ASEAN continues to be a beacon of peace amid turmoil

On the afternoon of July 9, continuing his working program in Malaysia, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son attended the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, focusing on reviewing and orienting ASEAN's foreign relations and discussing international and regional issues of mutual concern.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son attended the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting on July 9. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

The Ministers had in-depth discussions on the rapid and complex movements that have overshadowed the global geostrategic environment in recent times, from great power competition, prolonged conflicts in many places, unilateralism, erosion of international law, to transnational challenges such as climate change, cybercrime, and energy security.

The countries also expressed concerns about rising economic instability, trade protectionism, technological disaggregation and supply chain fragmentation. The Ministers stressed that in this context, more than ever, ASEAN needs to maintain solidarity, promote its central role, uphold compliance with common principles and norms of conduct, persevere in a balanced and harmonious approach to foreign relations, and maintain an open, inclusive and rules-based regional architecture.

The conference acknowledged the positive progress in cooperation between ASEAN and its partners, and agreed that new phase action plans between ASEAN and its partners need to be closely linked to the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and ASEAN's cooperation strategies.

Accordingly, the Ministers adopted the Decision on strengthening ASEAN's external relations, assigning ASEAN agencies to comprehensively assess relations with partners, optimize resources and existing mechanisms, shape partnerships in line with ASEAN's long-term strategic priorities on the basis of mutual benefit, effectively adapt to current and future challenges, and ensure ASEAN's solidarity and central role.

Discussing the international and regional situation, the Ministers expressed concern over the complicated developments in Myanmar, especially the worsening humanitarian situation following the earthquake on March 28. The Ministers reaffirmed that the Five-Point Consensus continues to be the basis for ASEAN's efforts to support Myanmar, emphasizing the need to end violence soon, conduct dialogue between relevant parties in Myanmar, continue to prioritize the implementation of humanitarian assistance activities, and extend and expand the nationwide ceasefire.

The conference highly appreciated the role of the ASEAN Chairman's Special Envoy on Myanmar, especially his efforts to consult with many stakeholders in Myanmar as well as exchange with ASEAN member countries and many partners to seek peaceful and sustainable solutions.

The Ministers agreed to conduct a comprehensive review of the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus and submit recommendations to the ASEAN Summit in October 2025, and assigned ASEAN Senior Officials to study a new strategy to ensure continuity in the role of the Special Envoy on Myanmar.

The conference also discussed the situation in the East Sea, reaffirmed ASEAN's principled stance, emphasized the importance of peace, security, stability, freedom of navigation and aviation, and promoted compliance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Overview of the meeting. (Photo: Quang Hoa)

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bui Thanh Son shared the countries' views on the rapid and unstable changes in the international situation in recent times, when peace and security are facing serious challenges, conflicts and tensions continue, and acts of using and threatening to use force, especially against civilian and nuclear infrastructure, are becoming increasingly alarming.

Faced with these changes, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister emphasized the role of ASEAN as “a beacon of peace”, a model regional organization for dialogue, cooperation and resolving differences by peaceful means.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister affirmed that it is the spirit of family solidarity, community solidarity and close neighbourliness, along with the solid foundation of dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international law, that has made ASEAN successful over the past decades. These achievements need to continue to be strongly promoted, especially in the process of realizing the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister also emphasized that ASEAN needs to continue to strengthen its capacity for self-reliance and strategic autonomy, while proactively promoting relations with partners, contributing to maintaining strategic balance in the region while enhancing cooperation in responding to common challenges. ASEAN needs to promote its central role in shaping and leading regional processes, improving the operational efficiency of existing mechanisms, including making use of the role of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) in Jakarta.

Appreciating the leading role of the Malaysian Chair, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister affirmed that Vietnam will continue to actively contribute to efforts to build consensus and a common voice of ASEAN on regional and international issues.

Regarding Myanmar, Vietnam is ready to support the recovery and reconstruction process, proposing that ASEAN study a new approach, develop a plan to implement the 5-point Consensus with specific goals, a clear roadmap and feasible steps.

Regarding the East Sea, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister shared concerns about recent developments; emphasizing that ASEAN needs to continue to maintain its principled stance, uphold international law, especially UNCLOS 1982, promote dialogue, restraint, cooperation to build trust, and peacefully resolve disputes. Vietnam pledges to continue to coordinate with countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and soon complete an effective, substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, especially UNCLOS 1982.

Also on the afternoon of July 9, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bui Thanh Son and ASEAN Foreign Ministers attended the signing ceremony of the document of accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) by Uruguay and Algeria, bringing the total number of members participating in the Treaty to 57.

Nearly 50 years after its signing in 1976, the TAC continues to expand its membership over the years, affirming the value of the Treaty as well as the increasingly important role of ASEAN in peace, security, stability and cooperation in the region.

On July 10, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meetings with partners within the framework of ASEAN+1 and ASEAN+3 will continue.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/asean-tiep-tuc-la-ngon-hai-dang-hoa-binh-giua-boi-canh-day-bien-dong-320357.html