In a frank and constructive spirit, the ministers had a substantive discussion, assessing strategic movements in the regional and international environment and their impacts on ASEAN, as well as exchanging orientations to promote ASEAN's role and contributions to peace, security and stability in the region.

The ministers shared a common view on the current unstable, complex and potentially risky situation, notably strategic competition between major powers, cross-border security issues and complex developments at many hotspots. In this context, the most important thing for ASEAN is to maintain solidarity, actively consult to find appropriate ways of behaving, and maintain a balanced and harmonious approach in foreign relations.

Panorama of the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Photo: VNA

Accordingly, all countries emphasized the importance of adhering to the principles, norms and common values ​​stated in documents such as the ASEAN Charter, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). The conference also discussed ways to strengthen ASEAN's central role in the regional architecture, through improving the effectiveness of ASEAN-led mechanisms to match the initial goals and future development potential.

The ministers affirmed ASEAN's desire to expand and deepen relations with partners, while emphasizing that the participation of partners in the region must be based on respect for ASEAN's central role, promoting mutually beneficial cooperation and contributing to building an open, transparent, inclusive and rules-based regional structure.

Discussing international and regional issues of mutual concern, the ministers shared concerns about the ongoing complicated situation in Myanmar, emphasizing that ASEAN needs to maintain solidarity, promote its central role in supporting Myanmar, and ensure ASEAN's image and prestige. The ministers affirmed that the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and the 2022 Decision of the Senior Leaders on the implementation of the 5PC remain valid and are still guiding documents for ASEAN's efforts; expressed support for the efforts of the Chair and Special Envoy, continued constructive dialogue with Myanmar, and persistently supported Myanmar in finding feasible and sustainable solutions. The ministers agreed that ASEAN needs to actively increase humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, especially promoting the role of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA) in mobilizing and implementing humanitarian assistance for the people of this country.

The ministers reaffirmed ASEAN's principled stance on the East Sea, committed to fully and effectively implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and working towards the establishment of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS. The conference also called on partners to respect ASEAN's central role and stance, especially on issues related to peace, security and stability in the region.

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son at the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Photo: VNA

Speaking at the discussion, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son shared the urgency of promoting the role of ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in the current context. ASEAN needs to ensure the objectives, principles, openness and inclusiveness of the mechanisms on the basis of a balanced and objective approach, meeting the legitimate concerns of all parties.

Minister Bui Thanh Son supports ASEAN in strengthening relations with partners, encouraging the participation and contribution of partners in the region, supporting ASEAN in building the Community and jointly responding to common challenges. Minister Bui Thanh Son also emphasized that partners need to respect ASEAN's central role in both words and actions, work with ASEAN to build trust, narrow differences, and promote dialogue and sincere cooperation.

Minister Bui Thanh Son shared ASEAN's principled stance on international and regional issues; supported ASEAN's support for Myanmar in seeking solutions, affirmed the value of the 5PC, highly appreciated the efforts of the Chair and Special Envoy; and emphasized that the solution to the Myanmar issue must be decided by Myanmar. Regarding the East Sea, Minister Bui Thanh Son emphasized the need to ensure a favorable environment for COC negotiations, suggested that ASEAN should persevere with its principled stance, uphold international law and UNCLOS 1982, and work towards building the East Sea into a sea of ​​peace and cooperation.

Immediately after the closed-door meeting, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers witnessed Saudi Arabia sign the document of accession to the TAC. This is the 51st party to this agreement. At the signing ceremony, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi emphasized that Saudi Arabia's signing of the TAC reflects Riyadh's "strong commitment" to upholding ASEAN's values ​​and principles enshrined in the TAC. According to Ms. Retno, the above commitments include a commitment to cooperation and collaboration; a commitment to consistently uphold international law; and a commitment to contribute to peace and stability in Southeast Asia and the world. These values ​​and principles are even more important in the face of current geopolitical dynamics. The head of the Indonesian foreign ministry affirmed that ASEAN and Saudi Arabia need to work together as a positive force for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, while looking forward to the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Saudi Arabia in October.

On July 13, ASEAN foreign ministers are expected to attend meetings with partners from India, New Zealand, Russia, Australia and China to review cooperation and set out future directions.

According to VNA/Tin Tuc Newspaper