ASEAN Ministers commit to SEA Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone

They acknowledged achievements in deploying the Plan of Action (POA) to strengthen the implementation of the treaty, and agreed to extend the plan for 2022-2026.

They welcomed the cooperation between the ASEAN Network of Regulatory Bodies on Atomic Energy (ASEANTOM) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the research and application of nuclear technology for civil purposes.

The ministers agreed to strengthen consultations and encourage countries that own nuclear weapons to sign the SEANWFZ Protocol.

Addressing the meeting, Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed the value of the treaty in the current volatile and complicated context. He asked ASEAN to uphold the role and value of the treaty, and contribute to the international community's efforts to ensure nuclear security and safety.

The Minister also suggested efforts to find solutions for the signing of the SEANWFZ Protocol.

The meeting was the first activity within the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-55) and related meetings taking place in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

On the same day, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son met Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith who is attending the meeting in Cambodia.

The two ministers emphasized the significance of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the relations and the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

They agreed to maintain the exchange of high-level delegations and cooperation mechanisms between ministries, agencies and localities of the two countries in carrying out activities within the framework the Solidarity and Friendship Year 2022.

The two sides also agreed to implement a cooperation agreement between the two Foreign Ministries for 2021-2025, including political consultations and experience exchanges in foreign affairs. They consented to strengthen close coordination and mutual support at international, regional and sub-regional forums, maintain solidarity and consolidate ASEAN's central role.

(Source: VOV)