Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang (C) attends EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum (Photo: VNA) Speaking at the event, Hang said that the global economy isat a crucial turning point, from quantity-based to quality-based growth, andfrom a resources-based to a knowledge-based economy.
In the process of cooperation in transition and dealing withglobal challenges, with the three keywords of “cooperation, coordination andconnectivity”, countries need to have a suitable approach so as to overcomedifferences, meet the needs of the parties, and create a favourable environment forbusinesses and people, stressed Hang.
From Vietnam's experience in economic development and internationalintegration, she highlighted three “balance” factors that need to be ensured, namely between obligations and capabilities; betweenself-reliance, and openness, economic integration and linkages; and between transformation and stability, she said, adding that the process ofgreen and digital transformation must ensure financial sustainability andsocial stability, energy security and food security.
The official affirmed that Vietnam appreciates European partners’ financial commitments on climate change andhopes for their continued support to achieve the net zero emission target.
She also reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitments to the Asia-EuropePartnership, and called on countries to coordinate in resuming activities ofthe Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) for peace, cooperation and development.
The ministerial forum, co-chaired by Swedish ForeignMinister Tobias Billstrom and High Representative of the European Union for ForeignAffairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles, offered a chance forforeign ministers of European countries and those in the Asia-Pacific region toshare opinions on and assess opportunities, challenges and prospects forcooperation, and propose initiatives and solutions to enhance connectivity andpromote coordination in addressing common issues.
Josep Borrell expressed his hope that the forum will becomea regular channel of dialogue connecting European and Indo-Pacific countries.
Delegates shared concerns over complex and multi-dimensionalsecurity challenges affecting the two regions, affirmed commitments tointernational order based on international law, and agreed to strengthen cooperationin response to common challenges to ensure regional security and facilitatedevelopment.
They highlighted the importance of maritime securitycooperation, and ensuring freedom of navigation and aviation in accordance withthe 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in the watersof the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean, including the East China Sea and theEast Sea./.
VNA
