The two-day conference, themed “Luminate the Grey, Light up the Green”, is held by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)The two-day conference, themed “Luminate the Grey,Light up the Green”, is held by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, bringingtogether nearly 50 speakers who are reputable experts from nearly 20 countries.
Addressing the event, the UK’s Minister of State forthe Indo-Pacific Anne - Marie Trevelyan stressed that her country is a “closepartner with Vietnam on maritime security” and remains committed tostrengthening the collaboration.
The UK seeks to preserve a free and openIndo-Pacific, she said, adding that it wants to deepen relationshipswith its partners, support sustainable development, and tackle the sharedchallenges.
“We respect and admire the central role ASEAN hasplayed in maintaining regional stability and prosperity,” she continued.
The UK will increase its commitments to ASEAN andits member nations through specific projects such as Blue Planet Fund and JustEnergy Transition Partnership, the official noted.
“Inconclusion, the UK’s commitment in this region is steadfast. The peace andprosperity of the South China Sea (East Sea) must remain a priority for all,”she said.
Martin Thümmel, Commissioner for East Asia, South-EastAsia and the Pacific at the German Federal Foreign Office, expressed hisconcern over the recent escalating tensions in the East Sea, noting ASEAN playsthe main role in defending international law and the constructive approach inthe region.
The maritime boundary delimitation betweenIndonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam and the ongoing negotiations have promoted regionalcooperation, he said.
Delegates shared the view that the East Seahas been considered an international issue, with more risks of conflicts and ifa conflict occurs, it would easily escalate and expand.
Countries are more interested in promoting disputemanagement measures such as the building of a Code of Conduct of Parties in theEast Sea (COC) which is making some positive progress, they said.
Participating experts also looked into amultilateral approach in the East Sea issue. From an ASEAN perspective, multilateralismplays an important role for small countries, contributing to minimising risks,especially when dealing with aggression by powers.
Most of them affirmed that ASEAN has played acentral role and built and operated many mechanisms to guide regional countriesand other multilateral groups.
ASEAN needs to carry forward its leading role in theissues that require joint actions and efforts, including maritime security,they said.
Some considered blue economy cooperation a way to ensurethe balance between economic growth and the sustainable management of seas andoceans, during which countries are main actors and naval forces would play arole in ensuring the sustainable use of seas. /.
VNA
