Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and other ASEAN FMs at AMM-55. Photo: baoquocte.vn

From August 2-5, 2022, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-55) and related conferences took place, with more than 20 activities within ASEAN frameworks. , ASEAN+1, ASEAN+3, East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). The Vietnamese delegation to the event was led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, who stressed the significance of trust building and called on sides to exercise restraint and handle disputes and differences by peaceful measures and in line with international law, the United Nations Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

In an interview with the press about the results of the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-55) and related conferences, Ambassador Vu Ho said that AMM-55 affirms the value of dialogue and cooperation.

What are the meaning and results of AMM-55 and related conferences?

First, this is the first time the AMM is held in person after more than two years of interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The AMM is one of ASEAN's most important activities of the year, gathering the largest number of Foreign Ministers of ASEAN countries and partners. This reflects the desire of countries to soon resume exchanges and cooperation with the region, showing that ASEAN's role continues to be supported and respected by countries.

Second, it is an opportunity for countries to reassess the cooperation process of ASEAN and between ASEAN and its partners over the past year. Thereby, they can together set future directions.

The content discussed at the conferences is diverse, from cooperation in pandemic response, improving medical capacity, and promoting recovery, to trade, investment, stabilizing the supply chain, and sub-regional cooperation and connection. Countries also discussed strengthening coordination to respond to emerging challenges such as climate change, development gap, environment, epidemics, energy, and food security.

Third, through frank and substantive dialogue, ASEAN and its partners have discussed extensively many issues of common concern, thereby, affirming the role and strategic value of ASEAN-led mechanisms in promoting dialogue and cooperation. This creates a forum for countries to exchange views, and contribute to improving understanding, narrowing differences, and promoting trust.

At the conference, the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN countries passed the Joint Communiqué of AMM-55 reflecting the contents of the discussion, demonstrating solidarity, unity, and responsibility of ASEAN, in accordance with the spirit of the year's theme, which is "ASEAN A.C.T.: Addressing Challenges Together". ASEAN and its partners have passed important documents, serving as a basis to continue promoting and deepening cooperative relations in the coming time.

Ambassador Vu Ho, acting head of ASEAN SOM Vietnam. Photo: Tuan Anh

What do think of Vietnam's participation and contributions at these conferences?

Vietnam's participation in these Conferences demonstrates the continuation of our commitments and responsibilities to the region and the common work of ASEAN. Right from the beginning of 2022 when Cambodia takes on the chairmanship, we have made early preparations to participate and contribute effectively to all ASEAN activities this year.

In the spirit of initiative, positivity, and responsibility, throughout the 27 years since we joined the ASEAN, Vietnam always coordinated closely with countries to implement ASEAN's priorities and initiatives. Vietnam is ready to join hands with ASEAN to respond to common challenges. Continuing that spirit, the Vietnamese delegation, led by Minister Bui Thanh Son, attended and continued to make many important contributions to the overall success of the Conferences.

Given the recent tense developments in the region and areas close to ASEAN such as the Taiwan Strait, the Vietnamese Minister and representatives of other countries have discussed openly and constructively, promoting cooperation in good faith and responsible contribution, using dialogue and consultation to find solutions and do not let differences and disagreements escalate into conflicts.

At all conferences, the Minister emphasized the importance of building trust, calling for restraint, resolving disputes and disagreements by peaceful means, and complying with international law and the United Nations Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

The Minister and other countries reaffirmed ASEAN's principled stance on the South China Sea, called for building the South China Sea into a sea of peace and stability, continuing to seriously implement the DOC, and building an effective COC that is consistent with international law, including the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Minister also shared the views of ASEAN and Vietnam on other issues.

Discussing cooperation within ASEAN and between ASEAN with partners, Vietnam's delegation made specific contributions, proposed initiatives related to building the ASEAN Community, developing orientation for ASEAN after 2025, and promoting sub-regional recovery and development, as well as response to traditional and non-traditional security challenges.

Before and during the Conference, the delegation actively participated, making balanced and harmonious contributions to the content of documents, reconciling differences between countries, and ensuring solidarity and unity of ASEAN. Vietnam's opinions received support from other countries and were reflected in the Conference's documents.

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