PM Dung meets with US Secretary of State

Prime Minster Nguyen Tan Dung on October 10 met with US Secretary of State John Kerry as part of his activities at the 23rd ASEAN Summit in Brunei.

PM Dung praised Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Secretary of State John Kerry for initiating a cooperation agreement on the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes which will provide a legal foundation for Vietnam to approach US high technology of nuclear energy and for both sides to increase future cooperation in this field.

Dung reiterated Vietnam’s determination to finalize the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement negotiations in 2013, ensuring the TPP is a balanced agreement paying proper attention to members with different development levels.

The US diplomat highlighted the recently signed agreement as a contribution to further bolstering economic, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

He also asked both sides to speed up bilateral negotiations on the TPP and other agreements.

During their talks, Dung and John Kerry compared notes on issues of common concern such as human rights promotion and freedom of information.

PM Dung joins first ASEAN-US Summit

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and ASEAN leaders have highly valued the US’ commitment to the region and its support for the bloc’s central role in shaping regional structure.

In his speech at the first ASEAN-US summit in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei on October 9, PM Dung has emphasized the importance of ASEAN - US relations to peace, security and development in the region.

He said the institutionalization of the ASEAN--US Summit as an annual event and the organisation of dialogues at all levels have proved the importance of their partnership, giving impetus to far-reaching and effective cooperation and laying a foundation to upgrade bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

PM Dung suggested the two sides should coordinate closely to effectively implement the 2011-2015 Action Plan and examine ways of carrying out recommendations by the ASEAN – US celebrity expert group.

Both sides should give top priority to boosting economic, trade and investment cooperation. In the near future, continue effectively implementing the working plan on the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), promote consultations between ASEAN economic ministers and US trade representatives while organizing more ASEAN – US business forums, Dung said.

He proposed that the regional bloc and the US consider and soon establish an appropriate consultation channel to realise the master plan on ASEAN connectivity with a focus on the fields of US’s strength like infrastructure, power distribution network, energy and information technology.

He asked the US to continue provide assistance to the Mekong Sub-region development within the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI) framework.

PM Dung also called for the US’ continued support of ASEAN’s efforts in promoting the proper implementation of ASEAN’s Six-Point Principles Statement on the East Sea, the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and commitments as stipulated in the Joint Declaration of the ASE AN –China Summit on the 10th anniversary of the DOC to soon build the Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea for peace, security and stability in the region.

At the meeting, ASEAN leaders and US Secretary of State John Kerry underlined the need to step up cooperation for peace, maritime security and safety and development in the region, particularly in economics, trade, investment, education, climate change and sustainable use of water resources in the Mekong Sub-region.

ASEAN and the US will further implement the 2011-2015 Action Plan and the Working Plan on the ASEAN – US TIFA, the 2012-2014 ASEAN – US Energy Cooperation Work Plan and the ASEAN Enhanced Economic Engagement Initiative, they said, adding that both sides should strive to elevate their ties to a strategic partnership.

PM Dung attends summits between ASEAN and partners

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on October 9 attended the 16th summit between ASEAN and its partners—Japan, the Republic of Korea and China.

Partner leaders affirmed their country’s recognition of great importance to cooperative relations with ASEAN and their support for the building of an ASEAN community which plays a crucial role in shaping regional structure.

They also pledged to enhance cooperation with ASEAN in coping with challenges and underlined the need to ensure peace, stability, security and maritime safety in the East Sea, on the basis of respect for international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

The 16th ASEAN-Japan Summit coincides with the two sides celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations and ten years of their strategic partnership.

ASEAN leaders and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe praised the constant development of cooperative ties over the years and the effective implementation of the 2011-2015 action plan.

They affirmed their determination to finalize the trade service and investment agreement, creating a premise for building an ASEAN-Japan comprehensive economic partnership.

ASEAN leaders acknowledged Japan as one of the most important strategic partners of the ten-member group, which lays a firm foundation for elevating bilateral relationship in the coming time.

They applauded Japan’s polices towards ASEAN and the region, especially PM Shinzo Abe’s declaration on five principles of Japan’s ASEAN diplomacy, which affirms the attaching of importance to the relationship with ASEAN and supports the formation of its Community by 2015 as well as the grouping’s central role in the regional architecture.

They agreed to organise a summit celebrating the 40th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan dialogue in Tokyo December this year, during which they are scheduled to discuss measures and orientations to lift their strategic partnership to a higher level for the sake of peace, stability and prosperity of both sides and the region.

In his speech, PM Dung emphasized ASEAN-Japan should give top priority to strengthening economic connectivity, narrowing development gaps, boosting educational and Sub-Mekong regional cooperation and developing human resources.

At the 16th ASEAN-the Republic of Korea Summit, PM Dung proposed the two nations increase cooperation in prioritised areas such as narrowing the development gap, developing human resources, boosting people-to-people exchange and political and security cooperation including maritime security, non- tradition, energy and food security.

Vietnam greatly values the Mekong-RoK comprehensive cooperation in the process of building an ASEAN community. Vietnam has a great honour to hold the second Mekong-RoK Business Forum in 2014- the year of Mekong-RoK exchange, he said.

At the summit, ASEAN leaders and RoK President Park Geun-hye expressed satisfaction at the development of their strategic partnership and their common aspiration for peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

They underscored the peaceful settlement of disputes, the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and improvement of inter-Korea relations.

At the same time, the leaders also stressed the importance of ensuring peace, maritime security and safety in the East Sea on the basis of respect for international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

They agreed to hold a Special Summit in December 2014 in the RoK to mark the 25th  anniversary of the ASEAN – RoK dialogue relations, during which major orientations will be worked out for their ties in the time ahead.

Addressing the 16thASEAN-China Summit, PM Dung said the early building of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) between ASEAN and China will greatly contribute to better ensuring peace, security, and maritime safety in the East Sea.

ASEAN and China need to make greater efforts and higher political determination to enter official and substantial negotiations for a COC as soon as possible.

Dung also shared orientations for broader ASEAN-China cooperation in infrastructure connectivity, economics, trade and investment, natural disaster management, adaption to climate change, energy and food security and sustainable use and effective management of water resources.

He urged accelerating economic, trade and investment cooperation and connectivity by enhancing the role and effectiveness of existing mechanisms. At the same time, cultural and people-to-people exchanges should be promoted to raise public awareness of the importance of the ASEAN – China strategic partnership.

The PM said ASEAN and China share common aspirations and interests in maintaining peace, stability, maritime security and safety in the East Sea, peacefully settling disputes in line with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, fully implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) in the East Sea and early building the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

He said he believes with strong political will and past successes, the ASEAN – China strategic partnership will develop in both width and depth, contributing to peace, stability and common development in the region.

At the meeting, delegates praised the success of activities held on the occasion of the 10th  anniversary of ASEAN-China strategic partnership, including the ASEAN – China Foreign Ministers’ Special Meeting in China in August this year, the trip of ASEAN regional economic ministers to China and a high-level forum also in August.

Both sides called for stronger cooperation in key areas of trade, investment and connectivity as well as in energy and food security, science-technology, transport, education and health care.

They will also effectively realise commitments within the ASEAN – China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) framework, towards lifting two-way trade to US$500 billion by 2015.

The Chinese side put forward several proposals aimed at enhancing links with ASEAN, while affirming that China places importance on cooperation with ASEAN. China also stressed that it supports the bloc’s efforts to build the ASEAN Community as well as its central role in the regional architecture.

Both sides vowed to fully abide by their commitments as specified in the DOC and the Joint Statement of the ASEAN- China Summit on the 10th anniversary of the DOC with a view to maintaining peace and stability in the region and the East Sea.

The meeting hailed the launch of official consultations between ASEAN and China at the Senior Officials level on the COC in China this September, and said the two sides should make greater efforts towards the COC.

China also made some proposals on closer cooperation with ASEAN. ASEAN and Chinese leaders adopted a joint statement marking the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership.

The same day, PM Dung joined the first ASEAN-US summit and the Sultan of Brunei hosted a gala dinner in honour of PM Dung along with other ASEAN leaders and officials.

PM Dung holds talks with Myanmar President

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has affirmed Vietnam’s recognition of importance to developing friendship and all-round cooperation with Myanmar.

At an October 9 reception with Myanmar President Thein Sein and in conjunction with the 23rd ASEAN Summit in Brunei, PM Dung suggested maintaining delegation exchange and promoting people-to-people exchange for better mutual understanding as well as actively coordinating the implementation of all signed agreements.

He asked the Myanmar Government to facilitate Vietnamese investment in Myanmar with a view  to boosting trade ties between the two nations.

Vietnam supports Myanmar in performing its role as ASEAN Chair 2014 by successfully implementing an ASEAN community building plan by 2015 and boosting cooperation with the grouping’s partners, PM Dung said.

For his part, Myanmar President TheinSein said his country wants to increase cooperation with Vietnam in economics, trade, investment and agriculture and share experience with Vietnam in the year of Myanmar’s ASEAN Chair. He also underlined the need for both sides to continue closer coordination at regional and international forums.

Both leaders spoke highly of the recent signing of a visa exemption agreement for citizens, thus facilitating better more efficient travel for its people.

Filipino military delegation welcomed in Hanoi

Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, Lieutenant General Vo Van Tuan received a high-ranking military delegation of the Philippines led by Major General John S Bonafos, Commander of the Special Operations Command (SOCOM).

The two sides highly valued bilateral relations in various fields, including high-level meetings and consultations between the two defense ministries, cooperation between navy and marine police forces, and the cooperation framework of regional multilateral forums on defence.

Joint activities launched over the year have contributed to bolstering friendship, mutual trust and understanding between the two armies, as well as ensuring peace, stability and common development of the region, they said.

They agreed to promote delegation exchange at all levels and foster cooperation in navy, marine police and air force in the near future.

Viet Nam welcomes Osaka investors

Viet Nam will create favourable conditions for investors from Osaka, particularly in terms of infrastructure and facilitating new air routes between the two regions.

President Truong Tan Sang meets with investors from Japan's Osaka City.

President Truong Tan Sang made the pledge while receiving Chairman of Osaka Chamber for Commerce and Industry Shigetaka Sato yesterday, Oct 9.

Sang said trade relations between Viet Nam and Osaka had increased rapidly in recent years, accounted for at least 50 per cent of Japan's trade investment in Viet Nam.

He expected Viet Nam's Foreign Direct Investment from Japan to reach $45-50 billion by 2015, adding that Viet Nam would open more industrial zones to attract further FDI from the country and Osaka in particular.

For his part, Sato said it was essential to create ideal conditions for businesses from Viet Nam and Osaka to develop co-operation in the field of healthcare.

Prime Ministers of Vietnam, Australia meet in Brunei

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung met with his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott in Brunei on October 10, on the sidelines of the 23rd ASEAN Summit and related meetings.

PM Dung affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to further strengthening the comprehensive partnership with Australia to benefit both countries and contribute to regional and global peace, stability and development.

The PM suggested that the two sides should hold negotiation towards an early signing of an agreement on mutual judicial assistance and a holiday working programme.

He asked the Australian side to facilitate Vietnamese agri-aquatic products’ access to the country’s market.

The Vietnamese PM also called on Australia to continue backing ASEAN’s stance on the East Sea issue as well as the settlement of disputes by peaceful measures and in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

On his part, PM Abbot said the friendship between the two countries has benefited both sides. He affirmed that Australia hopes to promote the comprehensive partnership with Vietnam, especially in security-defence, economics, development assistance, education-training, and the application of science and technology to environment management.

The Australian PM suggested the two sides continue working closely together at international forums and in the fields of sea security, trust building, conflict prevention and humanitarian aid.

Vietnam attends 129th General Assembly of IPU

A delegation of the Vietnam National Assembly (NA) led by NA Vice Chairman Huynh Ngoc Son attended the 129 th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU - 129) in Geneva, Switzerland, from October 7 – 9.

The IPU – 129 saw the participation of 1,200 delegates from parliamentary bodies of 125 countries, observers and international organisations.

Issues tabled for discussion included the role of parliamentary bodies in seeking ways to deal with nuclear weapons in the world, the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Security Council’s Resolution 1540 on the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and measures to better ensure rights of children and vulnerable groups like people with disabilities.

Participants also mulled over amendments to IPU’s statutes and regulations.

The IPU admitted Bhutan and Somalia as official members, bringing its membership to 163.

The Vietnamese delegation took part in activities of the General Assembly, the Executive Committee and discussions of IPU’s committees.

Vietnam praises UN anti-terrorism role

Vietnam highly values the United Nations’ central role in combating terrorism and calls for stronger international cooperation in this fight.

Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN Pham Quang Hieu made the remark at the 6th Committee of the UNGA 68 Session on Agenda themed “Measures to eliminate international terrorism” in New York on October 7-8.

In his speech, Hieu reiterated Vietnam’s consistent stance on counter terrorism and highlighted the central role played by the UN in fighting terrorism towards unanimity on the comprehensive convention on international terrorism.

The Vietnamese representative also introduced Vietnam’s Anti-Terrorism Law adopted by the National Assembly (NA) in June.

Delegates at the debate also strongly condemn terrorism, considering it a threat and challenge to international peace and security.

Vietnam attaches great importance to the counter-terrorism cooperation with the United Nations. The country now is a party to ten international instruments on counter-terrorism and considering the accession to three other international conventions, namely the International Convention against Taking of Hostages, International Convention on Suppression of Terrorist Bombing and International Convention for Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. Furthermore, during the 8th plenary session of the Global Initiative on Combating Nuclear Terrorist Acts (GICNT) held in Mexico in May this year, Vietnam has re-affirmed its support of activities and programmes carried out under the framework of GICNT and related Working Group.

Vietnam welcomes and is ready to cooperate with the United Nations specialized agencies in implementing projects of technical assistance, capacity building and strengthening the national legal framework against terrorism, Hieu said.

VNN/VOV/VNS/VNA