Promoting dialogue for a unified Indian Ocean

During the recent ASEAN Future Forum 2024 in Hanoi , many officials, experts, and scholars argued that upholding international law and strengthening dialogue in a win-win spirit are core elements in ensuring security in the Indo-Pacific region. At the same time, ASEAN plays a central role in this effort.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi emphasized the importance of Indo-Pacific regional security within the framework of the ASEAN Future Forum. (Photo: Nguyen Hong)

During a discussion on security aspects, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stated that ASEAN needs to continue playing a leading role in promoting transformations in the Indo- Pacific region and regional cooperation. What is needed now is to build a strong and robust ASEAN Community and maintain its central role in responding to challenges.

At the same time, ASEAN needs to be more united so that the Indo-Pacific region can continue to maintain peace, cooperation, and development, in which dialogue, negotiation, and win-win outcomes are promoted.

In addition, Minister Retno Marsudi also emphasized the need to abide by international law and to implement international law consistently.

As one of ASEAN's key partners, in a video message sent to the Forum, Dr. S. Jaishankar, India's Minister of External Affairs, stated that the ASEAN-India relationship has been cultivated into a comprehensive strategic partnership based on shared values ​​and perspectives.

Dr. S. Jaishankar affirmed that ASEAN holds a central position in India's Look East policy and is a crucial pillar in New Delhi's overall policy toward the Indo-Pacific region. India supports a united ASEAN, ASEAN's central role, and ASEAN's Vision for the Indo-Pacific region. It also believes that a united and strong ASEAN will play a constructive role in shaping the emerging new regional architecture in the Indo-Pacific.

Emphasizing India's commitment to ASEAN in maintaining regional peace, stability, and prosperity, the Indian Foreign Minister highlighted the role of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) for activities in the seas and oceans.

Participating in the discussion session, Cambodian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Kung Phoak assessed that ASEAN has done very well in promoting stability and peace in the region, based on its commitment to adhering to international law, the principles set forth in the ASEAN Charter, and many other documents.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/thuc-day-doi-thoai-vi-mot-an-do-duong-thai-binh-duong-hoa-binh-hop-tac-va-phat-trien-269557.html