Vietnamese diplomat attends seminar on Asia-Pacific security

Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh (first right) at the seminar

Speaking at the seminar held by the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) in Washington DC to announce its “Preserving the Long Peace in Asia” report, Vinh highlighted the central role of ASEAN in building a regional structure, especially in leading and intensifying the efficiency of the East Asia Summit (EAS).

He also stressed the importance of the ASEAN Charter and EAS statements in consolidating and improving ASEAN’s mechanisms, including the EAS.

ASEAN needs to boost its relations with partners, for peace, cooperation and development in the region, Vinh suggested.

Introducing the report, ASPI President Kevin Rudd said that there are noteworthy changes and movements in the Asia-Pacific region, together with the growing competition between powerful countries and numerous traditional and non-traditional security challenges such as issues in the East Sea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, climate change and terrorism.

Therefore, it is necessary to improve and renew the region’s security architectures to ensure a long peace in the region.

He also appreciated the development of ASEAN and ASEAN-led mechanisms, and proposed allowing the EAS to have a bigger role in controlling and solving disputes.

Founded in 1956, the Asia Society has sought to explain the persity of Asia to the United States and the complexity of the United States to Asia, and to be a bridge in problem-solving within the region and between Asia and the wider world.