Vietnam supports ASEAN-Russia strategic partnership
VOV.VN - Minister of Public Security Gen. To Lam affirmed Vietnam’s consistent support for the enhancement of the ASEAN-Russia strategic partnership at the 2nd ASEAN-Russia Consultations of the High Representatives for Security Issues held via an online platform in Hanoi on August 22.
In his speech, Lam stated that the world's political-security landscape is undergoing profound changes, ASEAN continues to enhance its central role in regional cooperation and is a responsible partner of the international community.
Over the past three decades, ASEAN and Russia have maintained a sound relationship on the basis of mutual respect and win-win cooperation for peace, stability and development, he went on to say.
To further reinforce the relationship, Lam suggested Russia actively engage in ASEAN-hosted forums, back the regional bloc’s centrality and efforts to promote dialogue, cooperation, and response to emerging challenges, particularly regarding maritime and aviation security and safety in the region.
He urged Russia to support ASEAN's principled stance on the East Sea issue as well as its efforts to build an effective, efficient Code of Conduct (COC) in the waters in accordance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
He also asked both sides to boost collaboration in traditional security issues and new challenges such as terrorism, and organised, transnational, and high-tech crimes.
ASEAN and Russia need to study expanding the sharing of professional information between their law enforcement agencies, and build a mechanism to coordinate ASEAN-Russia relations at ministerial level in combating terrorism and transnational crime, he continued.
The minister underlined the need for the sides to promote consultations towards the signing of the Protocol to the Treaty on The Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone, and coordinate to effectively realize their statement on Cooperation against Illicit Drugs Trafficking and their dialogue mechanism on IT security issues.
Talking points at the forum also focused on strategic stability in Asia-Pacific, including arms control and non-proliferation mechanisms, as well as its impact on regional security and the political situation amid increasing tensions between major powers.
Vietnam pledges its best efforts to act together with ASEAN member nations and Russia in response to challenges for a region of peace, stability and sustainability and a drug-free ASEAN.