The related meetings include the Post Ministerial Conferences (PMC), the 16^th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN + 3 (China, Japan and the RoK) and the East Asia Summit (EAS).

The AMM-42 is an important annual event for foreign ministers from the ten ASEAN members and 17 dialogue partners. The event takes place as ASEAN is implementing its Charter and speeding up the building of ASEAN community by 2015.

All the meetings will focus on discussing ways forward and measures which will promote the building of ASEAN community and the ASEAN charter, as well as cooperation between ASEAN and other partners, plus regional security. 

The event offers an opportunity for ASEAN countries and their partners to share their views on regional and international issues, especially the impact of the global economic crisis.

The participation of the Vietnamese delegation at the AMM 42 aims to strengthen solidarity and unity within ASEAN, boost cooperation within the bloc, especially cooperation between ASEAN and its partners and take advantage of overseas assistance to help build the ASEAN community.

The meetings will also help Vietnam to prepare for taking up the post of ASEAN President in 2010.