The process of building ASEAN's common stance on the East Sea issue demonstrates consultation efforts and achievements, and affirms and promotes fundamental principles like peaceful settlement of disputes, and respect for international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS), Son said.

At the 30th ASEAN Regional Forum.

The minister emphasised the need to ensure ASEAN's centrality, uphold objectives and principles of the ARF, form substantive agendas, promote the responsibility of member nations, and maintain a balanced and inclusive approach.

The culture of dialogue and consultation should be maintained and enhanced with ASEAN at the centre, thereby contributing to peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the region, he continued.

Son noted that over the past 30 years, through consultation, ASEAN has successfully built a common stance on the East Sea/South China Sea, with principles such as restraint, peaceful resolution of disputes, and respect for international law and the 1982 UNCLOS.

While committing to fully and effectively implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), ASEAN and China are working together towards a substantive, effective, and legally binding Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in line with international law, including the UNCLOS, he said.

At the meeting, the participating countries reviewed the ARF’s operation in 2022-2023, and orientations in the time ahead, and exchanged views on regional and international issues of shared concern.

They affirmed the importance of the ARF as the leading forum in the region in promoting dialogue and cooperation in political-security issues, contributing to joint efforts in building trust and preventive diplomacy.

Given the complex, unpredictable situation, the minister agreed to step up the forum’s operation, and carry forward its values, vitality and adaptability to both opportunities and challenges at present and in the future.

The countries agreed to maintain cooperation in maritime security, disaster relief, cybersecurity, the fight against terrorism and transnational crimes, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and disarmament, national defence, and peacekeeping.

They also approved a list of activities for 2023-2024. Vietnam will co-chair several ARF activities regarding the implementation of the 1982 UNCLOS, and the fight against terrorism, transnational crimes, and chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological terrorism.

On this occasion, Son announced that Vietnam will co-chair the ARF Inter-Sessional Meeting on Disaster Relief for the 2024-2026 term with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The meeting adopted a joint statement commemorating the 30th anniversary of the ARF, with Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Australia, and Canada as co-sponsors. The documents reaffirmed the leading role of ASEAN in the regional architecture, and commitments to promoting constructive dialogues, enhancing cooperation, and ensuring the active and full participation and contributions of member countries to the forum’s development.

The meeting took place within the framework of the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-56). At the end of AMM-56 and related meetings, foreign ministers approved nearly 40 documents, including the AMM-56 joint communique.

ASEAN Para Games 12: Vietnamese swimmers bag 11 gold medals on June 7

Vietnamese swimmers bagged 11 gold medals and set six records on June 7 – the fourth competition day at the 12th ASEAN Para Games, which is taking place in Cambodia.

ASEAN Para Games 12: Vietnam ranks third after three competition days

Vietnam bagged 36 gold, 35 silver and 56 bronze medals, ranking third in the tally as of 21:15 on June 6 - the third official competition day of the 12th ASEAN Para Games that is taking place in Cambodia.

Vietnam targets top 4 finish at 12th ASEAN Para Games

Vietnam has set a target of pocketing 55 gold medals and placing in the top 4 overall at the 12th ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia from June 3-9.

ASEAN Para Games 12: Rain of gold for Vietnamese weightlifters on June 4

Female weightlifter Dang Thi Linh Phuong performed outstandingly in the women’s under-50kg and seized two gold medals on June 4 morning at the 12th ASEAN Para Games now going on in Cambodia.

Send-off ceremonies for Vietnamese athletes to ASEAN Para Games 12

A ceremony was held at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on May 31 to send off Vietnamese athletes with disabilities competing in the 12th ASEAN Para Games, which is scheduled to take place in Pnom Penh, Cambodia from June 3-9.

Source: VNA