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.
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Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (right) and ASEAN Secretary General Lim Jock Hoi |
He expressed his belief that the ASEAN Secretary General plays an important role in strengthening connectivity.
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 (South China 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.
Source: VNA