Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and the leaders of ASEAN Member States and the US have agreed that the current complex regional developments are adversely affecting each nation.
On the morning of February 17 (Hanoi time), Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung along with US President Barack Obama and ASEAN leaders attended a discussion under the theme “Protecting Peace, Prosperity, and Security in the Asia-Pacific” on the sidelines of the ASEAN-US Special Summit in Sunnylands, Rancho Mirage, California.
They said recent tensions in the East Sea, the Korean peninsula, the terrorist attack in Jakarta, cyber security, transnational crime and climate change are matters of shared concern of many countries. In this context, the leaders emphasized the importance of the ASEAN-US strategic partnership especially in promoting regional prosperity and addressing transnational challenges.
ASEAN and US leaders consented to adopt a joint declaration in which they affirmed the oriented principles for ASEAN-US relations in the next period.
The declaration reaffirmed the key principles that will promote the ASEAN-US cooperation and mutual respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, equality and political independence of all nations by firmly upholding the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations, the ASEAN Charter and international law.
It also touched upon the importance of shared prosperity, sustainable, inclusive economic growth and development, and the nurturing of our young people to sustain continued peace, development, and stability for mutual benefit.
The leaders concurred to forge their cooperation forward mutual recognition of the importance of pursuing policies that lead to dynamic, open, and competitive economies that foster economic growth, job creation, innovation, entrepreneurship and connectivity, and that support SMEs and narrow the development gap.
The declaration showed shared commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes, including full respect for legal and diplomatic processes, without resorting to the threat or use of force in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
ASEAN and US leader expressed their shared commitment to continue political dialogue at the Head of State/Government level through Leaders’ attendance at the annual US-ASEAN Summit and the East Asia Summit.
In his address, PM Dung shared deep concern about the recent complicated developments in the East Sea, especially the actions that have changed the status quo, and increased militarization that is threatening peace, stability, security, maritime safety and aviation in the region.
The PM suggested countries should prioritize trust-building strategies, promote dialogues, cooperation, and compliance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), enhance the role of multilateral institutions, and support ASEAN's leading role in maintaining a peaceful environment and regional security.
Regarding the strategic significance of the ASEAN –US relations, PM Dung hailed the positive support of the US and its partners for ASEAN's stance on dealing with regional security problems, including the East Sea issue.
The government leader positively assessed the progress and significant results achieved in the ASEAN- US partnership over the recent past and hoped that both sides will work hand in hand to effectively implement the ASEAN-US Action Plan for the period 2016 -2020 as a contribution to propelling the ASEAN-US relations forward in the time ahead.
The same day, PM Dung and his delegation left California for Hanoi, concluding their US trip for the ASEAN-US Special Summit.
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