VN ready to assume ASEAN presidency in 2010

PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng made the statement today in Hà Nội at the ceremony to mark the 42^nd anniversary of ASEAN (August 8, 1967).

The Vietnamese PM emphasized that to set the future course for ASEAN, leaders of all member states have approved a roadmap for building an ASEAN Community by 2015 based on three main pillars: the Political-Security Community, the Economic Community and the Socio-Cultural Community, and a program to bridge the development gap among its member states.

ASEAN’s position has been elevated since the member states ratified the ASEAN Charter which will help the bloc develop efficiently, said PM Dũng.

ASEAN and its partners have strengthened their cooperation by mapping out long-term cooperation programs to settle global challenges, including the global crisis, epidemics, natural disasters and climate change.

In addition, East Asian integration has been improved through cooperation agreements in the areas of economics, trade, investment, services, and the establishment of more free trade areas.

The PM held that establishing the ASEAN Community is a hard task requiring all member states to spare no effort to realize the adopted documents, programs and action plans through concrete measures.

Việt Nam always attaches great attention to the regional cooperation and is ready to work with ASEAN in a positive and responsible spirit for peace, stability and development in the region and the rest of the world.

As a member state since July 1995, Việt Nam has made significant contributions to ASEAN’s solidarity and development, said the Government chief, adding that the country has been an indispensable part of the ASEAN family.

Việt Nam considers assumption of ASEAN Presidency as an honor as well as a big task for the coming year and will make every effort to fulfill the task, confirmed the Vietnamese PM.

By Minh Hương