Peace, stability and cooperation are keywords for ASEAN 2010

09/01/2010

What is the viewpoint of ASEAN in the dispute between Thailand and Cambodia?

Deputy foreign minister Dao Viet Trung: ASEAN’s standpoint and principle is not intervening into the internal affairs of each other. Based on this principle, we believe member countries can solve for disputes for themselves based on a spirit of peace, dialogue, cooperation and development. As a neighboring country of Thailand and Cambodia, Vietnam believes the two countries will solve this matter to their own common interest and for the development of the association.

Chief SOM ASEAN-Vietnam Pham Quang Vinh: At a meeting of ASEAN’s foreign ministers in July 2008, the two countries announced related developments. ASEAN Foreign Minister issued a declaration about this issue, which expresses the wish that Thailand and Cambodia will solve the dispute based on the spirit of ASEAN peace, friendship and union. ASEAN is also willing to assist Thailand and Cambodia if it is requested. We believe that this declaration is still valuable at present.

VietNamNet Bridge – At an international press conference announcing ASEAN Year 2010, during which Vietnam assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship, questions were answered on regional issues, including the East Sea dispute.

As ASEAN Chairman, will Vietnam raise the East Sea dispute for discussion in ASEAN’s meetings this year?

Chief of the ASEAN-Vietnam Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM ASEAN) Pham Quang Vinh: Within the framework of ASEAN, issues relating to ensuring peace, stability and cooperation in Southeast Asia, including the East Sea and those that promote the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), are among the common interests of ASEAN and China and countries in the region.

Promoting efforts to maintain a favorable environment and conditions for peace, stability and cooperation in the region, including the East Sea, as well as promoting the implementation of the DOC will be content that ASEAN and its partners will continue discussing and implementing.

As Chairman of ASEAN, what initiatives and solutions might Vietnam have to deal with the East Sea dispute?

Pham Quang Vinh: We realize that the common interest of Southeast Asian countries and China and other related countries is a peaceful, stable environment for cooperation and development. The ASEAN-China relations are a strategic partnership and the two sides have many fields of cooperation and commit to promote cooperation and implement the Declaration of the ASEAN-China strategic partnership.

ASEAN has the Treaty of Amity and Co-operation (TAC), with the participation of many ASEAN’s partners, including China and most recently the USA. This is a document building trust, enforcing efforts for peace, stability and regional cooperation.

In 2002, ASEAN and China signed the DOC. This is an important document confirming the commitment and determination of participating countries in building mutual trust and striving for peace, stability and cooperation in the region. It is not about making the situation more complicated but about seeking common cooperative measures between the two sides.

We think that this document is a common product of ASEAN-China. In 2010, the two sides will continue exchanging and promoting measures to effectively implement the DOC.

It is said that the Indonesian Commerce Industry proposes to postpone tax reductions on 228 items which are slated for a tax rate to zero percent in the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area Agreement. What is the view of Vietnam as the Chairman of ASEAN?

Pham Quang Vinh: We know through the media that Indonesia asked for delays in cutting down the tax rate for 228 items. We will check this information through ASEAN information channels. The participating countries in the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area Agreement, including Vietnam, expect all participating countries to follow the roadmap to benefit member economies and two-way trade.

If this information is correct, we understand that if a country wants to adjust related regulations, as a member of the agreement that country will have to consult the opinions of all related sides and follow the rules of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area Agreement.

What is the ASEAN’s response to the recent statement by Myanmar officials about upcoming elections in Myanmar?

Deputy Foreign Minister Dao Viet Trung: Along with ASEAN member countries, Vietnam has paid attention to the situation in Myanmar. We really hope Myanmar can boost a process of conciliation and national concord and promote the implementation of a seven-point democratic itinerary, including an election.

At ASEAN’s recent meeting, Myanmar’s leaders emphasized to organize a peaceful, democratic and legal election. We believe that this is the wish and the common goal of ASEAN countries for the stable development of not only Myanmar but also ASEAN.

In its recent statement, ASEAN has confirmed that ASEAN countries are willing to assist Myanmar if Myanmar has specific requests. ASEAN’s has experience in working with Myanmar, for example ASEAN and Myanmar’s cooperation in dealing with the consequences of typhoon Nagis in 2008.

What is the viewpoint of ASEAN in the dispute between Thailand and Cambodia?

Deputy foreign minister Dao Viet Trung: ASEAN’s standpoint and principle is not intervening into the internal affairs of each other. Based on this principle, we believe member countries can solve for disputes for themselves based on a spirit of peace, dialogue, cooperation and development. As a neighboring country of Thailand and Cambodia, Vietnam believes the two countries will solve this matter to their own common interest and for the development of the association.

Chief SOM ASEAN-Vietnam Pham Quang Vinh: At a meeting of ASEAN’s foreign ministers in July 2008, the two countries announced related developments. ASEAN Foreign Minister issued a declaration about this issue, which expresses the wish that Thailand and Cambodia will solve the dispute based on the spirit of ASEAN peace, friendship and union. ASEAN is also willing to assist Thailand and Cambodia if it is requested. We believe that this declaration is still valuable at present.