(VOVworld) – Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has said as the coordinator of ASEAN-China relations, Singapore will focus on the formulation of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea.

Dr Balakrishnan also had a bilateral meeting with Laos Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Thongloun Sisoulith on the sidelines of the retreat. (Photo: Hetty Musfirah Abdul Khamid)

Dr Balakrishnan made the statement on Saturday while speaking to the media in an interview after the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' retreat in Vientiane, Laos, adding that ASEAN foreign ministers have reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability in the disputed waters and called for self-restraint in the conduct of activities.

Dr Balakrishnan said he will put the formulation of COC for discussion during his upcoming visit to China and insisted that Singapore will exert more efforts on the issue to reduce tension and prevent any possible breakdown in the East Sea.