ASEAN foreign ministers (Photo: VNA)“ASEAN is mindful that instability in the KoreanPeninsula seriously impacts the region and beyond,” the statement said, urgingthe DPRK to comply fully with its obligations arising from all relevant UnitedNations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions and international laws.
They also called for the resumption of dialogueon the Korean Peninsula to defuse tensions and create conditions conducive topeace and stability.
The Korean Peninsula situation was one of themain issues tabled at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the 15th meeting ofthe ASEAN Political-Security Community Council, and the 19th meeting of theASEAN Coordinating Council in Manila, the Philippines, on April 28. Theseevents reviewed preparations for the 30th ASEAN Summit on April 29.
Another outstanding issue discussed at themeetings was the East Sea issue. ASEAN foreign ministers reiterated the resolveto accelerate the building of a framework for a Code of Conduct (COC) in theEast Sea so as to attain a substantive, effective code that is in line withinternational law.
The ministers stressed that amidst thecomplicated international and regional context, especially tensions in theKorean Peninsula and reclamation and militarisation activities in the East Sea,ASEAN need to keep a strong common voice and bring into play its role, thuspractically contributing to peace and stability in the region and the world.
Speaking at the meetings, Vietnam’s Deputy PrimeMinister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh shared other countries’ viewpointon tensions in the global and regional situation. He affirmed that ASEAN needsto take a sober, impartial and consistent approach.
The bloc should consolidate its internalstrength, solidarity and unanimity, increase coordination of their stance, andbuild a common voice for ASEAN regarding international and regional issues ofshared concern. It also needs to enhance its central role in ASEAN-ledmechanisms, encourage big countries’ balanced and constructive presence andparticipation in the region, he said.
He added the association needs to enhancepeople’s engagement in the building of the ASEAN Community and make use ofevery contribution to the community development, thus helping with commonpeace, stability and prosperity.
Regarding the East Sea issue, Minh shared othercountries’ concern about complex developments in the waters, includingreclamation and militarisation activities.
He emphasised that all countries are responsiblefor contributing to peace, stability, security and safety of navigation andoverflight in the East Sea. Countries must be committed to settling disputes bypeaceful means on the basis of respect for international law, especially the1982 UN Convention of the Law of the Sea, along with diplomatic and legalprocesses in the region. They also must not use or threaten to use force.
Deputy PM Minh welcomed the continued effortsmade by ASEAN and China to seriously and fully implement the Declaration on theConduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and build an effective COC bothlegally and in reality.
The 30th ASEAN Summit will officially open atthe Philippine International Convention Centre in Manila on April 29. PrimeMinister Nguyen Xuan Phuc leads the Vietnamese delegation to the event.-VNA
VNA
