Bangkok (VNA) – The 26th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF)kicked off in Bangkok on August 2 under the chair of Thai Foreign Minister DonPramudwinai.
The forum is attended by foreign ministers ofASEAN and dialogue partners, along with representatives of observer countries.Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh led the Vietnamesedelegation to the event.
In his opening speech, Thai Foreign MinisterPramudwinai emphasised that over the last 26 years since the first ARF was heldalso in Bangkok in 1994, the ARF has become one of the main and most inclusiveforums to promote constructive dialogue and refer to opinions to create aunanimous approach so as to build confidence and trust and to resolve thepolitical and security issues of shared concern in the Asia-Pacific region.
Mentioning the challenges facing the region, hesaid the ARF should not only maintain itself as a platform for straightforwardand open discussion as well as substantive cooperation, but also consolidatethe political will and enhance the capacity for collective actions to helpprevent security incidents and contribute more effectively to the response tourgent challenges in the region.
At this year’s ARF, participants are set toexchange viewpoints on political and security issues in the Asia-Pacificregion, along with future directions for the forum. They will also deliberateand adopt the documents which will serve as guidelines for ARF members to enhancecooperation and security in the region in accordance with the forum’s workplans.
Thailand’s priorities for this event consist ofpromoting sustainable security, highlighting ASEAN’s centrality in developingtangible outcomes with external partners, and promoting women, peace andsecurity.
The 52nd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting andrelated meetings are taking place in Bangkok from July 29 to August 3. Theyattract representatives of more than 30 countries, including ASEAN members,dialogue and non-dialogue countries of the ARF, and guest nations of hostThailand like Norway, Peru, Switzerland and Turkey. -VNA
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