VN will do its utmost to foster ASEAN’s relations with partners, says PM

VGP – At the Summit between ASEAN and partner countries – China, Japan and the Republic of Korea – held in Cha-am, Hua Hin (Thailand), on Saturday, Vietnamese PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng made the emphasis that Việt Nam will do its best to cement and deepen the relations between ASEAN and these partners.

October 24, 2009 3:40 PM GMT+7

Leaders attend the 12^th ASEAN–China Summit, Huan Hin, Thailand, October 24, 2009 - Photo: VGP

ASEAN-China strategic partnership lifted to a new height

Acknowledging the ASEAN–China partnership as one of ASEAN’s comprehensive and more dynamic relationships, PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng stressed that, Việt Nam, functioning as the coordinator for this partnership for three years (2010-2012), will spare no effort to place it on a new plane.

He suggested ASEAN and China actively realize the “Joint Statement on strategic partnership for peace and prosperity”.

The two sides should also further prioritize economic and trade cooperation, especially after completing the essential foundations for the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area, so as to tap all available potentials, deploy the ASEAN-China Investment Cooperation Fund (US $10 billion) and realize the plan to disburse US $15 billion trade credits.

Praising China’s contributions, the Vietnamese PM expressed his hope that China will continue to support the construction of the ASEAN Community and assist the Association in improving environment, responding to climate change, controlling and preventing infectious diseases. First of all, the two sides can share information and shake hands in protecting water sources, environment and ecosystem, founding a regional hotline for epidemics.

ASEAN and China should also observe the Declaration of Conduct of the related parties (DOC) in the Eastern Sea.

The 12th ASEAN–Japan Summit opens in Huan Hin, Thailand, October 24, 2009 - Photo: VGP

Promoting economic, trade and financial cooperation between ASEAN and Japan

At the 12^th ASEAN–Japan Summit, PM Dũng highly appraised the Northeastern Asian country’s diplomatic policy to attach importance to Asia and ASEAN.

Showing his pleasure at the positive implementation of the Plan of Action to Implement the Declaration for the Dynamic and Enduring ASEAN-Japan Partnership in the New Millennium.

PM Dũng noted that ASEAN and Japan should make their partnership more practical and effective, focusing on economic, trade and financial fields.

Việt Nam expects Japan to continue helping ASEAN to consolidate its intra-connectivity, narrow development gaps, and deal with trans-national challenges, said PM Dũng.

He added that Việt Nam welcomes the 1^st Mekong-Japan Meeting in Tokyo next month and will host the Mekong-Japan Cultural Tourism Day in early December.

PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng (middle) at the 12^th ASEAN-RoK Summit, Huan Hin, Thailand, October 24, 2009 - Photo: VGP

Speeding up the formation of ASEAN-RoK Free Trade Area

Addressing the 12^th ASEAN-Korea Summit, PM Dũng lauded the “New Asia Initiative“ raised by the Republic of Korea.

He asked the RoK to share its development experience with ASEAN; help the Association to nurture human resource through granting more scholarship for ASEAN students.

The Vietnamese PM stated that the two sides should enhance mutual assistance to overcome the global economic crisis and ensure sustainable development. In the near future, it is necessary to speed up the formation of the ASEAN-Korea Free Trade Area by encouraging the involvement of the business community and the private sector.

PM Dũng applauded the RoK for establishing the Asia Forest Cooperation Organization and allocating US $100 million for ASEAN countries to cope with climate change.

He also expressed his hope that the RoK will continue to assist ASEAN to guarantee food and energy security, especially through transferring agricultural technologies.

By Xuân Hồng