Hanoi, May 8 -- The retreat focused on responses to the energy crisis arising from geopolitical tensions and lessons for ASEAN.

First, ASEAN should take the lead in upholding rules and strengthening trust in international relations by consistently promoting multilateralism and respect for international law, he said. Accordingly, ASEAN should actively contribute to maintaining security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight globally and in the region.

Regarding the East Sea, ASEAN should work together with China to ensure the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and soon conclude an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in line with inte...