Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – On December 22, a special ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting focusing on the current situation in Cambodia and Thailand was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Hoang Giang, entrusted by Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung, led the Vietnamese delegation to the meeting.
Regarding the recent escalation of the situation in Cambodia and Thailand, Dang Hoang Giang expressed Vietnam's deep concern about the situation and its negative impacts, pointing out that it not only damages bilateral relations and people's livelihoods but also undermines ASEAN's unity, core role, and reputation. He emphasized that ASEAN's spirit of unity, collective action, and sense of responsibility are crucial in regional peace and security affairs, and called on both sides to exercise maximum restraint, renounce the use of force, fully implement their commitments, and peacefully resolve disputes in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, the ASEAN Charter, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, reaching a ceasefire agreement as soon as possible.
Dang Hoang Giang reiterated Vietnam's willingness to actively support and unite with ASEAN countries to help Cambodia and Thailand restore peace and stability in bilateral relations through measures within the framework of ASEAN mediation and reconciliation mechanisms.
At the closing of the meeting, Malaysia, as the ASEAN chair, issued a statement announcing that Cambodia and Thailand would resume ceasefire discussions and convene a Joint Border Committee meeting on December 24 to discuss specific matters. During the meeting, Dang Hoang Giang met with foreign ministers from some ASEAN countries and the ASEAN Secretary-General to exchange views on bilateral, regional, and international concerns. All parties highly appreciated Vietnam's positive role and constructive contributions in promoting Cambodia-Thailand dialogue and resolving differences.
Dang Hoang Giang also affirmed the ASEAN Secretary-General's initiative in proposing this special meeting, believing it provided an important framework for dialogue coordination and consensus-building. He stated that Vietnam was willing to play a bridging role and constructively assist all parties in advancing dialogue and resolving conflicts.
On this occasion, Dang Hoang Giang met with Adina Kamarudin, Director-General of the Maritime Affairs Department of the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Raja Datuk Norhiwan Zainal Abidin, Director-General of the National Security Council. The two sides reached a consensus on cooperation regarding the issue of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU).
Dang Hoang Giang briefed the delegation on Vietnam's progress in combating IUU fishing, including improvements to the legal framework, stricter control over fishing vessel activities, tracing the origin of seafood, strengthening maritime patrols and law enforcement, and prosecuting major violations. He reiterated Vietnam's determination to combat IUU fishing and promote the sustainable development of its fisheries. Both sides agreed to continue close cooperation, share information on illegal fishing vessels and fishermen, coordinate responses, and deepen cooperation in other maritime areas. (End)
