Vietnam calls for ASEAN’s central role in promoting dialogue and cooperation between the bloc and other partners for peace, stability, and prosperity.

ASEAN continues to promote its central role in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. Source: Khmer Times.

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, deputy defence minister, stressed the view at the 19^th ASEAN Regional Security Conference today [June 3] with the participation of representatives from 27 member countries of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

At the event, co-chaired by General Nem Sovath, special adviser to deputy prime minister and Minister of Defence Tea Banh, the delegates discussed the global and regional situation, including security challenges in Southeast Asia and the world; measures to deepen defense cooperation in the post-pandemic period; steps to build trust and solidarity, and cooperation between ARF members.

At the meeting, Deputy Defence Minister Chien warned of high risks from both traditional and non-traditional challenges, including strategic competition and military conflict between countries, and the maritime security in the East Sea.

“Countries should resolve differences and conflicts through peaceful means, based on international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982,” he said.

Delegates shared’s Chien view on the risks to global stability, and stressed the necessity to settle disagreements through dialogues.

In this context, ASEAN should further promote its initiative, including the ARF and ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+) in ensuring peace and cooperation in the region, they said.