VN initiates measures to boost ASEAN-U.S dialogue

Dec. 1 (VNA)-- Viet Nam has proposed orientations and concrete measures to boost dialogue relationship between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Cong Phung, who co-chaired the 16th ASEAN-U.S. dialogue in Washington from Nov. 28-29, emphasized equality, mutual respect, common interests, and no-discrimination as principles of the relationship.

The meeting unanimously appreciated Viet Nam's recent ratification of the bilateral trade agreement with the United States, describing it as an important step towards the relationship between the two countries, thus contributing to development of commercial ties between ASEAN and the United States.

Both ASEAN and the U.S. agreed to boost cooperation, especially in economic and commercial fields, in an effort to narrow the development gap among ASEAN members themselves. They pledged to closer cooperation in the fight against international terrorism.--VNA