Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung left Hanoi on November 4 for Vientiane, Laos, for the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting ( ASE M-9).

He is accompanied by Minister-Chairman of the Government Office Vu Duc Dam, Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, Deputy Industry and Trade Minister Nguyen Cam Tu, and Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Ta Minh Chau.

Themed Friends for Peace, Partners for Prosperity, the meeting from Nov. 4-6 focuses on the current economic and financial situation, global challenges, regional issues and cooperation between ASE M countries.

The event marks the fourth expansion of the cooperation mechanism with the admission of three new members, bringing the total membership of ASE M to 51.

Vietnam will participate in the meetings’ activities with a high sense of responsibility to make practical contributions to promoting Asia-Europe cooperation, particularly in issues of ASEM’s interests such as economic recovery, coping with global challenges and maintaining peace, security, stability, cooperation and development in both regions./.