On May 6, at the US-ASEAN Dialogue, Vietnam expressed its wish that the US would continue to play a constructive and supportive role in ASEAN’s efforts over the disputes in the South China Sea (Vietnamese call it the East Sea).
Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung said online at the Dialogue that Vietnam affirms ASEAN’s principled stance on the South China Sea issue, and “wants the US to continue to play a constructive and supportive role to help the ASEAN to turn the sea into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation,” according to VietnamNet.
Vietnam News Agency (VNA) said that Deputy Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung suggested ASEAN and the US strengthen cooperation to ensure peace, security, and prosperity in the region through mechanisms dictated by ASEAN and promote regional order based on the law, uphold international law, and settle the disputes peacefully.
The US State Department’s statement on May 6 stated that Acting Assistant Secretary of State Atul Keshap participated in the 34th annual US-ASEAN Dialogue and affirmed that the Biden-Harris administration committed to re-consolidate Washington’s multilateral partnership and ASEAN centrality.
The US also supports ASEAN’s centrality and ASEAN’s Perspectives on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), looking to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN to address emerging challenges.
ASEAN and the US affirmed to work closely to contribute to maintaining peace, security, and stability in the region; including maritime security and safety in the South China Sea, the world’s lifeblood which has potential risks of causing instability and is still happening complicatedly and worrying.
The US emphasized its support for ASEAN’s principled stance on the South China Sea issue and welcomed ASEAN to promote its role in promoting cooperation and dialogue, and building trust in the region.
Also at this dialogue, Ambassador Keshap emphasized the importance of the US-Mekong Partnership, thereby promoting transparency, sovereignty, and inclusive growth, and helping to address cross-border challenges on the Mekong River basin.
Thoibao.de (Translated)
Source: https://www.voatiengviet.com/a/vietnam-muon-my-ung-ho-asean-ve-van-de-bien-dong/5881822.html
