Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (6th from left) and other ASEAN leaders at the 35th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Bangkok on Nov. 3, 2019. (Photo: VNA/VNS)

During the 3-day meetings, the ASEAN leaders praised the progress ASEAN countries have made in building the ASEAN Community. They urged ASEAN to maintain its role as the key force in promoting peace, stability, dialogue, and cooperation in the region and called for sustainable development in line with the United Nations’ agenda 2030 on sustainable development goals. Prime Minister Phuc emphasized the need to promote solidarity and consensus among ASEAN members. He said countries need a common voice and a regional structure which is open, transparent and based on law.

The Summit took special interest in stability and peace in the East Sea and expressed great expectations for Vietnam’s 2020 ASEAN Chairmanship, as well as its UN Security Council non-permanent membership.