ASEAN is the focal point of peace, security, cooperation and prosperity in the region.

On September 4, 2023, in Jakarta, Indonesia, ASEAN Foreign Ministers attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM), the ASEAN Political -Security Community Council (APSC) and the ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) Meetings. Authorized by Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet led the Vietnamese delegation to attend the Conferences.

Based on previous preparatory activities, ASEAN Foreign Ministers have basically completed preparations for the 43rd ASEAN Summit and related Summits. Implementing the theme "ASEAN at the heart of growth", ASEAN leaders and partners are expected to discuss many strategic issues affecting the region, agree on the development orientation of the ASEAN Community and with partners, as well as review and approve about 90 documents on diverse issues such as food security, digital economy, blue economy, carbon neutrality strategy, cooperation within the framework of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo- Pacific , etc. The Ministers also discussed the situation of ASEAN cooperation, implementation of key priorities for 2023 and many issues related to peace, security, stability and development in the region.

APSC Conference highly appreciated the efforts of specialized agencies to implement the ASEAN Political-Security Blueprint 2025 on schedule, with 286 out of 290 action lines completed, reaching a rate of 99%. The culture of consultation and dialogue has been strengthened through extensive cooperation activities both within ASEAN and with partners in all sectors of the community such as defense and justice. The exchange content was also rich, covering many important issues such as maritime cooperation, maritime security, cyber security, transnational crime prevention, border management, etc., helping ASEAN to be more proactive and flexible in responding to fluctuations and challenges. The delegates emphasized ASEAN's role in maintaining an open, transparent, inclusive and rules-based regional structure. The Ministers agreed to continue expanding and deepening cooperation with countries through ASEAN mechanisms; Accordingly, agreed to establish a sectoral partnership with Morocco and a development partnership with the Netherlands.

ACC Conference The conference comprehensively reviewed the report on building the Community on the three pillars of politics-security, economy and culture-society, the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity, the ASEAN Integration Initiative on narrowing the development gap and many other specialized reports. Improving the effectiveness of ASEAN's operations is a content that countries are particularly interested in, aiming to standardize procedures, ensure smooth and harmonious connection and coordination between ASEAN agencies. Accordingly, the conference approved the Procedures to support the decision-making process of the ASEAN Summit, the Procedures for signing non-legally binding documents of ASEAN and the revised Regulations of the Standing Committee of Representatives of ASEAN countries. The contents on resources for the process of building the Community and enhancing the role of ASEAN agencies will continue to be discussed in the coming time.

Speaking at the Conferences, Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet supported the practical initiatives of the Indonesian Chair, contributing to building ASEAN's long-term vision. The Deputy Minister affirmed that ASEAN is the center of peace, security, cooperation and prosperity in the region. Economic priorities have contributed to promoting trade, investment, financial stability and economic recovery in the region.

The Deputy Minister highly appreciated ASEAN's efforts in responding to climate change and sustainable development, including the establishment of the ASEAN Climate Change Center and the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control; affirmed that Vietnam is ready to work with other countries to effectively promote economic growth drivers such as digital transformation, green transformation, and blue ocean economy, serving the practical interests of people and businesses. Sharing other countries' opinions on the regional and international environment, the Deputy Minister emphasized the need to promote a culture of dialogue and consultation, promote international law in resolving differences and disputes in international relations. ASEAN agencies need to strengthen their roles to better respond to new situations and effectively deal with challenges such as maritime security, cyber security, artificial intelligence, transnational crime, marine pollution, water security, etc. Deputy Minister Do Hung Viet reaffirmed ASEAN's principled stance on the East Sea, emphasizing the responsibility of countries to build the East Sea into a peaceful, safe and stable sea. The Deputy Minister also emphasized that ASEAN needs to adhere to the principle of non-interference, support Myanmar in finding a comprehensive and feasible solution to the current situation, encourage parties to maintain dialogue, build trust and narrow differences.

Also on the afternoon of September 4, ASEAN countries witnessed the signing ceremony of the document of participation in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) by three countries: Kuwait, Serbia and Panama, bringing the total number of members of the Treaty to 54./.

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