Leaders at the 10th ASEAN-UN Summit (Photo: VNA) Bangkok (VNA) – Leaders from theAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations (UN)underlined the importance of bilateral cooperation in solving global challengesat the 10th ASEAN-UN Summit in Thailand on November 3 within the framework ofthe 35th ASEAN Summit and related summits.
The two sides emphasised the need forcooperation to cope with climate change, natural disasters, rising sea levels,pollution and plastic waste, as well as tackling cross-border crime andterrorism, and promoting sustainable development in the context of rapid andcomplicated global developments.
They agreed to boost collaboration between theASEAN and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation(UNESCO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
Regarding the East Sea, the leaders saidunilateral actions that ran counter to international law have been negativelyaffecting peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation andaviation in the East Sea.
The UN affirmed its support for the ASEAN’sviewpoints of solving disputes via dialogue based on international law.
The leaders said they believed that havingVietnam and Indonesia as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council in2020 will help the ASEAN and the UN increase cooperation, contributing to thepromotion of peace, security and sustainable development in the region andbeyond.
On behalf of ASEAN countries, Thailand as chairof ASEAN 2019 recognised the efforts made to realise 93 percent of the targetsset in the ASEAN-UN action plan, looking towards the implementation of theASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)2030.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underlinedthe importance and central role of the ASEAN in the regional architecture,while appreciating the bloc’s achievements in socio-economic development.
However, there are still many challenges toaddress to make sure no one is left behind, he said.
The UN chief added that the UN is willing tosupport ASEAN and hopes the bloc will continue pursuing the SDGs./.
VNA
