Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoshimasa Hayashi. (Photo: Kyodo/VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Japanand the UK have agreed to step up securitycooperation in order to realise a "free and open Indo-Pacific" region.
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that in their phone talks on November 24, Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and his British counterpart Liz Truss affirmed theirstrong opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force inthe East China Sea and South China Sea (called the East Sea in Vietnam).
The ministers discussed the UK's bid to join the 11-member Comprehensiveand Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
They alsoagreed to work together to reduce carbon emissions following the recent 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, the UK./.
Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Hor Namhong has urged South China Sea (called the East Sea in Vietnam) claimants to solve disputes peacefully by following international laws.
Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob has affirmed his country's consistent position that issues concerning the East Sea (internationally called South China Sea) must be managed in a peaceful and rational manner through dialogue and consultations, utilising appropriate forums and diplomatic channels.
The Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) held the 13th international conference on the East Sea under the theme "Looking back to a brighter future" in Hanoi on November 18.
Vietnam has shown its resolute objection to Taiwan’s military exercises in the territorial waters around Ba Binh island belonging to Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago, and demanded Taiwan to end those actions and not to repeat them in the future, Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang has said.
Experts at the 13th South China Sea International Conference on November 19 shared the view on the significance of building order in the East Sea (internationally known as South China Sea) based on international law, especially the 1982 United Nations on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS).
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoshimasa Hayashi. (Photo: Kyodo/VNA) 
