Vietnam calls for peaceful measures to int’l disputes: PM

Vietnam urges all parties engaged in conflicts to seek resolution through dialogue, focusing on finding a long-term solution that considers the legitimate interests of all involved.

PM Chinh and world leaders at the session. Photos: Nhat Bac

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh made the remarks at an expanded session of the G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan, on May 21 to discuss visions for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous world.

Chinh stressed Vietnam's commitment to promoting peace and ending conflicts.

He said that Vietnam firmly opposes the use and threat of nuclear weapons, respects sovereignty and territorial integrity, and seeks to ensure food security, energy stability, and the well-being of its people.

Calling for adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, the Prime Minister urged all parties to all conflicts to engage in dialogue and negotiations. The goal is to find sustainable solutions that take into account the legitimate interests of all parties.

He clarified that Vietnam does not take sides but stands for justice, fairness, and reason.

Chinh added that Vietnam's foreign policy is rooted in the principles of trust, sincerity, and responsibility and consistently adheres to its commitment to independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, development cooperation, and multilateralism.

On regional issues, Prime Minister Chinh expressed his hope that the international community and partners will support ASEAN's pivotal role in promoting a region characterized by peace, stability, cooperation, and resilience.

He underscored the importance of strict adherence to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and efforts to establish a comprehensive and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) following international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

Overview of the session.

The Prime Minister also urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could escalate tensions or violate the sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction of the relevant countries as defined by the 1982 UNCLOS.

On the same day, Chinh met with Brazilian President Lula Da Silva, expressing his satisfaction with the advancements in bilateral relations. Notably, the two countries have witnessed robust growth in bilateral trade, with Brazil serving as Vietnam's largest trading partner in Latin America, culminating in a record trade turnover of US$6.78 billion in 2022.

Building upon the strong foundation of their bilateral ties, the Prime Minister urged Brazil to support and facilitate the initiation of negotiations for the Vietnam-MERCOSUR Free Trade Agreement.

Chinh also called for continued cooperation and mutual support in international organizations and multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations, the WTO, and other relevant platforms where both nations are members.

"Vietnam stands ready to act as a bridge to strengthen the ASEAN-Brazil partnership in various sectors, as well as fostering closer ties between ASEAN and the MERCOSUR bloc," he said.

Regarding future directions, President Silva expressed his agreement with Chinh's proposals, particularly emphasizing the early commencement of negotiations for a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the MERCOSUR.

PM Chinh and Brazil's President Lula Da Silva.

The Brazilian President also urged that both countries continue strengthening practical cooperation in various fields, emphasizing trade, agriculture, people-to-people exchanges, and cooperation in international organizations and multilateral forums.

After three days of work, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida concluded the G7 Summit in Hiroshima today. At the closing press conference, Prime Minister Kishida emphasized the Summit as a starting point for efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons. He emphasized the importance of strengthening a rules-based international order and promoting global cooperation to address global challenges.

As the current President of the G7 in 2023, Kishida pledged to lead the G7's efforts to realize the goals set out at the Summit.

At the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister Chinh's attendance at the 49th G7 Summit on May 20-21 is Vietnam's third participation in the event and the second time it has been invited by Japan. Among Southeast Asian nations, Vietnam and Indonesia were the two countries invited by Japan.

The G7 comprises leading industrialized nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Canada, and Italy. These nations have significant influence in shaping and improving global structure and governance.