with ASEAN, respect international law, and contribute to peace, security, and stability in the region and around the world.

In the meeting co-chaired by US President Joe Biden and Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Chinh said the 45-year of US-ASEAN relations have made strides, contributing to dialogues, trust-building, and maintaining peace and stability in the region.

He stressed that a turbulent world requires further dialogues on the basis of trust, responsibility, solidarity, and cooperation for prosperity.

On this occasion, Vietnam reiterated ASEAN’s stance on the South China Sea in which all disputes must be settled in a peaceful manner in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.

In the session discussing maritime security and the fight against Covid-19, PM Chinh welcomed the US initiatives on maritime cooperation with countries in Southeast Asia, stressing the importance of joint efforts in ensuring freedom of navigation and aviation in the South China Sea, the world’s critically important trade route.

Chinh thanked the US for its assistance in Vietnam’s pandemic fight while highlighting a global approach to addressing global issues, with a focus on people-centered solutions in the Covid-19 response and economic recovery.

He called for further US support to ASEAN’s pandemic fight through tech transfer of Covid-19 vaccines and drugs production, improving medical capacity and health workers, and expanding assistance to vulnerable groups.

In the session on climate change chaired by US Vice President Kamala Harris, Chinh expected a more effective implementation of the Mekong-US Partnership that focuses on the sustainable development of the region in the fields of climate adaptation, science and technology, renewable energy, and infrastructure. 

At the summit, US President Joe Biden announced the nomination of the chief of staff to the White House National Security Council Yohannes Abraham as ambassador to ASEAN. The US is currently represented by a chargé d’affaires. 

Overview of US-ASEAN Special Summit.