Vietnam just has taken over the Chairmanship of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from Thailand.

The term of the Chair of the CPR, in line with the ASEAN Chair, is one year.

In his speech at the handing over ceremony in Jakarta on January 6, Ambassador Vu Dang Dung, Vietnam’s Permanent Representative to ASEAN, pledged to continue working closely with CPR members to carry out this task in 2010.

On the occasion, Dr Surin Pitsuwan, ASEAN Secretary-General also committed his full support to the CPR while reiterating his appreciation for the high level of preparedness that Vietnam had shown before assuming the Chair.

During his recent visit to Vietnam, Dr Surin met with Vietnamese leaders to discuss how the ASEAN Secretariat can support the country in 2010.

The CPR was established in 2009 after the ASEAN Charter came into force in late 2008 to support the activities of the ASEAN Community Councils and ASEAN Ministerial Bodies. The CPR also liaises with the ASEAN Secretary-General on ASEAN-related issues.

Source: VOV