Addressing the opening session, the Deputy Minister said the Covid-19 is not only a healthcare, social and economic problem but also a demand for comprehensive cooperation. He said, “Conventional and non-conventional security and  hotpots in the world pose challenges and concerns. These include cyber security, the Korean peninsula nuclear issue, terrorism, maritime security and the East Sea.”

Deputy Defense Minister Vinh called for comprehensive cooperation to build up trust and goodwill for addressing regional security issues based on international law by peaceful means.

Japanese Deputy Defense Minister Nishida Yasunori said Japan supports the ASEAN view, especially its joint statement last June calling for peaceful solutions in line with the international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

A EU representative said unilateral acts in the region only escalate tensions and pose threats to regional security, safety and peace.