ASEAN ambassadors discuss APEC 2017 in Japan

Tokyo (VNA) – Ambassadors to Japan of 10 ASEAN member states had a meeting at the Vietnamese Embassy in Tokyo on November 2, with discussions highlighting the APEC Vietnam 2017.

Their meeting was joined by Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong congratulated Shinzo Abe on his recent re-election as Japanese Prime Minister and Taro Kono on his re-appointment as Foreign Minister.

Cuong, also head of the ASEAN Committee in Tokyo (ACT), expressed his hope for thriving ASEAN – Japan cooperation in the future.

He said ASEAN appreciates the country’s support toward the bloc’s central role and solidarity.

Japan has made numerous proposals to boost ASEAN – Japan strategic partnership, including an initiative on high quality infrastructure and a programme on sustainable water management for the Mekong River, Cuong added.

Talking about the APEC Vietnam 2017, the diplomat thanked the Japanese Government’s support, particularly on the occasions of APEC foreign and economic ministers’ meetings, and the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week slated for November 6 – 11 in Da Nang.

For his part, Minister Taro Kono said he is delighted to attend the meeting of APEC foreign and economic ministers in Da Nang on November 7 and 8.

The meeting saw participants discussing common issues, which will be tabled at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, ASEAN high-level meetings, East Asia Summit meetings, and other events held in Vietnam and the Philippines this November.-VNA