Vietnam striving to cement the central role of ASEAN in 2017

Thứ Sáu, 16/12/2016, 14:16

PSNews - An ASEAN cooperation inter-sector meeting was held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 14th to evaluate the ASEAN cooperation and the collaboration between ministries and units in 2016, and to draft directions on ASEAN cooperation in the coming time.

2016 was the first year since established the ASEAN Community, implementing the ASEAN Vision 2025 and the Comprehensive Plan on 3 Pillars of the ASEAN Community.

By now, ASEAN has drafted and adopted action programs, working plans in period 2016-2020; drawn up the Comprehensive Plan for ASEAN Connectivity 2025 and the third phase of the Working Plan for ASEAN integration initiatives (support CLMV countries); promoted ASEAN external relations; renovated and enhanced working efficiency of ASEAN offices and the ASEAN Secretariat.

The meeting sees the attendance of representatives of more than 20 ministries and units joining ASEAN cooperation.

The meeting agreed that, in 2017, Vietnam should continue its proactiveness and responsibility for promoting ASEAN cooperation, with the press placed on implementing programs and plans on the building of the ASEAN Community by 2025 with 3 pillars; push up fully, practically and effectively implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and soon adopt the Code of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (COC).

The meeting also suggested improving international relations of ASEAN in terms of both width and depth, combining the innovating of procedures and perfecting of mechanisms in order to enhance the operational efficiency of relevant agencies and ASEAN cooperation frameworks with partners; and actively joining and organizing activities to celebrate 50 years of ASEAN establishment in Vietnam and in the world.

By An Nhien