Foreign ministers applaud ASEAN’s relations with partners

Foreign ministers of ASEAN countries held meetings with their counterparts from the bloc’s partners, including the Republic of Korea (RoK), Canada, Australia, the US, and the European Union (EU), in Singapore on August 3.
foreign ministers applaud aseans relations with partners

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh led the Vietnamese delegation to these meetings, where the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s partners reaffirmed that they attach importance to the relationship with the grouping, support its central role in the region, and will actively take part in ASEAN-chaired forums.

At the meeting with the RoK, the ASEAN countries welcomed initiatives within the framework of the RoK’s “New Southern Policy”, which aims to enhance cooperation with the bloc on the three pillars of peace, prosperity and humans.

The foreign ministers agreed to continue efforts to facilitate trade and investment and connect businesses and the private sector of the two sides. They noted bilateral trade has doubled over the last decade since the ASEAN-RoK Free Trade Agreement took effect in 2007, adding that they are working to boost the figure to US$200 billion by 2020.

At the meeting, Cambodia – coordinator of ASEAN-RoK relations – officially handed over this role in the 2018-2021 period to Brunei.

Meeting with the Canadian foreign minister, the ASEAN hailed the country’s active support for ASEAN-led mechanisms and stronger cooperation in prioritized fields on the basis of the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action for 2016-2020, particularly in the fight against terrorism, violent extremism and trans-national crimes, trade-investment, connectivity, science, technology, innovation, environment, response to climate change, education, and tourism.

At this event, the Philippines – coordinator for ASEAN-Canada relations – transferred the role in 2018-2021 to Myanmar.

In another meeting, the ASEAN and the EU recognised the positive outcomes of the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action for 2018-2022, which was approved in August 2017. They emphasised their commitment to promoting a rule-based international order.

The two sides also encouraged each other to enhance cooperation in such fields as trade, including the possibility of resuming negotiations on an ASEAN-EU free trade agreement, and a deal on air transport.

The ASEAN foreign ministers highly valued the EU’s assistance for the former to bolster regional connectivity and narrow development gap.

On this occasion, Thailand handed over the role of coordinator for ASEAN-EU relations in 2018-2021 to Singapore.

At the meeting between the ASEAN and Australia, the participating officials noted strides in the implementation of the ASEAN-Australia Plan of Action in 2015-2019. They agreed to step up partnerships in prioritised areas such as fighting terrorism and violent extremism, cyber security, border management and combating human trafficking, marine security, defence, economy, adaptation to climate change and disaster management.

The ministers pledged to maintain a free and open regional and international trade system. They also discussed measures to foster trade and investment ties through the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, adding that they hope to soon finalise negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement.

At the end of the meeting, Myanmar handed over the role of coordinator for ASEAN-Australia relations to Malaysia.

Meeting with the US Secretary of State, the ASEAN ministers stressed that the balanced and mutually beneficial economic ties between the ASEAN and the US have been bringing enormous benefits to both sides.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the US highly values the ASEAN’s role in ensuring peace and stability in the region, and the country puts the bloc at the centre between the Indian Ocean and Pacific regions in its strategy.

The two sides agreed to continue promoting ties in trade, connectivity, marine cooperation and response to trans-national challenges such as terrorism and violent extremism.

The ASEAN welcomed the initiatives regarding security, sustainable development, good governance, education, young people, and start-up, among others.

Concluding the event, Laos officially took over the role of coordinating ASEAN-US relations in 2018-2021 from Malaysia.

Addressing these meetings, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh re-affirmed that the RoK, Canada, Australia, the US and the EU are important partners of the ASEAN.

He applauded the partners’ active coordination with the ASEAN to enhance dialogue and cooperation for peace, stability and development in the region.

Minh underlined Vietnam’s support for the proposed prioritised fields of cooperation and expressed the wish to join other countries in continuing to build and realise many concrete initiatives.

Source: VNA

Related News

Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. near US$100 billion milestone

Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. near US$100 billion milestone

VCN - By the end of October, Vietnam's exports to the United States approached US$100 billion, reaffirming its position as Vietnam's largest export market.
Six export markets of billion growth

Six export markets of billion growth

VCN - Our country's key export markets maintained impressive growth momentum. In particular, six markets increased by US$1 billion or more.
Rice exports to China drop sharply

Rice exports to China drop sharply

VCN - While the amount of rice exported to Southeast Asian markets increased sharply, the results in the Chinese market were the opposite.
Cambodia Customs facilitates fastest movement of goods in transit

Cambodia Customs facilitates fastest movement of goods in transit

VCN – The General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCEC) facilitates goods in transit, prompting movement of goods within ASEAN, said by Mr. Kun Nhem – Minister Attached to the Prime Minister, Director General of the GDCEC on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Directors-General of Customs Meeting.

Latest News

Vietnam’s GDP growth to outpace region peers: Oxford Economics

Vietnam’s GDP growth to outpace region peers: Oxford Economics

Vietnam will be the standout among the top six ASEAN economies (ASEAN-6), growing at a faster pace relative to its peers during the next few years, according to the Oxford Economics, a global economic advisory firm.
Government Party Organisation must be elite, streamlined, ensure effective operations: PM

Government Party Organisation must be elite, streamlined, ensure effective operations: PM

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, head of the Government Steering Committee for summarising the implementation of Resolution 18-NQ/TW of the 12th Party Central Committee, which seeks to streamline the political system for greater efficiency and effectiveness, chaired the fifth meeting of the committee in Hanoi on December 19.
Vietnam among Asia’s 15 largest economies

Vietnam among Asia’s 15 largest economies

The statistical visualisation platform Seasia Stats recently ranked Vietnam among the top 15 economies in Asia, with projected economic output reaching some 506 billion USD in 2025.
Chinese media praises Vietnam’s economic achievements, outlook

Chinese media praises Vietnam’s economic achievements, outlook

Chinese media outlets, including The Paper, CRI, Sohu, Sina, the Guangdong E-Commerce Association's website, and BWC, have published numerous reports and analyses highlighting Vietnam’s remarkable economic achievements in 2024 and its promising outlook for 2025.

More News

Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024 opens

Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024 opens

The Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024 is due to kick off on December 19 morning at Gia Lam airport in Hanoi, gathering more than 200 units and enterprises from over 30 countries worldwide.
Vietnam sees growing number of Chinese investors: forum

Vietnam sees growing number of Chinese investors: forum

With sustained economic growth over years, Vietnam continues to impress and attract an increasing number of Chinese investors, participants said at an investment and trade forum between Ho Chi Minh City and China’s Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) in the southern economic hub on December 17.
Border gate planning: Issues for Lang Son

Border gate planning: Issues for Lang Son

VCN - In order to exploit and promote the potential and economic strengths of border gates, helping to realize the aspiration of turning Lang Son into a "green border city" with a "border gate urban area", the requirements for openness and connectivity in border gate planning need to be clearly oriented, allocated and used effectively. In particular, the planning of border gate areas must be associated with the goal of digital transformation, in which human resources, equipment and infrastructure are prioritized.
Vietnam’s GDP growth poised for robust growth in 2024: officials

Vietnam’s GDP growth poised for robust growth in 2024: officials

With just days remaining in 2024, the Vietnamese economic landscape looks promising, with the GDP growth expected to exceed the set target of 7% thanks to concerted efforts by ministries and sectors, according to Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong.
Total retail sales of goods, services in 11 months up 8.8%

Total retail sales of goods, services in 11 months up 8.8%

Vietnam’s total retail sales of consumer goods and services saw a year-on-year increase of 8.8% to more than 5.8 quadrillion VND (228.4 billion USD) in January – November, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO).
Vietnam should tap domestic market for economic growth: insiders

Vietnam should tap domestic market for economic growth: insiders

Vietnam's domestic market still holds significant untapped potential, and stimulating domestic consumption is a vital strategy to drive economic growth in the near future, according to economic experts.
Prioritizing semiconductor workforce training

Prioritizing semiconductor workforce training

VCN - Vietnam is well-positioned to participate deeply in the global semiconductor industry. Experts believe that developing a skilled workforce in microchips and semiconductors should be a long-term priority to effectively capitalize on this opportunity.
Deputy PM urges extra efforts to remove Vietnam from money laundering grey list

Deputy PM urges extra efforts to remove Vietnam from money laundering grey list

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc on December 12 urged ministries and sectors to do their utmost to implement the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)’s 17 recommendations to lift Vietnam out of its list of Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring (grey list) related to money laundering.
Vietnam pledges more contributions to UN humanitarian relief efforts

Vietnam pledges more contributions to UN humanitarian relief efforts

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet affirmed Vietnam's strong commitment to humanitarian relief efforts, helping people recover their lives after natural disasters and catastrophes, while addressing the 2025 Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) High-Level Pledging Event in New York on December 10.
Read More

Your care

Latest Most read
Vietnam’s GDP growth to outpace region peers: Oxford Economics

Vietnam’s GDP growth to outpace region peers: Oxford Economics

Vietnam will be the standout among the top six ASEAN economies (ASEAN-6), growing at a faster pace relative to its peers during the next few years, according to the Oxford Economics, a global economic advisory firm.
Government Party Organisation must be elite, streamlined, ensure effective operations: PM

Government Party Organisation must be elite, streamlined, ensure effective operations: PM

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, head of the Government Steering Committee for summarising the implementation of Resolution 18-NQ/TW of the 12th Party Central Committee, which seeks to streamline the political system for greater efficiency and effectiveness, chaired the fifth meeting of the committee in Hanoi on December 19.
Vietnam among Asia’s 15 largest economies

Vietnam among Asia’s 15 largest economies

The statistical visualisation platform Seasia Stats recently ranked Vietnam among the top 15 economies in Asia, with projected economic output reaching some 506 billion USD in 2025.
Chinese media praises Vietnam’s economic achievements, outlook

Chinese media praises Vietnam’s economic achievements, outlook

Chinese media outlets, including The Paper, CRI, Sohu, Sina, the Guangdong E-Commerce Association's website, and BWC, have published numerous reports and analyses highlighting Vietnam’s remarkable economic achievements in 2024 and its promising outlook for 2025.
Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024 opens

Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024 opens

The Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024 is due to kick off on December 19 morning at Gia Lam airport in Hanoi, gathering more than 200 units and enterprises from over 30 countries worldwide.
Mobile Version