Unite for a prestigious ASEAN, the center of the entire region

The AMM-56 meeting and related conferences, held from July 8-14 in Indonesia, represent the largest annual series of activities for ASEAN Foreign Ministers.

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son led the Vietnamese delegation to attend conferences preparing for the 42nd ASEAN Summit in May 2023.

On the occasion of Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son leading the Vietnamese delegation to the 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM), Acting Head of Vietnam's ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM), Ambassador Vu Ho shared his views on the importance of the Meeting for the Community's development and the Association's goals for 2023.

This AMM meeting follows the successful 42nd ASEAN Summit, which yielded many important results and commitments, and coincides with the latter half of ASEAN Year 2023, amidst complex regional and international developments. Ambassador, could you please elaborate on the significance and key objectives of this AMM meeting in relation to ASEAN's common goals?

The AMM-56 Summit and related meetings, held from July 8-14 in Jakarta, Indonesia, represent the largest annual series of activities for ASEAN Foreign Ministers.

The main purpose of these conferences is to review the achievements made in the first half of the year and to set directions for ASEAN cooperation in the remainder of the year. These activities are clearly very important, serving both as a mid-year summary and as a step forward in strengthening ASEAN's commitment to peace , stability, cooperation, and development in the region.

ASEAN cooperation is a long-term, complex process that is both deep and broad, involving all ministries and sectors of member countries, as well as support from external partners. Therefore, the AMM meetings are always a "regional celebration," not only a place for exchanging views on ASEAN cooperation but also a place for networking and connecting among member countries.

On that basis, a successful AMM will be a contribution to dialogue and cooperation in the region, a common asset of the whole ASEAN.

The message of ASEAN solidarity and the need for a more innovative and energetic ASEAN was emphasized by Vietnamese leaders at the 42nd ASEAN Summit. At this year's AMM, what are the key initiatives that the Vietnamese delegation wishes to highlight, Ambassador?

As mentioned above, each ASEAN chairmanship term has its own unique characteristics, representing the efforts of the members for the Community. The priorities and initiatives proposed by the Chair and approved by the Leaders also become the common assets of the Association. Therefore, successfully implementing the priorities and initiatives during the year is the responsibility of the members.

Specifically for ASEAN, a key characteristic that emerged in 2023, and which Indonesia is actively pursuing, is a more united, dynamic, and independent ASEAN. Therefore, all initiatives are aimed at building an ASEAN at the center, successfully responding to the challenges of the times, and acting as a driving force for regional development. This aligns with the theme of ASEAN 2023: “ASEAN in stature: The heart of development.”

In this context, the Vietnamese delegation participates in the Conferences with a confident, positive, and proactive attitude, contributing responsibly to strengthening solidarity, promoting mutual assistance, and advancing the building of the ASEAN Community. This contributes to building a unified ASEAN image, a leading force in joint efforts for peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.

With its partners, Vietnam engages in peaceful exchanges, basing its discussions on dialogue, avoiding confrontation, minimizing differences, and encouraging partners to support ASEAN in building the Community. Naturally, the Vietnamese delegation will remain resolute and persistent in defending national interests, harmonizing them with the interests of the Community, and adhering firmly to principles while maintaining flexibility in implementation.

Many people had envisioned a satisfactory conclusion to an effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) in 2023, given the complex situation in the South China Sea. Ambassador, could you please explain how the South China Sea and Myanmar issues will be discussed within the framework of this AMM meeting?

ASEAN cooperation is a regional process involving, to varying degrees, many countries around the world , including major powers. International and regional issues are also frequently discussed by Foreign Ministers at these meetings. All emerging issues, including developments in the South China Sea, ASEAN's efforts to support Myanmar, and other regional "hot spots" such as the Korean Peninsula or relations surrounding the Taiwan Strait, will be addressed by the participating countries.

For a long time, ASEAN has been known for the "ASEAN Way." Frank dialogue, sincere exchange, and close consultation are the main methods ASEAN uses to promote cooperation. Through these methods, member states can find common ground on all issues, no matter how difficult, complex, or even sensitive they may be.

The South China Sea is a region of crucial importance not only geopolitically but also as a lifeline for global trade. Building the South China Sea into a region of peace, cooperation, and sustainable development is a shared responsibility of all countries.

Admittedly, disputes are unavoidable in international relations, especially regarding territory and maritime boundaries. However, if all parties commit to restraint, confidence-building, and international law, these disputes can be controlled. Similarly, the complexities in the South China Sea can be resolved peacefully through dialogue and respect for the rule of law.

The purpose of developing the Code of Conduct (COC) is to contribute to creating a suitable environment for dialogue and building trust among the parties. This process has been underway for many years. Through these exchanges, it can be seen that the parties have now come to understand each other better and are ready to work together towards an effective and efficient COC that is consistent with international law and UNCLOS 1982.

At this meeting, the ASEAN and Chinese Foreign Ministers reviewed the situation in the South China Sea, the progress made in building the Code of Conduct (COC), and agreed on major directions for this process.

Over the past two years, the turmoil in Myanmar has attracted the attention of many countries. Myanmar is an ASEAN member, so discussing ways to support a member in need is natural and is also a characteristic of ASEAN culture. ASEAN has consistently maintained its stance that Myanmar's problems must be decided by the people of Myanmar themselves, and ASEAN will provide full support to ensure these issues are resolved peacefully. In addition, ASEAN will continue to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Myanmar.

Once again, it is clear that this series of AMM meetings will be an event affirming the spirit of ASEAN solidarity, readiness for frank dialogue, and sincere cooperation for common peace, stability, and prosperity.

The Association is looking forward to celebrating the 56th anniversary of ASEAN's founding (August 8, 1967 - August 8, 2023). How does the Ambassador assess the Association's role and position in the region and internationally today?

ASEAN was born, exists, and has developed for over half a century. The difficulties and challenges ASEAN has overcome throughout its history have demonstrated the strong vitality of the Association. ASEAN's success is due to the contributions of its members, and in return, behind the successes and development of its members lies the presence of ASEAN.

At 56 years old, ASEAN has weathered many historical storms, becoming more mature and experienced. Impulsiveness and even suspicion have faded, trust has been established, consultation has become customary, and cooperation has become a habit. These factors have made ASEAN better, earning it higher praise from international partners and friends.

In summary, ASEAN today is a key force in regional cooperation for peace, stability, and common prosperity, and is also an integral part of the foreign policy of its members.

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