At discussions on Tuesday during their 13th meeting (ASEM FMM13) in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, the Ministers upheld measures to build trust, restrain from threates or using force, and peaceful settlement of disputes on the basis of international law including the UN Charter and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

In his address, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said that Vietnam backs all efforts made by the international community to seek peaceful and sustainable solutions to conflicts and disputes in the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

He said Vietnam and other ASEAN member nations are coordinating closely with the international community, including ASEM members, to ensure peace, stability, navigation and aviation security in the East Sea, as well as the smooth trade routes inside and outside the region. 

Vietnam welcomes the adoption of a framework of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) by ASEAN and China, as well as the official launch of negotiations for a more pragmatic and effective COC, Minh affirmed. As an active member, Minh said, Vietnam will continue its coordination with other ASEM members to contribute to maintaining peace, and stability in the Asia-Pacific region as well as the world at large.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Ministers adopted the Chairman’s Statement showing ASEM’s determination to strengthen ties for peace and sustainable development.