(VOVworld) – 40 representatives of ASEAN member and China today/on Wednesday began their discussion to seek ways for tighter cooperation in search and rescue services of distressed fishermen and vessels in the East Sea. Practical measures are to be reached in the 2-day conference for building a peaceful, stable, and safe environment in the East Sea, consolidating mutual trust amidst pending sovereignty disputes in this area. This conference is part of an action plan guiding the implementation of the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC).  Vietnam’s Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh told reporters on the sideline of the conference: "A key part of the DOC is trust building measures. This discussion is a means, through which both sides enhance trust building and propose ways for tightened inter-government communication channels. Trust is built once we can ensure peace, stability, and maritime freedom and safety in the area. To reach regional peace and stability, both sides have to comply with international laws, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, to settle disputes peacefully on the basis of respects to all claimants’ legitimate rights and interests".

Vietnam’s Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh talks to reporters (Photo: VOV)

Vinh said that being a coastal country with goodwill to intensify trust building and regional cooperation, Vietnam attaches importance to joint search and rescue efforts. This conference, which illustrates Vietnam’s stance in ASEAN-China cooperation, will evaluate the needs of joint efforts in support of distressed fishermen and vessels in the East Sea, study the factors influencing cooperative humanitarian aids, and propose specific measures for closer links in this field.

The conference will conclude on Thursday.