Hanoi (VNA) – Peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the Southeast Asia in particular benefit both ASEAN and the US, stated Vietnamese Defence Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich during a recent informal meeting of US and ASEAN denfence chiefs in Hawaii.
The responsible engagement of the US and other partners for peace, stability and development in the Southeast Asian region as well as in the Asia-Pacific will help ASEAN realise the ASEAN Community’s goals to 2025 and beyond.
He expressed hope that the cooperation of the US will contribute to strengthening solidarity, unity and raising the central role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The Vietnamese Defence Minister held that the relationship between the ASEAN and the US and other partners is significant to regional peace, stability and growth. He pointed to the need to increase dialogues, especially informal talks, to strengthen consultation and mutual understanding on policies and priorities of each party.
ASEAN and the US should promote existing dialogue and partnership mechanisms such as the East Asia Summit (EAS), the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus, and the Shangri-La Dialogue, he said.
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