Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh at the ASEAN-US Ministerial Meeting (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - The ASEAN - US Ministerial Meeting was held onlineon September 10 within the framework of the 53rd ASEAN Foreign MinistersMeeting (AMM 53).
At the event, participants spoke highly of the ASEAN-US strategic partnership,considering this an important factor in ensuring peace, stability anddevelopment in the region. They also welcomed the establishment of theMekong-US Partnership.
The United States has become ASEAN's strategic partner for decades, becomingthe bloc's third largest trade partner and fourth biggest investor. The US hasactively participated in the forums established and led by ASEAN and supportedASEAN in effectively maintaining its central role and promoting dialogue andcooperation in the region, they noted.
ASEAN countries appreciated the coordination and assistance that the UnitedStates has provided for the region over the years, especially the timely andeffective US support to ASEAN through the ASEAN-US Health Futures Initiativeand the ASEAN-US Network of Health Professionals. The US has helped ASEANimprove preventive medicine capacity and disease control in the region, withthe establishment of a regional office of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)in Vietnam. ASEAN countries asked the US to share its research results tofacilitate the widespread access to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Addressing the meeting, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign MinisterPham Binh Minh spoke highly of the US's concrete efforts to carry out theASEAN-US Health Futures initiative to enhance regional capacity in respondingto emergency health situations.
He applauded the USopening of a regional CDC office in Vietnam, while looking forward to signingthe Agreement on ASEAN-USAID Regional Development Cooperation.
Minh welcomed the US’ provision of 5 million USD for the establishment of theYoung Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Institute based at theFulbright University Vietnam.
Regarding the regional and international situation, the Vietnamese Deputy PMreiterated ASEAN's principled position and suggested the parties strengthenmutual trust, uphold the rule of law, refrain from the acts that furthercomplicate the situation and from militarisation, and settle disputes throughpeaceful measures.
The parties should continue to fully and effectively implement the Declarationon the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and soon finalise an effectiveand efficient Code of Conduct (COC) in accordance with international law,especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982),contributing to maintaining peace, security and stability in the East Sea andin the region, he noted.
For his part, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, affirmed that ASEAN'ssuccessful Community building and central role in the region were in line withthe interests of the US.
He spoke highly of the proactive role of Vietnam as ASEAN Chair 2020,especially in coordinating regional efforts with partners to effectivelyrespond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also appreciated the ASEAN Perspectives Document on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)and reaffirmed the US commitment to building and developing an ASEAN-USstrategic partnership for peace and prosperity in the region on the basis ofrespect for each other's independence, sovereignty and cooperation for mutualbenefit.
Regarding the East Sea, Pompeo said the US reiterates its stance and encouragesASEAN countries to unite and agree to maintain a common viewpoint on peace,stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation in the EastSea, and resolve disputes on the basis of respect for international law, theUNCLOS 1982, and the values stated in the AOIP.
Concluding themeeting, the ministers approved the Action Plan to implement the ASEAN-USStrategic Partnership (2021-2025), with concrete actions to make cooperationpractical./.
VNA
