Vietnam Deputy PM urges world to 'put aside' disagreements

TOKYO -- Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh told the Future of Asia conference that Asian states have a critical role to play in achieving global peace and stability, as heightened international tensions test his country's diplomacy.

"Asia should strengthen its sense of responsibility in creating and maintaining a peaceful environment and stability for regional and global development and prosperity," he said on Thursday. "This is based on the common ground of unity, cooperation, mutual understanding, trust and responsibility."