(VOVworld) – Foreign Ministers and representatives of participating nations at the 21st ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF 21) on Sunday released the Chairman’s statement on the results of discussions.
The ARF 21 Chairman’s statement reiterated the importance of ARF as a political and security forum aimed at fostering peace, stability, and prosperity in the region through dialogue and cooperation. Ministers affirmed the key role of ASEAN in boosting the cooperation between ARF and its dialogue partners. The statement also examined the current situations on the Korean peninsula, Ukraine, the Middle East, nuclear issues, and non-traditional security threats.
Regarding East Sea issues, ministers underscored the need to implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and actively consult the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). The Chairman’s statement also highlighted the significance of resolving tensions peacefully in accordance with international law including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, calling on all parties to refrain provocative actions.