Both Ministers praised ASEAN’s role in boosting cooperation, dialogue, and trust in the region and building a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

RoK Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong said that his country attaches importance to its strategic partnership with ASEAN, adding that ASEAN is the priority of its New Southern Policy, and the RoK backs ASEAN central role in the regional architecture and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).

Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (L) and his Japanese counterpart Motegi Toshimitsu at the ASEAN-Japan Ministerial Meeting on August 3, 2021. (Photo: MOF)

Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu said that Japan treasures the Japan-ASEAN strategic partnership, supports ASEAN’s central role and wants to coordinate with the bloc to effectively implement the Joint Statement of the 23rd ASEAN-Japan Summit on Cooperation on ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific via specific cooperation projects.

Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed ASEAN's  stance in the East Sea and asked the RoK to further cooperate in promoting dialogue and trust building, and ensuring the enforcement of international law, including UNCLOS.

He proposed that the RoK continue to supply vaccines against COVID-19 to ASEAN countries, facilitate businesses’ investment, and support ASEAN’s efforts to narrow the development gap and promote equitable and sustainable development in the ASEAN sub-regions, including the Mekong sub-region.

Mr. Son affirmed ASEAN's commitment to fully and effectively implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and maintaining efforts to achieve an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law and UNCLOS.

Minister Son, a coordinator for ASEAN-Japan relations, said that Vietnam always wants Japan to join ASEAN to contribute to ensure peace, security, development and response to challenges. He suggested Japan share experience in research, marine protection, search and rescue, and enhance maritime cooperation for ASEAN and Vietnam. He asked Japan to back ASEAN’s efforts in building a safe and environmentally-friendly East Sea.