The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) gained many significant achievements in 2013, including the strengthening of solidarity and its central role in regional security and development issues, as well as the enhancement of coordination at international forums, especially in the United Nations (UN) framework.

Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh made the statement at an Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (IAMM) on September 27 on the sidelines of the 68th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The meeting was in preparation for the 23rd ASEAN Summit and related meetings scheduled for October 8-10 in Brunei.

The same day, FM Minh attended a meeting between ASEAN ministers, the UN General Secretary and the President of UN General Assembly to discuss the lifting of ASEAN-UN cooperation, including the implementation of the two sides’ comprehensive partnership, which was established in 2011.

The FM praised ASEAN-UN cooperation over the past time, particularly the UN’s contribution to the building of the ASEAN Community scheduled to be completed by the end of 2015.

ASEAN and the UN can boost cooperation in numerous areas such as completing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and settling global issues, he added.

Regarding regional issues, the diplomat said relevant sides should work to strengthen peace, security, stability and maritime security according to international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, strictly implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and advancing to an early formation of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

FM Minh also met with Foreign Ministers of China, Andorra, Bulgaria and Madagascar to foster bilateral ties between Vietnam and these countries. 

Source: VNA