At the conclusion of ASEAN Summit 16, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, current ASEAN Chairman, held an international press conference. Vietnam Business Forum took note of some of the questions and answers at the conference.
How do you assess the first Summit of the Mekong Regional Committee (MRC) in Hua Hin (Thailand) and what are the main topics discussed by ASEAN leaders at ASEAN Summit 16?
ASEAN welcomes the positive result of the MRC Summit in Hua Hin on April 4-5 and is committed to supporting MRC in the sustainable usage, management and exploitation of the Mekong river. ASEAN always gives high priority to the development cooperation of the Mekong sub-region. ASEAN leaders have discussed several issues relating to Mekong development, including infrastructure connectivity, sustainable development, linkage to protect natural resources and measures against climate change.
Is there any agreement on the East Sea at the Summit this time?
The maintenance of peace, stability, security and safety in the East Sea is the common interest and great concern of ASEAN, as well as other countries in the region. Related countries have concluded many agreements and cooperation mechanisms to ensure peace, stability and cooperation in the region, including the Declaration on Code of Conduct (DOC). DOC is an important document signed between ASEAN and China aiming to promote confidence and cooperation. All concerned parties have reaffirmed their commitments to comply with and to implement the DOC. Currently, concerned parties are making efforts to implement their commitments. ASEAN and Chinese representatives will soon meet and discuss measures to implement the DOC.
I believe that, with the goodwill of all parties and in the region’s common interests, concerned parties will continue to comply with and successfully implement the DOC, as well as the United Nations Law of the Seas of 1982, maintaining peace, stability and security in the East Sea.
Did the Summit also discuss Myanmar’s situation and the elections in 2010?
As ASEAN members and neighbouring countries, Vietnam and other ASEAN members have followed developments in Myanmar. At ASEAN Summit 16, Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein shared information on recent developments in Myanmar, including preparations for general elections to be held in 2010. During my recent visit to Myanmar, aside from discussions on bilateral cooperation, in my capacity as ASEAN Chairman I expressed to the Myanmar leadership the international and ASEAN concern and desire to see effective implementation of the democratic process for national reconciliation and harmony, fair and democratic elections with the participation of all political parties for early stability and a focus on national development. ASEAN always supports Myanmar in regional and international integration and stands ready to support Myanmar when requested in the spirit of ASEAN Charter.
Reported by Giang Tu
Vietnamese
