Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lê Hải Bình. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The 12th ASEAN – China senior officials’ meeting on the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) will take place in Việt Nam’s Hạ Long City on June 9.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lê Hải Bình revealed the information at the ministry’s regular press conference in Hà Nội yesterday.
On June 8, the ASEAN – China joint working group will convene the 17th special-level meeting on carrying out the DOC and will consult on a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).
The routine meetings aim to foster the implementation of the DOC and the building of a COC.
Regarding the upcoming Asia Security Summit, or the Shangri-La Dialogue, to be held in Singapore, Bình said Deputy Defence Minister Nguyễn Chí Vịnh will lead the Vietnamese delegation to the event from today to Sunday.
Việt Nam’s clear stance on the East Sea issue will be shown at the dialogue, as it has consistently been so far, he said.
At the press conference, the spokesman said Việt Nam welcomes the recent G7 Summit Declaration, which includes commitments to safeguarding security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation, maritime security, and respecting international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
“Việt Nam asks relevant parties to continue practical contributions to maintaining peace, stability and observance of laws on seas and oceans,” he said.

In response to a question about Việt Nam’s view on Bob Kerrey’s appointment as chairman of the trustees of Fulbright University Việt Nam, the spokesman said “The grief and losses Vietnamese people suffered in war time were tremendous and noncompensable. The Vietnamese Government and people have been doing their utmost to resolve war aftermaths.”

“As a nation that always treasures friendship, and in the spirit of shelving the past, overcoming differences, utilising similarities, and being forward-looking, we have always attempted to advance co-operation and understanding for improved Việt Nam – US relationship,” Bình said.

Quite a few US war veterans who fought in Việt Nam have made positive contributions in various areas - from diplomacy, culture, education, and resolving of war aftermaths to strengthening bilateral diplomacy between the two countries to healing war wounds, Bình said.

“With such in mind, we are convinced the US as well as the Fulbright University management board will make proper decisions compatible with the development tendency of the already fine relationship between Việt Nam and the US, bringing about practical and specific interests for people on both sides.”

When asked about Việt Nam’s resolution of a case involving Vietnamese expatriates living in the Vietnamese quarter called Làng Sen (Lotus Village) on Grushevskogo street, Odessa, who claimed tax staff took at least US$500,000 and other valuables, Bình said Việt Nam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Embassy in Ukraine have taken active steps to protect the rights and interests of Vietnamese people in Odessa City.

“The Embassy is also working with the host country’s relevant agencies to protect legitimate rights, as well as revoke the property and money of the Vietnamese, if they legally belong to these people.” — VNS