At the event, delegates agreed that the EAS has brought into play its significant role and strategic value in maintaining peace, security and prosperity in the region.
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Scene of the meeting. (Screen captured: Ministry of Foreign Affairs) |
They recognised the progress in the EAS cooperation in the recent past despite the many challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in the implementation of the Manila Plan of Action for the 2018 – 2022 period.
In the face of the complicated COVID-19 situation in the region, ASEAN asked their partners to support the bloc’s COVID-19 response initiatives such as the ASEAN COVID-19 response fund, the Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies for Public Health Emergencies, and the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework.
Talking about the emerging challenges and latent risks to regional peace, security, and stability, including the Korean Peninsula, East Sea/South China Sea, and Myanmar situation, officials affirmed that continuing to ensure peace, security, and stability is mutually beneficial to all members, particularly amid the fact that countries are coping with the pandemic and boosting recovery. The EAS needs to further bring into play its important role and actively contribute to these efforts, they noted.
Regarding the East Sea issue, they called on relevant parties to refrain from any action that escalates tensions or complicates the situation. Furthermore, they urged members to abstain from militarisation and the use or threat to use force while also resolving disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
They also appealed to ASEAN and China to fully and effectively carry out the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and build an efficient and effective Code of Conduct (COC) in the waters in line with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
Translated by Chung Anh