(VOVworld) - The ASEAN Islamabad Committee (AIC) approved the 2016 action plan at its first meeting in Pakistan last Thursday.

The meeting was presided over by rotational AIC Chairman Nguyen Xuan Luu, who is also Vietnamese Ambassador to Pakistan.

Ambassador Luu underlined the need for a more effective connection between the AIC and the host country’s agencies, adding that exchanges should also be strengthened with Pakistani experts and authorities.

Participants shared the view that the AIC should focus on promoting the image and status of ASEAN member countries in Pakistan  while boosting cooperation between AIC members and the host ahead of the formation of the ASEAN Community later this year.

They agreed to work closely with the Embassy of Vietnam and contribute to the AIC’s action plan for 2016.