(VOVworld) – ASEAN Foreign Ministers have expressed grave concerns at recent developments in the East Sea, saying that they eroded trust, increased tensions, and threatened peace, stability, and security in the East Sea. They stressed the importance of ensuring peace, stability, security, and safety and freedom of navigation and aviation, settling disputes peacefully in line with international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, not using force, and fully abiding by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea toward adopting a Code of Conduct in the East Sea. The ministers agreed on the need to increase unity, responsibility and ASEAN’s role in handling the East Sea issue. Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh voiced his support for ASEAN’s stance. He stressed Article 5 of the DOC referring to practical negotiations to quickly achieve a COC. Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Anipha Aman said ASEAN could and should play a role in seeking a solution to the Eats Sea issue. He added that parties should respect the values of each nation and address the issue from the basis of peace and cooperation. Cambodia’s Foreign Minister Ho Nam Hong said that ASEAN countries agreed to urge parties involved to fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea.