Singapore (VNA) – Vietnamese Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich called on partiesconcerned to work together to solve disputes in peaceful atmosphere, withpartnership spirit and for community responsibility while addressing the fifthplenary session of the 18th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 2.

Hestressed that the behaviour and actions of powers play an important role inthis regard, saying they should take greater responsibility and set examples ininternational relations.

Theminister made the suggestions given security challenges and complex issuesfacing the region, including strategic competitions between countries,especially powers.

Thecompetition for strategic interests in Asia-Pacific is getting fiercer as theregion has become more attractive thanks to its strategic and geographicallocation, he added.

Thecompetitions are taking place at both regional and global levels, and invarious spheres, from politics and diplomacy to economy, trade, naturalresources, environment and national territorial sovereignty, regarding bothtraditional and non-traditional challenges, Lich said.

Theminister emphasised that conflicts would lead to unexpected consequences andaffect not only concerned countries but also the entire region and the world.

Hehighlighted Vietnam’s efforts in integrating into the world, enhancingrelations with other countries and protecting peace, stability and security inthe region and the world at large.

Regardingthe East Sea issue, Lich appealed to concerned nations to abide by internationallaw and show their responsibility and goodwill to build the East Sea into anarea of peace, cooperation and development.

Helauded progress made in negotiations of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea(COC), saying the early formation of a pragmatic, binding and effective COCwould significantly contribute to maintaining peace, stability, freedom,security and safety of navigation and overflight in the East Sea.

Vietnamhopes that the concerned parties will enhance dialogues and consultations, andwork together to manage risks and prevent conflicts.

Thecountry has joined hands with China and other relevant sides to promote thesettlement of disputes in the East Sea by peaceful measures in accordance withinternational law, Lich said.

Hetold other delegates that regional cooperative mechanisms led by theAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) like the ASEAN Regional Forum, theEast Asia Summit, the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), the ASEANMaritime Forum, and the ADMM-Plus, along with such mechanisms as the Shangri-LaDialogue, the Beijing Xiangshan Forum and the Moscow Conference on InternationalSecurity, have significantly contributed to controlling uncertainties andcompetitions, and preventing conflicts.-VNA