ASEAN foreign ministers commit to a region free of nuclear

(VOVWORLD) -ASEAN Foreign Ministers have reiterated their countries’ commitments to strictly implement the Treaty of Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ) to build a region free of nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction.

Attending a meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Tuesday as part of the 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM-55), they acknowledged achievements in implementing the Plan of Action to strengthen the implementation of the treaty,  cooperation to improve capacity to respond to radioactive and nuclear incidents, including the establishment of working groups on emergency response, radiation monitoring, risk assessment of radioactive release, and radiation security and emergency communications. Ministers agreed to extend the plan for the next 4 years.

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 Treaty’s Protocol.

On Tuesday, 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 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 centrality.