Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem has called on Vietnamese young people to cooperate in building a united ASEAN community for peace, stability and prosperity.

Deputy PM Khiem made the appeal on August 7 in anticipation of the 39^th anniversary of ASEAN Day (August 8).

He stressed that the theme of this year's ASEAN Day - "ASEAN and young generation" - recognised the important role of the young generation in the development of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

"ASEAN and Vietnam have always believed that young people are the future owners of the ASEAN community, and the successes and strength of ASEAN will depend on them. Encouraging young people to build an ASEAN community is a necessary and important task of all ASEAN member countries," Mr Khiem said.

According to the Deputy PM, cooperation among ASEAN youth in the past has proved effective in various ways. Their activities have promoted links among young people in the region and have solved many regional problems.

Mr Khiem said that since becoming an ASEAN member more than 10 years ago, Vietnam has played an active role in promoting the activities of ASEAN youth. Vietnam has not only participated in but also recommended many significant activities, and hosted many events for ASEAN youth.

He expressed hope that the Vietnam Young People's Committee will become an active centre for ASEAN cooperation, and attract more young people to contribute to the common prosperity and development of ASEAN.

VNA