>>Vietnam fosters cooperation with Laos and Thailand

>>18th ASEAN Summit opens

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and other ASEAN leaders attended the 18^th ASEAN Summit Retreat at the Jakarta Convention Centre in Indonesia on May 8.

The leaders discussed many important issues related to ASEAN external affairs, promoting cooperation between ASEAN and outside partners, and the ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations, as well as regional and international issues of concern, especially the East Sea, climate change, sustainable development and the ongoing dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.

They gave their opinions on important documents on the ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations, a proposal to establish an ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation and measures to strengthen cooperation in preventing human trafficking in Southeast Asia.

They agreed in principle with Myanmar’s proposal to assume the ASEAN Presidency in 2014. They also said that ASEAN and Timo-Leste need more time to prepare for Timor-Leste’s application for ASEAN membership.

ASEAN leaders affirmed they will strengthen regional cooperation especially for coping with climate change, managing natural disasters and working towards food and energy security.

*** The same day, PM Nguyen Tan Dung held a bilateral meeting with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on the sidelines of the summit. He congratulated Indonesia’s successful organization of the summit and affirmed that Vietnam will actively support Indonesia during its ASEAN Presidency in 2011.

The two leaders agreed to sign a plan of action for the 2011-2014 period to establish a stronger and more comprehensive relationship in the 21^st century and promote investment and trade cooperation.

PM Dung praised Indonesia’s humanitarian and friendly treatment of Vietnamese fishermen that were seized on the Sea East.

The two leaders directed relevant agencies to exchange specific solutions to the problem including implementing the memorandum of understanding for cooperation in fisheries and other marine issues signed in October 2010 and completing negotiations on economic privilege zones between the two countries.

President Yudhoyono praised Vietnam’s cooperation in agriculture and food security and said the two countries should boost cooperation in rice production and exchange experiences to increase rice yields and ensure food security in both countries and the region.

PM Dung said that ASEAN should make more effort to maintaining peace, stability, security and marine safety on the East Sea.

The two leaders agreed to accelerate the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties on the East Sea (DOC), complete DOC regulations and guidelines and develop a code of conduct for the East Sea (COC).

*** PM Dung also held private talks with Filipino President Benigno Aquino and Myanmar President Thein Sien to discuss boosting bilateral cooperation and other regional and international matters of mutual concern.