Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman speaks at the press conference (Photo: VNA)

ASEAN Foreign Ministers have expressed their wish that senior officials of countries would increase consultation to conclude a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) as soon as possible at the 48 th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM 48) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on August 4.

Speaking to the press on the outcome of the AMM 48, Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said the ministers had discussed the issue and reiterated the importance of maintaining peace, security and stability as well as freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, a life-line marine trade route that connects the region with the world.

He said the ministers stressed the need to implement fully and effectively the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and discussed how to address the erosion of trust among relevant parties following recent developments in the East Sea.

According to Minister Anifah Aman, the ministers agreed that it is high time to control the issue in a constructive manner and seek measures to prevent the escalation of disputes among the parties involved, which could affect peace, security and stability in the region.

The ministers also agreed that it is necessary to increase self-restrain in conducting activities that could complicate or escalate the tensions in the East Sea.

The AMM 48 also reviewed the progress, initiatives and programmes related to the establishment of the ASEAN Community.

They urged ASEAN member states to speed up the implementation of remaining measures under the Master Plan on ASEAN Political-Security Community, in a bid to set up the ASEAN Community at the end of this year as schedule.

They underlined the significance of the Post-2015 ASEAN Vision and related documents, which will serve as future guidelines of the ASEAN Community.

During the AMM 48 retreat meeting, the ministers discussed the regional structure and how to enhance and reinforce ASEAN current cooperation mechanism.

Regarding external affairs, the ministers agreed to grant Norway with ASEAN partner status and consider the proposal of other countries to become partners of the bloc.

The ministers also touched upon regional and international issues of mutu♏al interests, including the migrant crisis in Southeast Asia, and trans-national crime prevention.-VNA