At the Conference, countries discussed extensively on many traditional and non-traditional security challenges, through a list of nearly 30 ARF activities in 2025-2026.
At the Conference, the ministers shared concerns about the far-reaching impacts of increasing geopolitical competition and strategic instability, as well as cross-border security challenges. All countries affirmed the important role of the ARF in promoting dialogue and consultation, building trust and preventive diplomacy, and cooperating to resolve political and security issues for the common interests of the region.
Acknowledging the progress of the implementation of the Hanoi Action Plan for the period 2020-2025, the Conference highly appreciated the efforts of ARF members in implementing the action lines, and agreed to conduct a final review to draw lessons and good practices. The countries agreed that the ARF Action Plan after 2025 needs to identify specific goals and feasible measures, ensuring practical and effective cooperation.
The conference also welcomed efforts to innovate and revitalize the ARF, and agreed on the need to update the ARF Vision Statement to enhance the effectiveness and flexibility of the ARF in responding to issues of common concern, as well as contribute to minimizing threats to regional peace and security.
The countries had in-depth discussions on many traditional and non-traditional security challenges, through the ARF's List of nearly 30 activities in 2025-2026, promoting cooperation in many areas such as maritime security, terrorism, cyber security governance, ferry security, prevention of violent extremism, online fraud, and climate change response. Vietnam will continue to co-chair the ARF Inter-Sessional Group on Disaster Relief with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in 2025-2026.
Regarding international and regional issues, the countries discussed and frankly shared their views on the situation in the East Sea, Myanmar, the Korean Peninsula, conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, etc., affirming their support for ASEAN's principled stance and role, upholding the rule of law and peaceful dialogue, and resolving disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
Speaking at the Conference, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son shared the common assessment of the countries on the role of ARF over the past 30 years as an important dialogue mechanism, promoting cooperation and building trust, contributing significantly to maintaining peace and security in Asia-Pacific.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized that in the increasingly complex geopolitical context, the ARF needs to innovate to continue promoting its role and proactively and flexibly adapt to changes. Peace and security are not something that is inherently available but need to be maintained through joint efforts and commitments, through dialogue, cooperation, trust building and compliance with international law.
Discussing international and regional issues, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son reaffirmed ASEAN's stance on the East Sea, Myanmar, the Middle East and the Korean Peninsula. Regarding the East Sea, Vietnam firmly maintains its stance on peacefully resolving disputes on the basis of international law, especially the 1982 UNCLOS, the comprehensive legal framework governing activities at sea; and calls on partners to support ASEAN's principled stance and efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized the commitment to make efforts to soon complete a substantive, effective Code of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, while fully and effectively implementing the DOC Declaration, creating a favorable environment for COC negotiations.
* The 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum is the final activity, concluding the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related meetings. The positive results achieved at the meetings continue to affirm the spirit of solidarity, self-reliance, strategic autonomy and the central role of ASEAN, opening up opportunities to promote cooperation between ASEAN and its partners, together contributing positively and responsibly to peace, security, stability and sustainable development in the region and the world.
These conferences are also an important preparation step towards the 47th ASEAN Summit and related summits to take place in Kuala Lumpur from October 26-28, 2025.
Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/arf-tiep-tuc-khang-dinh-la-co-che-hang-dau-ve-an-ninh-thuc-day-van-hoa-tham-van-doi-thoai-va-hop-tac-bao-trum-102250711203125397.htm
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