PM welcomes EAS giving priority to maritime cooperation

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc attends the 12th East Asia Summit, Manila, the Philippines, November 14, 2017 - Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu

Speaking at the meeting, the PM highlighted orientations for EAS cooperation in the upcoming time such as enhancement of　practical　dialogues and cooperation, establishment of an open, transparent and rules-based regional architecture, promotion of the role of EAS in addressing challenges in the region and welcoming EAS giving priority to maritime cooperation.　

Regarding the East Sea issue, the PM repeated standpoint consented by ASEAN, including principles set　at the 50th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting　in August 2017.　

He applauded ASEAN and China to approve the　adoption of a framework for the COC in August, stressing　the need to promote negotiations for a feasible, legally-binding COC in accordance with international law, including the UNCLOS, to maintain long-term and sustainable　peace and stability　in the East Sea.

At the summit, the countries discussed strategic issues related to politics-security and economic development in the region.

At the event, the leaders agreed to adopt declarations on anti-money laundering and countering financing for terrorism, preventing the spread of terrorism and chemical weapons, and cooperating to reduce poverty.

The EAS brings together ten members of ASEAN (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippine, Singapore, Thailand and Viet　Nam), and the bloc’s partners, Australia, China, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Russia, and the U.S.

By　Thuy　Dung