In his speech delivered at the 48th ASEAN Summit held on May 8 in Cebu, the Philippines, Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung called for ratification and effective implementation of the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement in a bid to ensure essential security requirements of ASEAN member countries.
The PM was quoted by the Government News as further stating that essential security needs encompass energy security, food security, and human security.
He also called for effective implementation of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) for the 2026-2030 period, the ASEAN Power Grid, and the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline.
The Vietnamese leader stressed the need for ASEAN to diversify energy sources, promote energy transition, and enhance access to green finance and advanced technologies while improving the effectiveness of the existing food security frameworks and agreements in the region
He underscored the need to enhance strategic reserves and establish emergency reserve mechanisms for rice and other essential goods.
He affirmed that Vietnam stands ready to provide food assistance in emergency situations, share related experience with other ASEAN members, and continue close coordination with the regional peers in citizen protection.
The PM also called for substantive cooperation in promoting ASEAN's resilience through fruitful implementation of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and prompt conclusion of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).
Last but not least, Prime Minister Hung called on ASEAN member States to foster ASEAN coordination and solidarity, including improving the effectiveness of inter-disciplinary consultation and coordination in emergency situations, promoting the coordinating role of the ASEAN Secretariat to ensure smooth, synchronous and effective implementation of the regional commitments.
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