VGP – US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo affirmed the US is a friend and trusted partner of ASEAN and advocates ASEAN’s efforts in contributing to peace, security and stability in the region. 

Foreign Ministers from ASEAN Member States and the US and the ASEAN
Secretary-General to the ASEAN-US Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand
on August 1, 2019. Photo: VGP

Pompeo made the above statement at the ASEAN-US Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand on Thursday.

He also stressed countries in the region need to raise drastic voice and should not elude complicated issues.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister shared ASEAN countries’ views on the importance of the ASEAN-US strategic partnership.

He affirmed Viet Nam will coordinate with other ASEAN member countries to boost cooperation with the US in a practical manner, particularly in such fields like trade, investment, innovation, energy, and infrastructure development.

Regarding the East Sea situation, Minh highlighted concerns over the complicated developments in the East Sea as well as the importance of enhancing trust, exercising self-restraint, avoiding actions may may complicate the situation or encroach sovereignty and legitimate interests of coastal countries.

He also underlined the importance of non-militarization, serious compliance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and early conclusion of an effective and practical Code of Conduct in the East Sea in line with international law.

The ASEAN Foreign Ministers highly valued the US commitments to ASEAN, welcoming the US to continue positive and constructive contributions to the joint efforts in maintaining peace, security and stability in the region.

Both ASEAN and the US agreed to step up trade, investment, cooperation development, maritime, cybersecurity, smart cities cooperation among others.

The two sides also expressed grave concerns over the developments in the East Sea that have eroded trust and caused negative impacts on peace, security and stability in the region.

The meeting was co-chaired by Lao Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo./.