The summit is taking place at a time when ASEAN is particularlydetermined to step up community building, connectivity and its focus onthe people of the region.
Major topics to be discussed at the meetings include the post-2015 building and operation of the ASEAN Community.
Participants will also touch on the bloc’s cooperation with itspartners within the framework of the ASEAN Plus One, ASEAN Plus Threeand East Asian Summit (EAS), as well as discuss international andregional issues of mutual concern.
Vietnam hastaken an active part in all ASEAN activities during 2013 as part of itspolicy of being “active, proactive and responsible” in its ASEANcooperation and made important contributions to mapping the bloc’sdevelopment vision through its influence in significant decision making.
The country has promoted the group’s decisive rolein regional cooperation and structuring, and fostered peace, security,stability and cooperation in Southeast Asia. It has also facilitatedASEAN’s relations with the bloc’s partners.
Vietnam’s participation at the 23rd ASEAN Summit and related meetings,together with other fellow members, will strengthen the bloc’ssolidarity and central role in a shaping regional architecture,contributing to building a strong and close-knit ASEAN.
The country’ role and position will be further elevated through itsactive participation in the regional meetings which will promoteVietnam’s bilateral ties with its partners.-VNA