At an event marking 40 years of ASEAN-EU relations, Mr. Phuc underlined Vietnam’s consistent policy on denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula and reaffirmed ASEAN’s shared stance on the East Sea, particularly the principles stated in the 50^th ASEAN Ministers’ Meeting Joint Communique in August this year. He called for closer ASEAN-EU cooperation in trade, natural disaster mitigation, and response to traditional and non-traditional security challenges.

Addressing a summit to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of ASEAN-Canada ties, Prime Minister Phuc pointed to key cooperative areas including improving the capacity of micro, small, and medium enterprises, increasing connectivity, and dealing with climate change, terrorism, and maritime security. He asked Canada to share experience with ASEAN in settling marine disputes by international law.

Prime Minister Phuc also attended the ASEAN plus three meeting with China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, where delegates adopted a statement on food security. He suggested the ASEAN plus three mechanism focus on bridging the development gap across the region.