The secretaries-general of the ASEAN-the Republic of Korea (RoK)
Centre, the ASEAN-Japan Centre and the ASEAN-China Centre have gathered
in Seoul to discuss how to enhance cooperation among ASEAN and the
three East Asian countries.
At the April 12 meeting, the leaders
discussed cooperation areas to continue supporting cooperation between
ASEAN members and their three dialogue partners. They exchanged views on
ways and means to enhance ASEAN Plus Three connectivity, thereby
opening up a new dimension for cooperation among the countries.
They
had an in-depth discussion on future cooperation among the three
centres, such as implementing joint work programmes, personnel
exchanges, sharing of information and practices, and institutionalising
cooperation between the three organisations, which contribute to
realising the long-term vision of the ASEAN Plus Three leaders of an
East Asian community.
The three centres are intergovernmental
organisations established between the governments of ASEAN member states
and the RoK, Japan and China. They have been engaging in various
work programmes and activities aimed at increasing trade volume,
accelerating investment flow, invigorating tourism, and enriching
cultural exchanges with ASEAN members.
The centres’ important
role was emphasised by the ASEAN Plus Three leaders at the ASEAN Plus
Three Summit which was held to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the
ASEAN Plus Three Cooperation in Phnom Penh , Cambodia , in November
2012. The ASEAN Plus Three Leaders thereby expressed their expectation
on the centres to play a more constructive role in accelerating regional
integration.-VNA