Surin Pitsuwan told reporters that as the ASEAN Chair, Vietnam should be very proud to be a good host with its enthusiastic and considerate organizing board and its friendly and hospitable capital, where the meetings took place.

The ASEAN chief acknowledged Vietnam’s active contribution to ASEAN during its 15 years of membership, saying the country is getting more involved in ASEAN cooperation by initiating more ideas to the bloc’s activities and cooperation programmes, helping maintain a peaceful and stable environment in the region as well as improving ASEAN’s position in the world.

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

For the significance and results of the AMM 43, the ASEAN Secretary General said that the meeting discussed 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.

The ministers reached consensus on many important issues, he said, adding that the meetings between ASEAN and 10 partners were beneficial for both sides. The partners affirmed their continued support for ASEAN’s central role in the region and shared ASEAN’s vision on the future regional structure.

VOV-VNA