January 31, 2024
Vientiane – Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pei Thanh Son recommended that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) promote digital, infrastructure, enterprise and people-to-people connectivity, as the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' (AMM)' retreat opened in Luang Prabang. , Laos, Monday.
ASEAN should work to boost its intra-regional trade and investment, making itself a center of growth, he said, adding that cooperation strategies for 2045 require an inclusive, comprehensive and creative approach.
On this occasion, the Minister invited countries to participate in the ASEAN Forum on People-Centered Rapid and Sustainable Development hosted by Vietnam.
Initiated by Việt Nam, the forum aims to create a platform for officials, experts and scholars to exchange views and make policy recommendations on ASEAN development, connectivity and cooperation.
Sơn affirmed Việt Nam's support for Laos' ASEAN chairmanship and the country will participate and contribute to upcoming events such as the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, Australia and the 24th EU-ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Belgium.
The official proposed that ASEAN should maintain its unity and consensus and uphold its independence and self-reliance.
Minister Sơn and other delegates reiterated ASEAN's common policy position on the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea), and called on the group to continue to support Myanmar.
ASEAN should maintain a balanced and objective approach, and raise its position and voice on issues related to peace, security, stability and sustainable development in the region and beyond, he continued.
The participating ministers pledged to support and coordinate the two central elements of „Self-Reliance” and „Connectivity” while implementing ASEAN priorities.
They agreed on mechanisms to accelerate the recovery and integration of economies, and to focus on sustainable and inclusive growth, promote digital transformation, strengthen health system capacity, protect the environment, respond to climate change, and promote cultural and artistic cooperation. and promote the role and contributions of women and children.
The ministers expressed their desire to build an East Sea region of peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity, and committed to a concrete and effective code to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea. Conduct in the Eastern Seaboard (COC) in compliance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Sea (UNCLOS) – VNS