Vietnam said that ASEAN needs to take the chief role in gathering and coordinating international efforts in supporting Myanmar.

Police block a road in Naypyidaw in January 2021. Photo: AFP/VNA

“ASEAN should deploy its assistance to Myanmar gradually, simultaneously, fairly, and openly,” Spokeswoman of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang said at a press conference today.

She said Vietnam supports and contributes to ASEAN’s common efforts to help Myanmar soon overcome the crisis, especially through effective implementation of the Five-Point Consensus with the priority given to ending violence, promoting dialogues and reconciliation for the sake of Myanmar’s people, for solidarity and integrity of ASEAN, and for peace, stability, and cooperation in the region.

Hang made the statement when talking about Vietnam’s stance on the 40^th and 41^st ASEAN Summits to take place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on November 10-13.

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will attend the Summits at the invitation of Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen. Chinh will take part in the meetings that cover big issues namely the process of ASEAN’s community building, ASEAN’s external affairs, ASEAN Centrality, and regional and international issues of common concerns.

Hang stated that Vietnam, as a responsible ASEAN member, will collaborate closely with Cambodia, the conference host, as well as the other ASEAN members and other nations, to ensure that the conferences run smoothly and provide meaningful outcomes.

Its goals include enhancing ASEAN’s unity and centrality, fostering connections with its allies, addressing the challenges ASEAN faces, assisting in the formation of the ASEAN Community, and promoting peace and stability throughout Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region as a whole.