PM hails US as one of longest-standing partners of ASEAN

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc along with ASEAN leaders attend the seventh ASEAN – US Summit in Thailand (Photo: VGP)

He wished that the US will show its responsibility and support ASEAN’s central role in shaping regional rules-based architecture.

PM Phuc said that ASEAN is the fourth largest export market of the US, while the US is the third largest trading partner and the second largest foreign investor of the regional grouping.

He welcomed and encouraged US investors to become involved in energy and infrastructure development projects in ASEAN. Along with other ASEAN member states, the PM acknowledged President Donald Trump's invitation to ASEAN leaders.

He underscored the importance of the East Sea and countries’ responsibility for the world’s lifeline, through which US$3.4 trillion worth of goods are transported annually.

The Vietnamese Government leader reiterated ASEAN’s principled stance on the East Sea which was reaffirmed by their foreign ministers in July, saying that countries and parties concerned are responsible for protecting peace, and promoting stability, dialogues and collaboration to join hands in building the East Sea into an area of peace, cooperation and prosperity.

In its capacity as next ASEAN Chair, PM Phuc reiterated Vietnam’s commitment, to push ahead with the promotion of the ASEAN – US ties for the sake of peace, stability and cooperation in the region.

US national security advisor Robert C.O’Brien, for his part, affirmed his nation’s commitments to the region and welcomed the launch of the ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific.

In order to help nations to boost their deeper participation in regional integration, he said the US has proposed the Blue Dot Network initiative that will set standards for major infrastructure projects.

The US also vowed to work hand in hand with ASEAN in mechanisms formed and led by the bloc, he added.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc meets with US national security advisor Robert C.O’Brien (Photo:VGP)

Regarding regional and global issues, he reaffirmed US stance objecting to acts that hinder legal economic operations in the sea, not respecting sovereignty and sovereign right of countries and international law in the East Sea.

The US hopes that ASEAN member states will stay united while parties concerned will exercise restraint to peacefully settle disputes, respect the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and soon reach an effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the US official said.

Concerning the international and regional situation, ASEAN member states reaffirmed their stance on supporting trade liberalization, respecting law, and showing responsible behaviours.

They called on big countries to exercise restraint and not let differences, especially in trade, adversely impact on the regional environment.