Hanoi (VNA) – Up to 42 documents havebeen adopted within the framework of the 53rd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings heldfrom September 9-12 via video conferences, a record iꦬn the history of ASEAN foreignministers’ meetings.

The figure was announced by Vietnamese Deputy Prime Ministerand Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh at an international press conference inHanoi on September 12 following the conclusion of the meetings. Minh said AMM 53 has been a success, which reflects ASEAN’s responsiveness anddetermination that help Vietnam productively organise the video conferences amid the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the framework of AMM 53, the ASEAN foreignministers, guests and partners attended 19 meetings, including AMM 53,Special Session of the ASEAN Coordinating Council Meeting on Sub-regionalDevelopment, the 10th EastAsia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ MeetingInterface with ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR)Representatives, the ASEAN  MinisterialDialogue on Strengthening Women’s Role for Sustainable Peace and Security, andthe 27th ASEAN Regional Forum. Forty two documents have been adopted, the biggestnumber of documents adopted in the history of ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meetings.They include the Joint Communique' of AMM 53 and the ARF Hanoi Plan ofAction II (2020-2025). The ASEAN Foreign Ministers continued affirm strong determinationand commitment to fully and effectively implementing goals and priorities onthe spirit of “Cohesive and Responsive” ASEAN 2020. In parallel with that are efforts to containthe COVID-19 pandemic, ASEAN needs to  supportthe people and businesses to overcome the consequences of the disease, step bystep recover the economy and return their life to normal. The ministers affirmed the determination to maintainSoutheast Asia as a region of peace, security, neutrality and stability whilestrengthening ASEAN’s centrality, unity and resilience, and promoting trust building, mutual respect and the rule of law in line with the spiritof the Foreign Ministers' Statement on the occasion of marking the 53rd founding anniversary of ASEAN on August 8, 2020. Participants discussed measures to strengthenpartnerships of ASEAN for peace and sustainable development. Partnerscontinue support the central role of ASEAN in shaping an open, inclusive,transparent and rules-based regional architecture. They affirmed that ASEAN and partners will continuepromoting effective cooperation in responding to emerging challenges, including theCOVID-19 pandemic and promoting comprehensive recovery. ASEAN agreed to grant the status of development partnership to France and Italy, while admitting Columbia and Cuba in the ASEAN’s Treaty onAmity and Cooperation (TAC). During the meetings, participants discussednon-traditional security challenges, such as terrorism, transnationalcrime, natural disasters and climate change, as well as international andregional issues of common concern. The ministers reiterated ASEAN's principled position and emphasised the importance and benefits of peace, security, stability and freedomof navigation and aviation in the East Sea, which is the common benefits of allcountries and supported by ASEAN partners. They affirmed the parties needto promote dialogue; build trust; and refrain from the acts that furthercomplicate the situation; and avoid militarisation, use or threat to use force; settle disputes through peaceful measures on the basis of international law,including the 1982 UNCLOS. They expressed the hope the DOCwill be fully and effectively implemented and urged parties to soon finalise an effective and efficient COC in accordance with international law. ASEAN Secretary-General LimJock Hoi spoke highly of Vietnam’s comprehensive and professional preparations and productive outcomes of AMM 53, with the biggest number ofdocuments adopted within the framework of ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meetings so far. “Digital meetings, video conferences do not stop us creating an environment to produce one of the most productive meetings of ASEANforeign ministers,” he said, adding “this is the testament that we are able to dothis without face-to-face meeting.” Minh said, as the ASEAN Chair 2020, Vietnam is actively preparing for the 37th ASEAN Summit slated for November this year, though the developments of the COVID-19pandemic are unpredictable. Vietnam is exerting its utmost efforts to curb theCOVID-19 pandemic, Minh said, expressing his hope that ASEAN nations andpartners will overcome the pandemic so that ASEAN foreign ministers will beable to meet face-to-face in the upcoming 37th ASEAN Summit./.