Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (C) at the ASEAN-RoK working session, November 26, 2019. (Photo: VNA)

While proposing some major directions for ASEAN-RoK cooperation in the next three decades, the Vietnamese Prime Minister stressed the respect for international law and an open, inclusive, transparent and rules-based regional architecture. He said the two sides should step up economic collaboration towards equality and mutual benefit, and facilitate the flow of  goods and investment in their respective markets.

The PM stressed the significance of ensuring peace, security and stability in the region. He appealed to the RoK to back the group’s stance and principles, while highlighting the respect for international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), dialogue enhancement, trust building, the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and negotiations on a Code of Conduct (COC), thus maintaining the East Sea as waters of peace, stability, cooperation and free trade.

At the working session, the participating leaders lauded the RoK’s New Southern Policy and Korean President Moon Jae-in’s efforts in strengthening relations with ASEAN in the three pillars of peace, property and people.

ASEAN and Korean leaders adopted a Joint Vision Statement for Peace, Prosperity and Partnership agreeing to advance ASEAN-RoK Strategic Partnership, build a People-centered Community of Peace and Prosperity, and  strengthen regional cooperation for peace and stability.

They acknowledged that peace and stability in Southeast Asia is linked with, among others, that of Northeast Asia including the Korean Peninsula.

The leaders agreed to enhance maritime security and safety, freedom of navigation in and over-flight above the region and other lawful uses of the seas and unimpeded lawful maritime commerce, and promote peaceful resolutions of disputes, in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including UNCLOS.