(VOVworld)- On Friday, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh attended the Unofficial ASEAN-US Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New York. At the event, the Ministers highlighted the importance of the ASEAN-US strategic partnership.

In his address, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said ASEAN always respects the relationship and comprehensive cooperation with its partners including the US and the UN.

He asked the US to strengthen its cooperation with and support for ASEAN, particularly in enhancing connectivity, developing SMEs, start-ups, innovation, science, technology, education, training, climate change, and Sub-Mekong region. He urged the UN to work closely with ASEAN to implement Sustainable Development Goals, support ASEAN to improve its capacity in regional connection and response to no-traditional challenges. Mr. Minh asked ASEAN and its partners to contribute to maintaining peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, promoting legal compliance, especially the principles of self-restraint, and settling disputes by peaceful means in line with international law.