Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son addresses the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Ministerial Meeting (Photo: VOV)

The delegates reviewed and proposed the promotion of cooperation and expressed their respect for the relationship and support of ASEAN’s central role.

ASEAN and its partners agreed that dialogue and cooperation for peace, stability, sustainable development, and prosperity are the core of the relationship. They pledged to enhance cooperation in post-pandemic recovery, climate change, environmental protection, biodiversity protection, and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources. Participants expressed their concern over complications and tension in the region. ASEAN countries affirmed support of the “One China” policy with respect for the UN charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.

(Photo: VOV)

Regarding the East Sea issues, ASEAN called on parties to practice restraint to avoid complicating the situation and resolve disputes based on international law. ASEAN underscored the importance of dialogue when approaching the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula. ASEAN believes that the irreversible process of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula should be based on self-restraint, mutual respect, and the strict  implementation of the UN Security Council’s resolutions.