(VOVworld) – The Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN convened its 11^th meeting in Vientiane, Laos, on Thursday to prepare for the 49^th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, ASEAN meetings with its partners, the East Asian Summit cooperation framework, and the ASEAN regional forum from July 12 to July 26. The meeting also discussed ways to enhance internal links and narrow the development gap.

ASEAN Secretary General and heads of member countries' permanent representative delegations to ASEAN. (Photo: asean.org)

Ambassador Nguyen Hoanh Nam, Head of the Vietnamese Permanent Representative Delegation to ASEAN underscored Vietnam’s role in the preparation process: “Vietnam was active in the discussions. As a coordinator for ASEAN-India relations, Vietnam enthusiastically contributed to designing action plans for ASEAN and India in the coming years, especially next year, when the two sides will celebrate 25^th anniversary of relations”.

On Friday the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting will take place to work on the agenda and review documents to be discussed at the 49^th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings, to be open on July 24.