(VNA/VOVworld) - Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh has affirmed Vietnam’s support for the increased ASEAN – India strategic partnership in various fields at their 5th annual dialogue which concluded in New Delhi, India, on Wednesday.

The 5th annual ASEAN – India dialogue (Photo: VNA)

Addressing the two-day event, Vinh said the dialogue takes place in the context that the region is facing opportunities and challenges. In such context, ASEAN’s efforts in Community building as well as in its contribution to building an environment for stability and development cooperation are crucial. In this context, ASEAN highly values India’s role and its “Look East” policy in such joint effort. Vinh added that the block need India’s continuing assistance in initiatives and dialogues to boost regional cooperation for peace and development. The Deputy FM said he hopes ASEAN members and other nations, including India, will support the joint effort between ASEAN and related countries in ensuring peace, stability and maritime security and safety in the East Sea as well as the peaceful settlement of disputes on the basis of international law and conventions on the law of the sea, including the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and the ASEAN’s Six-Point Principles.