Outgoing Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia Hoang Anh Tuan has affirmed to do his utmost in the new position as Deputy Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to contribute to the bloc’s effective operation.

Outgoing Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia Hoang Anh Tuan (L) meets with Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi 

At a meeting with Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi in Jakarta on January 16, Tuan said he will spare no efforts to make ASEAN a people-centred organisation of pragmatic cooperation for the common prosperity of each member nation as well as peace and stability in the region and around the world.

Minister Marsudi said the sound traditional relations between Vietnam and Indonesia will continue contributing to the regional peace and stability.

She noted that ASEAN is entering a new development period after the successful 50-year path, adding that big challenges in the future require member countries to exert more efforts to strengthen unity, solidarity and role of ASEAN in the region and beyond.

The minister expressed her belief that in the position of ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General, Tuan and the new leadership of the ASEAN Secretariat will support member nations in making active contributions to the common development of the ASEAN Community, thus increasing the position of the bloc in the international arena.

The Vietnamese diplomat is scheduled to meet with Indonesian Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti on January 18 to promote bilateral cooperation in the field of seafood, including fishermen issue.-VNA