Continuing the working program of the 43rd ASEAN Summit, on the afternoon of September 5, at the Jakarta Convention Center, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and leaders of ASEAN countries attended a closed session to discuss international and regional issues, the Government Electronic Information Portal reported.
Sharing concerns about the profound changes in the world and regional situation, the leaders emphasized that solidarity is a strategic value for ASEAN to continue to overcome challenges, stand firm in the face of strategic conflicts and geopolitical competition, affirm its central role in the regional structure; and is the foundation for strengthening ASEAN's role in orienting and leading dialogue and cooperation efforts for peace , stability and development in the region.
Speaking at the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh shared the opinions of countries on the complex and multi-dimensional changes in the current international environment, in which one of the main factors is fierce strategic competition between major countries, forcing countries to face extremely difficult strategic choices.
In the face of fierce competition among major countries, the Prime Minister stressed that for ASEAN to maintain its central role, the only answer is to promote its own strength and strengthen solidarity within the bloc to affirm its strategic value. ASEAN countries need to uphold the spirit of independence, self-reliance, respect for the rule of law and be steadfast in the basic principles and standards of conduct of ASEAN.
The Prime Minister also stressed that, in the midst of competition, ASEAN needs to maintain strategic balance with major countries. ASEAN must truly become a reliable bridge with the capacity to harmonize and balance relationships and interests, firmly pursuing the goal of building an open, transparent, inclusive regional structure and, most importantly, unifying its principled stance on issues directly related to the security and development environment of the region.
Discussing international and regional issues, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that ASEAN needs to make efforts to strengthen solidarity, maintain and consolidate a common stance on the East Sea.
The Prime Minister affirmed that this is both the common interest and responsibility of all member countries. ASEAN needs to ask its partners to respect this stance when operating in the East Sea, especially principles such as self-restraint, peaceful settlement of disputes, respect for international law and UNCLOS 1982; at the same time, persistently and effectively implement the DOC Declaration, and strive to build a substantive, effective COC that is in accordance with international law and UNCLOS 1982.
Sharing about the situation in Myanmar, the Prime Minister commented that the efforts of ASEAN and its member countries have recently received positive signals from parties in Myanmar.
Accordingly, the Prime Minister expressed support for further proactive contact to encourage parties to engage in peaceful dialogue, build trust, enhance common understanding, and soon reach a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the Myanmar issue.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh supports the Chair of Indonesia and the Chair's Special Envoy to Myanmar to promote their leading role in ASEAN in carrying out this task on the basis of the 5-point Consensus of ASEAN Leaders.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed that Vietnam will closely coordinate with Laos, the 2024 ASEAN Chair, to continue promoting the goals of ASEAN cooperation.
At the Conference, the Prime Minister and leaders of ASEAN countries unanimously agreed to the Philippines taking on the role of ASEAN Chair 2026.
Source link
Comment (0)