Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Minister of ForeignAffairs Do Hung Viet on December 27 chaired an inter-sectoral meeting to reviewASEAN cooperation and Vietnam's participation in the grouping in 2023, and setout directions for next year.

The official noted that given both opportunities andchallenges, ASEAN has demonstrated its adaptivity, and gradually madeadjustments to optimise new trends in service of sustainable development.

Mentioning initiatives and frameworks raised by ASEAN,Viet said they reflect changes in both mindset and action, aiming to shapeand lead new potential cooperation areas in the region, and called them importantpremises for the bloc to move forward and make breakthroughs in the future.

For external relations, ASEAN has made strong,substantive progress in cooperation with its partners, he said, adding the blochas established a comprehensive strategic partnership with Japan, and upgradedits relationship with Canada to a strategic partnership.

Regarding Vietnam’s participation in the grouping,Viet noted that the country’s viewpoints, proposals and initiatives meet thecommon concern and interests of countries and the region, and contributing tostrengthening ASEAN’s solidarity and centrality, enhancing regional cooperationand connectivity and affirming the image of a peaceful, friendly, constructiveand responsible Vietnam.

The participants shared the view that Vietnam shouldcarry forward the sense of responsibility in 2024, and coordinate with and supportLaos that will perform the ASEAN Chairmanship in the year.

Viet called on other ministries and agencies to worktogether with the foreign ministry to soon complete a master plan for Vietnam’sengagement in ASEAN in 2024, and effectively implement tasks and solutions toraise cooperation quality and efficiency./.