Leaders from ASEAN countries and counterparts from the bloc’s eight partners attended the 14th East Asia Summit (EAS) in Bangkok, Thailand on November 4. 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc attends the 14th East Asia Summit
in Bangkok, Thailand on November 4, 2019. Photo: VGP

 The leaders noted the progress according to the Manila Plan of Action to Advance the Phnom Penh Declaration on EAS Development Initiative (2018 – 2022) and exchanged views on regional and international issues.

They also adopted three documents on combatting illicit drugs and transnational crimes, and forging partnerships for sustainability.

Addressing the event, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc highlighted the importance of the EAS, which serves as a platform for the member countries’ leaders to discuss on cooperation for peace, stability and security in the region.

Leaders to the 14th East Asia Summit. Photo: VGP

He called for EAS’ support for upholding international law and accelerating formation of common standards of conduct and ruled-based framework for relations between countries in the region.

Phuc emphasized the fragile situation in the East Sea due to activities that have caused concerns, run counter to international law, and undermined peace, stability, security and freedom of navigation and aviation.

The Vietnamese leader called on countries to foster dialogue, trust building, formation and sharing of the standards of conduct, serious and full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and conclusion of an effective and efficient Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea in line with international law for peace, cooperation, development and prosperity.

The same day, PM Phuc also attended the 22nd ASEAN PLus Three Summit, 7th ASEAN-US Summit, 22nd ASEAN-Japan Summit, and 3rd RCEP Summit./.