Within the framework of AMM 49, there were 16 minister-level meetings including the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, meetings between ASEAN foreign ministers and their counterparts from ASEAN’s partner and dialogue countries, and other partners within the framework of the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Regional Forum. They reviewed the implementation of plans, planned future activities, and ratified documents including an ASEAN joint statement expressing ASEAN’s views on regional and international issues.

Major results  

ASEAN member countries assessed the implementation of plans set for 2016, the first year after the formation of the ASEAN Community in late 2015. A half year after its establishment, the ASEAN Community has implemented its tasks on schedule. The bloc has been working on new negotiations regarding the Economic Community and has obtained a positive result. ASEAN countries have agreed on plans to further enhance the Community’s efficiency and role.

ASEAN has enhanced its relationship with its partner countries. Through meetings, countries expressed their will to expand relations with ASEAN and committed to cooperating with ASEAN for mutual benefit.

At the meeting of ASEAN with Japan, South Korea, and China (ASEAN+3), countries agreed to increase the food reserves fund to cope with natural disaster risks and support agricultural production.

ASEAN and its partners discussed regional and global issues   and measures to cope with challenges facing countries. ASEAN countries issued a joint statement affirming their shared views on issues facing ASEAN and its partners. Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung said: “ASEAN’s joint statement affirms its stance on major issues including the East Sea issue. It proves that countries are aware of the benefits of ASEAN cooperation and the need to join hands to promote the bloc’s central role and strengthen solidarity.”

Vietnam’s contributions

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh led the Vietnamese delegation to the event to show Vietnam’s external policies of independence, self-reliance, multi-lateralization, and diversification.

Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung said: “Vietnam delivered presentations at all discussions to express its stance on regional and global issues and proposed initiatives for bilateral cooperation to promote ASEAN’s role. Vietnam contributed ideas to decisions and the joint statement to better implement ASEAN’s plans and maintain peace and security in the region and the world. Vietnam presented its views on development, peace, and security issues.”

A stronger ASEAN will benefit regional and global peace, stability, and cooperation. Vietnam’s contributions to the success of AMM 49 and related meetings have helped build a stronger and more effective ASEAN and foster ASEAN’s relations with its partners.