Viet Nam attends ASEAN Defense Senior Officials’ Meeting-Plus

The event attracted the participation of delegates from the 10 ASEAN member states and the bloc's partners namely Russia, China, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and India.

Addressing the event, Hoang said that Viet Nam pursues a consistent policy of settling disputes in the East Sea by peaceful means in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), and on the basis of respecting independence, sovereignty and legitimate rights of nations.

The nation advocates full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and early conclusion and signing of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in line with international law, he noted. 

The traditional and non-traditional security issues are becoming increasingly complex, requiring further cooperation of the international community, the Deputy Minister noted. 

Regarding relations between ASEAN and partners, Hoang said that the ASEAN member states and partners expect to foster collaboration, build a stronger ASEAN Community and uphold the central role of ASEAN. 

He called on nations to join hands in building trust and goodwill, coping with common challenges, building an open, transparent and inclusive regional architecture and upholding international law and regional commitments, making practical and effective contributions to the development of ASEAN, for peace, prosperity and security in the region and the world./.