Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh delivered speech at the ASEAN-India foreign ministers' meeting
|
Regarding relations between the ten-member group and partner countries, the Vietnamese delegation proposed a host of measures to foster result-oriented cooperation, particularly in areas like economy, trade, investment and information-technology, as well as in the fight against terrorism, cross-border crimes and climate change. They suggested the partners provide more support for the bloc in building the ASEAN Community, carrying forward its central role in the region and contributing to regional peace, security and development.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh also expressed Vietnam’s views on the Permanent Court of Arbitration which was formed in accordance with Appendix VII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Expressing his concern over developments in the East Sea, the official underscored the need to exercise restraint, not take actions that complicate the situation, not use or threaten to use force, and observe principles of international law and the UNCLOS.
Vietnam called on concerned parties to accelerate bilateral and multilateral consultations and negotiations and abide by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea while working towards the early formation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea. Vietnam also appealed to partners and the international community to back endeavours to settle disputes peacefully, respect legal and diplomatic processes and contribute to maintaining and promoting peace, security and stability in the East Sea and the region, he said.
At the meetings, many countries also expressed their concern over the complicated situation in the East Sea, which they said undermine trust and threaten peace, security and stability in the region. Countries stressed the common interest and the significance of keeping peace, stability, security and safety and freedom of maritime and over flight activities in the waters, and respecting international law.
Several countries reiterated their stance as stated in the recent past regarding the lawsuit filed by the Philippines at the PCA. The foreign ministers also compared notes on regional and international issues of shared concern, including the situation on the Korean peninsula, terrorism, maritime security, climate change, migration and human trafficking.
