VN aims to strengthen relations with ASEAN

HA NOI — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem yesterday had separate talks with his Laos counterpart and the foreign ministers from Thailand and Singapore to discuss measures to increase bilateral ties between Viet Nam and these countries.

The meetings were held on the sidelines of the 43rd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM-43) and other ASEAN-related meetings in Ha Noi.

During their talks, Khiem and his Lao counterpart Thongloun Sisoulith expressed delight at the special solidarity, traditional friendship and comprehensive co-operation between Viet Nam and Laos, which they said were all increasing.

The two leaders laid stress on the need for both sides to use the fine political relationship as a foundation and the economic co-operation as a core element toward improving the effectiveness of the bilateral co-operation.

They also emphasised the importance of preparatory work for the exchange of high-level visits between the two countries from now till the end of the year as well as for the building of a Viet Nam-Laos co-operation strategy in the 2011-20 period.

Also on the same day, Khiem met with Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya to discuss issues of mutual concern, including coordination work to prepare for the AMM 43 and related meetings in Ha Noi.

The two witnessed the exchange of documents ratifying an agreement on extradition of convicts and co-operation in the execution of criminal sentences.

Khiem and Singaporean foreign minister George Yeo also discussed measures to boost bilateral co-operation between the two countries and to increase their coordination at regional and international forums. Part of their talks also dealt with consolidating political consensus in order to ensure the success of the AMM 43 and its related meetings.

Ready for meetings

ASEAN General Secretary Surin Pitsuwan has hailed Viet Nam's preparations for the AMM-43 and related meetings taking place in Ha Noi.

"Everything has been perfect and I am sure, during the rest of the year, we will see Viet Nam shine," he told reporters on the sidelines of the awards ceremony for the "ASEAN Community of Solidarity and Prosperity" contest in Ha Noi yesterday.

According to the ASEAN chief, Viet Nam has been very effective since the beginning of the year when ASEAN officials and ministers came to attend the foreign ministers' meetings in Da Nang in January and the 16th ASEAN Summit in April.

For the next few days, many meetings would take place, beginning with a launch yesterday in Ha Noi with the participation of ministers, officials from ASEAN member countries and dialogue partners, he said.

ASEAN was talking about how to co-operate more effectively in building the community and economic integration, along with reducing barriers for regional investment, trade and travel, which he said will be very important for building a community in ASEAN.

The dialogue partners would discuss what they could contribute and how they could benefit from the bloc, he added.

"We are not a small market, we are number three when we become one market, only behind China and India," he said.

According to the ASEAN chief, the purchasing power in the region is growing and opportunities for investment, trade, technology and science and in education are also great.

"As I said, the eyes of the world will be on Ha Noi because ASEAN is here, because major countries will have representatives here to talk with ASEAN," he emphasised.

On this occasion, he congratulated Viet Nam for its 15th anniversary of joining ASEAN and praised the country's contributions to the bloc. — VNS