In order to achieve that, the PM highlighted the need to improve development quality among ASEAN member states, enhance the sharing of information and experience, and increase mutual understanding.

He expressed his belief that the ASEAN Secretary General plays an important role in strengthening connectivity.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and ASEAN Secretary General Lim Jock Hoi.

The government leader informed his guest that Vietnam is considering the most pragmatic theme for ASEAN Year 2020. Noting that the United Nations is underlined the issue of climate change, he said ASEAN should make climate change one of the priorities in its agenda.

Vietnam always considers ASEAN one of the important pillars in its foreign policy and is actively preparing for its role as ASEAN Chair in 2020, he said, adding that the country is gearing towards such priorities as fostering regional solidarity and connectivity, improving ASEAN’s adaptation capacity and reforming and enhancing the bloc’s operation efficiency, which are consistent with ASEAN’s cornerstone goals.

The PM wished that the ASEAN Secretary General and Secretariat will continue helping Vietnam fulfill its role as ASEAN Chair 2020.

He called on the ASEAN Secretary General to get a thorough understanding of the East Sea situation at present and raise his voice in support of maintaining peace, stability, prosperity, and ensuring maritime and aviation freedom in the East Sea in line with international law.

Lim Jock Hoi, for his part, said he strongly believes that Vietnam will successfully play its role as ASEAN Chair next year.

He said ASEAN is determined to complete the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) by the end of this year towards official signing next year.

On climate change issue, he said ASEAN needs to work closely together to work out proper solutions.

The Secretary General pledged to do his best to foster regional solidarity and deal with emerging complicated and sensitive issues.

ASEAN builds standards for organic products

The ASEAN Organic Federation, grouping Indonesia, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand, has built a common standard for organic products, according to the Vietnam Trade Office in Thailand.

Vietnam attends 26th ASEAN Region Forum

A Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh attended the 26th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Bangkok on August 2, within the framework of the 52nd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings. 

Vietnam ranks second in ASEAN in manufacturing PMI

  

Vietnam highlights significance of ASEAN – US ties

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh shared ASEAN member states’ stance on the significance of the ASEAN – US strategic partnership at the ASEAN – US Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Bangkok, Thailand, on August 1. 

Vietnamese officials active at 52nd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh joined other ASEAN foreign ministers in the meeting with representatives of ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) in Bangkok on July 30.

Source: VNA