 Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son speaks at the dialogue (Photo: VOV) |
Speaking at the dialogue with the AICHR on Tuesday, as part of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM-58) and related gatherings in Kuala Lumpur, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son urged the commission to address emerging challenges such as poverty, harsh labour conditions, and the impact of technology on human rights.
He also announced that Vietnam will host an AICHR workshop on the rights of seafarers later this year to raise awareness, share best practices, and promote cooperation in this crucial area.
The Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) Commission meeting was held the same day, during which ASEAN foreign ministers reiterated the treaty’s continued relevance amid growing regional and global security challenges.
In his remarks at the meeting, Deputy PM Son emphasized that, 30 years since its inception, the SEANWFZ Treaty remains a vital testament to ASEAN’s shared commitment to a nuclear weapon-free Southeast Asia. Amid rising nuclear threats, the treaty continues to serve as a cornerstone of the regional security architecture and a significant contribution by ASEAN to global disarmament efforts.
He announced that Vietnam is actively finalizing internal procedures to support Timor-Leste’s accession to the treaty, and called for sustained ASEAN dialogue with nuclear-weapon states to encourage their eventual signing of the SEANWFZ protocol. He also proposed greater internal coordination within the bloc to build a unified position on the matter.
On this occasion, he revealed that Vietnam will assume the presidency of the 11th Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in 2026, expressing his hope for close coordination and strong support from ASEAN members.