ASEAN backs peace efforts in Korean Peninsula

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) supports efforts to maintain peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula, said ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh.

During his telephone talks with Vice Chairman of the Presidential Committee for Unification Preparation of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Chung Chong Wook on October 12, Minh called for the early resumption of the six-party nuclear negotiations on the peninsula.

He also reiterated the ten-member group’s backing of the Northeast Peace and Cooperation Initiative.

Both exchanged views on progress made in the relationship between ASEAN and the RoK, stressing the need for the two sides to enhance their strategic cooperation agreed upon at the ASEAN-RoK Commemorative Summit in Busan last year.

Chung was informed of ASEAN’s recent activities, including preparations for the formation of the ASEAN Community at the end of this year and the post-2015 Vision for the next ten years.

In another development, Hungarian Ambassador to ASEAN Judith Nemeth-Pach said Hungary wishes to strengthen its pragmatic collaboration with the group in economy, trade, investment and culture while presenting her credentials to the Secretary General on October 12.

Hungary stands ready to share its experience in joining the European Union (EU) with ASEAN and pledges to cooperate with the bloc in education, she affirmed.

According to the ambassador, Hungary launched a special scholarship programme under which the country will grant 250 scholarships to students from ASEAN member countries.

For his part, Minh stated that the ASEAN Secretariat will closely work with the ambassador to contribute to fostering affiliations between the two sides.

He welcomed Hungary’s plan to promote cooperation with ASEAN and its member countries, especially the country’s provision of a large number of scholarships to regional students.-VNA