A Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Doan Xuan Hung, is attending the third Asia-Middle East Dialogue Ministerial Meeting (AMEDIII) in Bangkok on Dec. 15-16.

Themed, “Strengthening Cooperation towards Common Prosperity,” the meeting focuses discussions on political, economic, socio-cultural and environmental issues as well as measures to promote strategic partnership among countries that used to have traditional ties via the Silk Road.

Participants will also share experiences and views on challenges Asia and the Middle East are facing such as terrorism, piracy, food security, energy and climate change.

Addressing the opening session, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said Asia continued to be dynamic and grow stronger, and it was becoming the centre of the world's trade while the Middle East continued to be the source of power and the driving force that moves the world's economy and industry forward.

The two regions have a combined GDP of 8 trillion USD and hold more than 60 percent of the world's total foreign currency reserves, he said.

He called for countries to increase cooperation for common prosperity.

The two-day meeting drew the participation of governmental officials, business leaders and scholars from 36 countries in the two regions.