SOUTH EAST ASIAAsia News Network

Initial hesitance gives way as Asean nations take a stand against Ukraine invasion

But Vietnam and Laos cannot afford to condemn Russia, said analysts.

He is expected to meet with Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing and other figures in the capital Naypyidaw.

As of Thursday (March 3), most Vietnamese citizens had travelled out of Kyiv and Odessa, with hundreds in Kharkiv evacuated.

While the region is not a major trade partner of Ukraine and Russia, analysts noted that it remains a net importer of oil, wheat and corn.

The White House summit had been expected earlier in the year, but scheduling was delayed by Covid-19 concerns.

The foreign ministers also pledged to further elevate cooperation on a parliamentary level through the signing of an MoU.

Despite China's courtship, misgivings persist. Beijing’s stance on Russia is likely to heighten anxieties in South-east Asia.

Vietnam President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc also urged enterprises to take practical actions to contribute to the growth of bilateral relations.

"We believe that there is still room for a peaceful dialogue to prevent the situation from getting out of control," the Asean ministers said.

Both leaders added that they were committed to strengthening cooperation in the development of various sectors.