HCMC – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged nations to embrace multilateralism as the solution to global challenges, including epidemics, climate change, resource depletion, and peaceful resolution of conflicts by international law.
Speaking at the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS) on September 7, PM Chinh emphasized the strategic importance of the EAS as a platform for dialogue and strategic direction for peace, security, and prosperity in the region and the world.
The EAS comprises ASEAN and partner countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, India, Russia and the U.S.
The Prime Minister highlighted the effectiveness of regional agreements such as the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty, and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
He expressed hope that the spirit of multilateralism would extend to other regions, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Leaders at the EAS engaged in extensive discussions on international and regional issues, including the East Sea, Myanmar, the Korean Peninsula, and the conflict in Ukraine. They emphasized the importance of regional peace, security, and stability for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
PM Chinh urged partners to support ASEAN’s central role and work together to foster dialogue, build trust, address common woes, and establish a rules-based regional structure. He also called for transparency, inclusivity, and adherence to international law in shaping a peaceful, stable, cooperative, and sustainable region.
Regarding the East Sea, ASEAN leaders reaffirmed the importance of maritime security, safety, and the freedom of navigation and overflight for all nations. They called for the full and effective implementation of the DOC and the creation of a substantive and legally binding Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
In addressing the Myanmar situation, Chinh affirmed ASEAN’s leading role and commitment to supporting Myanmar based on the Five-Point Consensus (5PC), with Vietnam pledging active engagement and responsible humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar.
The EAS member states recognized the pivotal role of the EAS as a forum for dialogue and strategic direction toward peace, security, and prosperity in the region. They committed to implementing the EAS Action Plan for 2024-2028, focusing on trade, investment, maritime cooperation, food and energy security, and emerging sectors such as digital transformation, green economy, circular economy, and climate resilience.
According to PM Chinh, EAS member countries account for over 54% of the world’s population and 62% of global gross domestic product. He expressed optimism that the EAS would continue to foster trust, shared interests, confidence, capabilities, resources, and effective cooperation to cope with global challenges.
