ASEAN Foreign Ministers have hastened the formation of the ASEAN community and resolve East Sea disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international laws. The on-going ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Siem Riep, Cambodia, is focused on working out this year’s agenda under the theme “ASEAN – one community, one destiny”. The participants have agreed to work more closely to deal with regional and international issues.

In regard to East Sea issues, the Ministers urged for greater co-operation in security and other activities at sea. Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said: “ASEAN members need to work more closely and stay united to resolve East Sea issues by peaceful means in conformity with international laws, particularly the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and to establish a Code of Conduct in the East Sea. Vietnam fully supports co-operative activities to turn the East Sea into a region of peace and stability.”

VOV Bureau in Cambodia