(KPL) – ASEAN supports the role of the United Nations (UN), especially its General Assembly, in ensuring that the use of outer space serves peaceful purposes and the collective benefit of humanity, Minister Counsellor and deputy head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to the UN Nguyen Hoang Nguyen has stated.

Nguyen made the statement while speaking on behalf of the bloc at an October 24 meeting of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee) within the UN General Assembly’s 78th session which heard remarks from representatives of nearly 40 countries and groups of nations.

The diplomat held that accessing the outer space is an inalienable right of all states and that ASEAN shares the international community’s concerns over the possibility of an arms race in the outer space, the fragility of the space environment and the increasing probability of collisions due to increased space debris, Vietnam News Agency said.

Welcoming dialogues that help deepen understanding of issues relating to space security, he said efforts must be made to develop legal frameworks and strengthen governance for outer space activities.

According to Nguyen, ASEAN emphasises that all parties engaged in outer space activities have a responsibility to comply with the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly, as well as the common principles applied in the field. ASEAN also calls on UN member states, especially developed countries, to contribute more financially to the UN programme on the peaceful use of the outer space.

Highlighting the importance of technology transfer, technical assistance and capacity-building programmes, with particular emphasis on developing countries, Nguyen urged the international community to concert the outer space research with the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals.

ASEAN supports initiatives to enhance cooperation with partners outside the region to promote environmental protection, security, and the peaceful uses of outer space in the future, he affirmed.

KPL