Minister stresses trust in cooperation to solve security challenges

Defence Minister Gen. Ngo Xuan Lich addressed an ASEAN ministers’ meeting with partners on November 18, describing trust as the most important for countries to cooperate substantively and sincerely in dealing with security challenges in the region.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019 02:58

The 6th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus in Bangkok on November 18 (Photo: VNA)

He delivered a speech at the 6th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus, themed “Sustainable Security”, in Bangkok on November 18.

Minister Lich said peace, cooperation and development are still the main trend, in which the regional security cooperation mechanisms led by ASEAN have proved increasingly effective, helping to maintain a peaceful and stable environment for economic growth and sustainable development.

Lich also reiterated Vietnam’s consistent policy of solving the East Sea issue by peaceful means on the basis of international law, and that relevant parties must respect one another’s legitimate and legal interests stipulated in the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and steer clear of actions that may complicate the situation or elevate tensions.

Vietnam has been actively joining hands with other ASEAN members and China to build a substantive and effective Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea, he noted.

At the meeting, participants discussed traditional and non-traditional security challenges like terrorism, the reverse effect of technological development, and cyber security. They also had in-depth discussions on maritime challenges, including those relevant to the East Sea, and affirmed the importance of the maintenance of peace and stability in the waters to regional and global security.

At the meeting, Gen. Lich received the token of the Chair of ADMM and ADMM Plus for 2020 from Thai Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan.