Hanoi (VNA) – The signing ceremony of the instruments of accession to the Treaty ofAmity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) by Colombia, Cuba and SouthAfrica was held online on November 10.

Deputy Prime Ministerand Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, and other ASEAN Foreign Ministerswitnessed the signing cremony.

In his remarks, Minhsaid the expansion of the treaty has reflected ASEAN’s position and role inenhancing cooperation, and in promoting peace and security in the region and theworld.

The TAC was signed inBali, Indonesia, in February 1976, with 40 signitories so far. Since its signingand entry into force, the treaty has become a key instrument governing relationsbetween states to maintain regional peace and stability as well as one of thekey codes of conduct in ASEAN’s central regional architecture.

In recent years, thereis a growing interest of non-ASEAN member states in the treaty, he said, adding that the accession byColombia, Cuba and South Africa to the TAC will further contribute to the reinforcementof importance and relevance of the treaty’s purposes and principles whichencompass the peaceful settlement of disputes and resolutions of differences.

Minh called on the three countries to commit themselves to the purposes and strivefurther to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN while contributing to promoting peaceand security in the region and beyond.

He also expressedhis hope for more commitments, saying substantial and concrete actions should beput forth and taken to work towards a more peaceful, stable and prosperousregion and the world.

Cuban FM Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla recognised the work of Vietnam and ASEAN in theCOVID-19 fight, and expressed his condolences to Cambodia, the Philippines,Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam over the heavy human and property losses caused by recent weather calamities. This shows the need to continue sharing the best experience in copingwith natural disasters, he said.

The signing takesplace in an international context that shows the values of solidarity andcooperation to control global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, theminister said.

He pledged tocooperate with ASEAN in biotechnology, pharmacy, medical services, Spanishlanguage teaching, culture, sports, and strategies to address climate change,suggesting the establishment of a joint biotech research and development centrein ASEAN and the conduction of clinical tests./.