Prime Minister speaks at the ASEAN-India Summit

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc yesterday, on behalf of ASEAN leaders, reviewed cooperation and orientations for ASEAN-India relations at a conference in the Philippines.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at a conference in the Philippines. Photo: VGP.

As the coordinating country of the relationship,On behalf of ASEAN leaders, the Prime Minister delivered a joint speech reviewing cooperation and future orientations for ASEAN-India relations.at the 15th ASEAN-India Summit in Manila, Philippines, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In his speech, the Prime Minister said that it is necessary toexploit the potential of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement, effectively utilize programs and projects on narrowing the development gap, connecting, enhancing people-to-people exchanges and expanding into areas of both sides' strengths.The Prime Minister believes in India's support and assistance for the process of building the ASEAN Community.

At the conference, ASEAN and India pledged to promote economic and trade cooperation, connectivity by road, air, maritime, digital connectivity, people-to-people exchange, science and technology, education, culture, disaster relief and narrowing the development gap.

ASEAN and India highly appreciated Vietnam’s initiative to organize the ASEAN-India Workshop on Blue Economy in Nha Trang from November 24-25. This is one of the activities to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of ASEAN-India relations held in ASEAN countries and India in 2017, lasting until January 2018.

Next toThe 15th ASEAN - India Summit, the Prime Minister also attendedRegional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Meeting, Signing Ceremony of ASEAN Consensus on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers, and Closing Ceremony and Handover of ASEAN Chairmanship to Singapore in Manila, Philippines.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte closed the 31st ASEAN Summit on the evening of November 14, handing over the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2018 to Singapore. As ASEAN Chair for 2018, Singapore announced that the focus of ASEAN cooperation next year is expected to be "Embracing the Future, Towards a Resilient and Innovative ASEAN Community".

Singapore’s priority is to build a resilient ASEAN, maintain its central role, and promote innovation and technology. Singapore affirmed that it will closely coordinate with member countries and partners to bring about practical cooperation results, contributing effectively to the realization of the goals of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025.

According to VNE