BANGKOK — A delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyễn Quốc Dũng, head of the Việt Nam ASEAN SOM, attended the ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) in Bangkok on June 21.

With a focus on reviewing preparations for the 34th ASEAN Summit scheduled for June 22-23, officials discussed the implementation of priorities under the theme “Advancing Partnership for Sustainability” and joint work between ASEAN and partners.

Participants basically agreed with the agenda and documents for the summit and vowed to actively support Thailand’s efforts to realise initiatives towards improving sustainability in the three pillars of the ASEAN Community.

They discussed promoting ties between ASEAN and partners, including in maritime security, cultural exchange and cyber security.

Speaking at the event, Deputy FM Dũng affirmed that Việt Nam will actively contribute to ASEAN’s common efforts in effectively realising sustainable development goals in accordance with the year’s theme, as well as work for the success of the upcoming summit.

As a coordinator of ASEAN-Japan ties, Việt Nam will also update the progress of collaboration between both sides, including activities within the framework of ASEAN-Japan Day 2019 in Việt Nam.

The ASEAN Ministerial Meeting will open on June 22 with major activities taking place in the afternoon. — VNS