ASEAN foreign ministers concerned about North Korea's weapons program

At the 50th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM 50), which opened on the morning of August 5 at the International Convention Center in Manila, the heads of foreign affairs of the 10 ASEAN member countries issued a statement criticizing North Korea's continued development of nuclear and missile technologies.

According to the statement, the foreign ministers expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions in the region following two intercontinental ballistic missile launches by North Korea last month.

Foreign Ministers pose for a group photo at the opening ceremony of the 50th AMM in Manila, Philippines, on August 5. (Source: EPA/VNA)

ASEAN foreign ministers urged the DPRK, a member of the ASEAN Regional Forum, to abide by its obligations under all UN Security Council resolutions and contribute to making the "Asia-Pacific region a region of lasting peace, stability, friendship and prosperity."

Earlier, North Korea confirmed that it had successfully test-fired the Hwasong-14 missile on the night of July 28. This was North Korea's second consecutive test of an intercontinental ballistic missile. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the missile reached an altitude of 3,724.9 km and flew 998 km for about 47 minutes before falling into the sea.

The 50th AMM and related meetings will last until August 8. On August 7, ASEAN Foreign Ministers and 17 dialogue partners will meet at the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) - an important multilateral security dialogue to discuss current hot issues in the region.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh led the Vietnamese delegation to attend the 50th AMM Conference and related conferences./.

According to Vietnamplus