Jakarta (VNA) – The 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’Meeting (AMM-56) and related meetings in Jakarta from July 8-14 sent out a message “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth” to the region andinternational community, said Ambassador Vu Ho, acting head of the ASEAN SOM Vietnam.
Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency, Ho said the discussions focused on economic cooperation,recovery and sustainable development. Ministers also affirmed thecentral role of ASEAN in all regional processes, ranging from growth, economicdevelopment, changing working methods and launching ASEAN's decisions, toapproaches to regional and international issues.
According to him, ASEANalso shared the view that disputes and differences could be handled via dialogue in accordancewith international law.
In their speeches, foreign ministers of partner countries, onone hand, reiterated their commitments to the development of the region,dialogue and cooperation, while on the other hand put forward initiatives andcommitments to support ASEAN in building its community.
Officials also committed to the common goal of ensuring thatASEAN, despite difficulties, remains a central and driving force in all efforts for peace andstability in the region.
Ho said countries recognised the progress made in the building of a Codeof Conduct in the East Sea (COC) and considered it a positive step andencouraging sign, toward building trust, or even promoting preventive diplomacyto harmonise all relations and interests, ensuring peace and stability in theregion.
He added that the Vietnamese delegation, led by Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, also sent out the message of a more active,responsible, and proactive Vietnam in joining ASEAN’s activities, and showcasedVietnam's image as a peaceful, cooperative, and friendly nation with allcountries around the world.
Vietnamwishes to contribute to the genuine development of ASEAN, making it a core andforce to maintain peace and stability in Southeast Asia, as well as in thebroader Asia and Indo-Pacific, he said./.