Vientiane (VNA) – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) needs to unite and amplify its collective voice in calling for an end to war and conflict, while seeking peaceful solutions based on respect for international law, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said at an October 9 retreat session with leaders of member states and Timor-Leste, as part of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and related summits in Vientiane, Laos.

Noting opportunities and challenges brought about by significant shifts in global and regional security landscapes, participating ASEAN leaders held that it is strategically important to enhance the bloc’s connectivity, resilience, unity, centrality, and capacity-building efforts.

On regional and international issues of common concern, they agreed to consolidate ASEAN’s principled stance on the East Sea, underscoring the rule of law and peaceful resolution of disputes in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982). Praising efforts by Laos as the rotating chair this year and the chair’s Special Envoy on Myanmar, they said the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus remains the guiding framework for assisting Myanmar.

In his remarks, PM Chinh called on the bloc to carry out more proactive action in capitalising on growth opportunities, driving digital transformation and green development, and addressing climate change, among other emerging fields potential for cooperation.

He went on to stress that territorial disputes in the East Sea must be resolved by peaceful means based on international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982, and calling for the respect of the interests and sovereign rights of the parties involved.

The Vietnamese Government leader said it is necessary to ensure security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the waters – one of the world’s most vital trade routes, handling 60% of global shipping traffic and impacting all nations, especially those in the region. Accordingly, he urged ASEAN member states to maintain solidarity and reinforce their central role and common stance on the East Sea.

Concerning the Myanmar issue, the PM commended the role of Laos and previous chairs in supporting the nation to seek a solution based on the Five-Point Consensus, though noting that progress remains limited. He held that this reality calls for a new approach from ASEAN.

Endorsing several solutions proposed by member states, he affirmed that the resolution should be determined by the Myanmar people and expressed his hope for dialogues and negotiations among stakeholders in the country to end the conflict, prevent harm to civilians, and mitigate security issues affecting the region, such as transnational crime and online fraud.

🐈 PM Chinh asserted that ASEAN must leverage its role as a bridge to facilitate dialogue and negotiations among the concerned parties./.