ASEAN leaders reaffirm importance of peace, security, maritime freedom in East Sea
VGP - Leaders of 10 ASEAN member countries "further reaffirm" the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation and over-flight above the East Sea, according to their Vision Statement on Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN.
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Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc addresses the opening ceremony of the 36th ASEAN Summit on June 26, 2020. Photo: VGP |
They pledged to work actively towards the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) in its entirety and the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), consistent with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
The regional leaders further stressed on the importance of non-militarization and self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability, and avoid actions that may further complicate the situation.
The leaders underlined the need to pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, while enhancing mutual trust and confidence, read the Vision Statement.
Regarding economic recovery, they agreed to undertake necessary measures for gradual revitalization of ASEAN’s economic activities to implement facilitative measures and to expedite recovery of the ASEAN economies.
They vowed to address disruptions in trade links, promote and support regional and global supply chain connectivity and ensure unimpeded flow of essential goods including medicine, medical supplies and devices and other critical goods and services in supply chains through increased transparency and refraining from imposing unnecessary non-tariff measures during the COVID-19 pandemic./.
By Anh Minh
