Vietnam has been active, positive and responsible for the organisation of the 43rd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM 43) and related meetings, which helped make them successful with important outcomes.

ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan told the Vietnam News Agency reporter on July 23 that Vietnam, as the ASEAN Chair, should be very proud of being a good host with its enthusiastic and considerate organising board and friendly and hospitable capital, where the meetings took place.

Talking about Vietnam participation in ASEAN and its role in connecting the bloc with its partners, the ASEAN chief acknowledged Vietnam’s positive contribution to ASEAN during its 15 years of membership.

The country is getting more involved in ASEAN cooperation by contributing more initiatives to the bloc’s activities and cooperation programmes, helping maintain a peaceful and stable environment in the region as well as increasing ASEAN’s position in the world, he remarked.

Vietnam is doing well as the ASEAN chair in 2010, an important year in the development of the bloc, he added.

Regarding the significance and results of the AMM 43, ASEAN Secretary General said that the meeting was to discuss important plans, including how to boost cooperation with ASEAN’s partners to support its goal of building an ASEAN community, coping with global challenges and maintaining its leadership.

Ministers reached consensus on many important issues, he said, adding that the meetings between ASEAN and 10 partners brought in benefits for both sides.

The partners affirmed their continued support for ASEAN’s central role in the region and share ASEAN’s vision on the future regional structure.

The 17th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF 17) successfully ended with orientations for the future, he affirmed.

Regional countries agreed on their common goal and desire of peace, stability, cooperation and development and pledged cooperation for these targets, he said./.