(VOVworld)- The Asia-Africa Ministerial Meeting opened in Jakarta, Indonesia on Monday. In his address, Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc emphasized the traditional friendship between Vietnam and African countries in their past struggles for national independence as well as their current development. Ngoc stressed the need to defend Bangdung principles, especially respecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, avoiding the use of force and peacefully settling disputes according to international law. Mr. Ngoc proposed strengthening connections and ensuring the freedom, safety and security of maritime and aviation to boost economic and trade exchanges between the two continents. He shared Vietnam’s experience in bilateral, trilateral relations and inter-regional cooperation with African countries. The Asia-Africa Ministerial Meeting discussed ways to boost cooperation between the two continents and review preparations for the Asia-Africa Summit, the 60^th anniversary of the Bangdung Conference, and the 10^th anniversary of Asia-Africa New Strategic Partnership to be held in Jakarta and Bangdung city from April 22 to 24.