Hanoi, Oct. 29 -- Phan made the above statement while addressing the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM+) held in Cebu, the Philippines, on September 29.

The meeting was attended by defence ministers and representatives of the defence ministries of the 11 ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partner countries including Australia, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the U.S., Russia and China.

The Vietnamese official suggested ASEAN and its partners intensify dialogue in the spirit of upholding international law and regional commitments, while respecting the independence, sovereignty and legitimate interests of all countries.

Efforts should be made to manage differences, strengthen trust, and foster peaceful relation...