11:00 AM, 02/06/2009
ASEAN, RoK commit closer cooperation to overcome crisis
VGP – It is necessary to continue flexible fiscal policies, stimulus solutions, avoid protectionism, and enhance regional and international financial and trade cooperation in order to restore confidence in markets, overcome the global crisis, and ensure sustainable development, stressed leaders at the closing session of the ASEAN-Republic of Korean Commemorative Summit today.
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ASEAN, Korean leaders vow to join hands in coping with common challenges – Photo: VGP
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In the second session, leaders focused on international and regional issues of common concern, especially transnational challenges like financial and economic crisis, energy security, food security, environmental deterioration, climate change, and pandemic outbreaks.
They agreed to strengthen economic and financial cooperation between ASEAN and Korea as well as within other regional frames, including the Agreement on multilateralizing the Chiang Mai Initiative and the Asia Bond Market Initiative (ABMI).
ASEAN and Korean leaders pledged to expand the cooperation between two sides in guaranteeing energy and food security; dealing with and adapting to climate change; conducting calamity rescue; and preventing epidemics.
Addressing the meeting, PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng stated that, ASEAN and the RoK, together with other Asian countries, should join efforts in building a solid foundation for sustainable development on the basis of a healthy macro-economy and traditional cultural values; promoting regional cooperation and integration to mitigate impacts of the crisis and narrow development gaps; do bigger investments in science, technology and human resource training; and consolidating the position of Asia as one of the world’s civilization cradles.
The PM expected to see greater support from the RoK to ASEAN.
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ASEAN, Korean Economic Ministers sign the Investment Agreement – Photo: VGP
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Concluding the Summit, leaders signed a joint statement and witnessed the signing of the ASEAN-Korea Investment Agreement.
A press release was also issued on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s recent nuke test, confirming their support to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
By Xuân Hồng
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