Vietnam calls on Russia, Ukraine to cease hostilities, resume dialogue

Son made his appeal in separate meetings with his Ukrainian and Russian counterparts Dmytro Kuleba and Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits and related meetings in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Discussing the situation in Ukraine, Son affirmed Vietnam’s consistent stance that all disputes should be resolved by peaceful means in line with basic principles of international law and the United Nations Chapter.

Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (R) shakes hands with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on November 11, 2022, in Cambodia. Photo courtesy of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He hoped that relevant parties would end the conflict and resume dialogue soon.

Vietnam was willing to participate in the international community’s efforts to provide humanitarian aid and relief to the people, as also contribute to promoting dialogue and finding measures to stabilize the situation soon, Son said.

In talks with Ukrainian counterpart Kuleba Friday, Son affirmed that Vietnam attached importance to the traditional friendship and comprehensive partnership with Ukraine, and wished to promote cooperation between the two countries in all fields.

Earlier, Ukraine became the 50th member of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC).

At a meeting a day later with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov, Son emphasized that Vietnam attached great importance to the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia and was keen on promoting cooperation further for mutual benefit.

Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (L) meets with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on November 12, 2022 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Photo courtesy of Russian Foreign Ministry

Lavrov said Russia always considered Vietnam an important partner in the region and expressed his wish that Vietnam continues to be a bridge for Russia to expand relations with ASEAN countries.

Speaking at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting on Thursday, Son welcomed partners to participate in regional cooperation in the spirit of openness, transparency, inclusiveness and respect for the central role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Son said the regional bloc needs to send a clear message to its partners about promoting cooperation, goodwill and dialogue instead of confrontation and criticism at ASEAN-led mechanisms.