He made the remarks while addressing the seventh meeting of the foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ASEAN+3) in Kuala Lumpur.

Deputy PM Khiem said he was pleased to see important results of cooperation under ASEAN+3 in many areas over the past nine years.

Regarding the East Asia Summit (EAS), the Deputy PM noted that there was great potential for cooperation between ASEAN and northeastern Asian countries, especially in economics, trade, politics, security, culture and social affairs. The EAS will continue to act as a forum for leaders to discuss strategic issues in the region as well as to assist ASEAN+3’s efforts towards peace, stability and prosperity.