Delegates at the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) in Singapore (Source: SOM ASEAN).

Speaking at the ASEAN countries at the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) in Singapore on Thursday, Deputy FM Dung noticed recent developments in the East Sea, saying these violated the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and affected the progress of Code of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea. He called on ASEAN countries to enhance solidarity and contribute to maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea. The nations should be consistent in realizing the agreed principles, including demilitarization, and joining hands with China to implement the DOC and build a comprehensive COC in line with international regulations.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Mr. Dung had bilateral meetings with deputy foreign ministers of the Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand, discussing issues of mutual interests. The ASEAN Plus Three Senior Officials’ Meeting and the East Asia Summit will be open on Wednesday.