Hanoi (VNA) 🐓– Vietnam treasures and will make positive contributions to the ASEAN-EU strategic partnership, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Dung, head of SOM ASEAN Vietnam, said at the annual ASEAN-EU Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) that was heldonline on July 8.

The event aimed to reviewand discuss regional and global issues of shared concern and make preparationsfor the ASEAN – EU Post Ministerial Conference scheduled for August.

The Vietnamese official suggested the EU help to ensureASEAN’s timely and even access to vaccines, offer assistance in technologicaltransfer and increase vaccine production in the region while coordinating to stepup economic recovery and growth, green and sustainable development.

He asked the EU to continue its involvement and making constructive contributions to ASEAN’s efforts to cope withchallenges to regional security and stability.

Reaffirming ASEAN’sprincipled stance on the East Sea issue, deputy minister Dung proposed the EU continue supportingASEAN’s efforts to maintain peace, security and safety in the East Sea, fullyand effectively realise the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the EastSea (DOC), and soon complete negotiations on an effective and efficient Code ofConduct in the East Sea (COC) in line with international law and the 1982United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Countries welcomed ASEANand EU’s official upgrade of ties to strategic partnership level and affirmedthe importance of the “partnership in connectivity” between the two blocs. Theypledged to enhance multilateral cooperation and coordination, and promote free and equitabletrade on the basis of sharing common values and benefits about a rules-basedworld order.

Head of the SOM EU GunnarWiegan emphasised that EU wants to further promote the strategic partnership withASEAN and affirmed EU's support for ASEAN’s central role in the regional architecture.

The EU representative vowed to continuestrengthening solidarity with ASEAN to effectively cope with COVID-19pandemic together.

ASEAN member statessuggested the EU support ASEAN’s initiatives regarding COVID-19 prevention andcontrol as well as coordinate with ASEAN to ensure fair access to vaccine, and safe and effective research and development of vaccine. 

🎐 Both sides agreed to work closely together to fight COVID-19, promote comprehensive and sustainable recovery and successfully realise the ASEAN-EU Plan of Action for 2018-2022.

The EUproposed giving priority to economic recovery, trade, sustainable connectivity,climate change and green growth.

🃏 On the occasion, the EUsuggested holding a commemorative summit marking the 45th anniversaryof ASEAN-EU relations next year in Belgium.

On regional and globalissues, both sides highlighted a need to ensure an environment of peace,security and safety in the region, thus creating favourable conditions forcountries to cope with the pandemic.

They underscored theimportance of maintaining peace, stability, security, maritime and aviationsafety and freedom in the East Sea. They expressed support for dialogues, buildingtrust, exercising self-restraint, refraining from actions that furthercomplicate the situation or increase tension, avoiding militarisation, andsettling disputes by peaceful means in line with international law, includingthe 1982 UNCLOS.

ꦚ The two sides expressedsupport for efforts to resume negotiations to reach an effective and efficientCOC in accordance with international law and the 1982 UNCLOS.

The EU side affirmed its backing of ASEAN’sefforts on Myanmar situation and welcomed the Five-Point Consensus adopted at theASEAN Leaders’ Meeting in April. Concluding the event,Singapore, co-ordinator of the ASEAN-EU relations, and the EU issued theCo-Chairs’ Press Release on the outcomes of the meeting./.