Talking with correspondents on the sidelines of the 17^th ASEAN Summit and related summits in Hanoi, Kim said, with the official participation in the EAS of Russia and the US as of 2011, relations between the two nations and the bloc will be strengthened, and at the same time, ASEAN’s role will be expanded.

“The Republic of Korea’s government welcomes the participation of Russia and the US in this cooperation mechanism,” the foreign minister said.

The 5^th EAS is scheduled to take place on October 30, coinciding with the 17^th ASEAN Summit and related summits being held in Hanoi from October 28-30.

This year marks the first time the Russian and US foreign ministers will attend the EAS as special guests of Vietnam – the Chair of ASEAN 2010.

According to Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Dao Viet Trung, Russia and the US will be invited to join the EAS as official members as of 2011. Currently, EAS members include the 10 ASEAN nations plus Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand and the RoK.

The RoK’s foreign minister also spoke highly of Vietnam’s chairmanship and contributions to the region’s development.

“By hosting regional meetings in its capacity as Chair of ASEAN 2010, Vietnam greatly contributes to the region’s development and performs well as the bloc’s chairman. In my point of view, the 17^th ASEAN Summit was organised successfully,” he added.