Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Ha Noi, Nov.4 (VNA) -- Prime Minister Phan Van Khai spoke highly of Brunei's comprehensive preparations for the seventh ASEAN summit as well as the ASEAN+3 and ASEAN+1 meetings this year and said Viet Nam will work actively to contribute to the success of the summit and the meetings between ASEAN and its dialogue partners.

PM Khai made the remarks at his meeting with Brunei Darussalam's Head of State Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah shortly after his arrival in Bandar Seri Begawan this afternoon, Nov.4, for the ASEAN summit meeting.

The two leaders exchanged views on a wide range of issues relating to the summit and other issues on bilateral relations. They also agreed that the seventh ASEAN summit should focus on important issues such as fight against terrorism, ASEAN's efforts to cope with challenges, reviewing of the mid-term implementation of the Ha Noi Plan of Action, and joint efforts to prevent HIV/AIDS from spreading.

Regarding the ties between the two countries, the two leaders expressed their pleasure at the new steps of development in the two countries' relations and agreed to increase exchanges of visits at high and ministerial levels in a bid to promote bilateral cooperation in all areas, particularly investment, labour, healthcare, education, oil and gas and telecommunications.

They said they hoped that the coming official visit to Brunei by President Tran Duc Luong would be a landmark, contributing to promoting cooperation and mutual understanding between the two countries.

The two leaders held that the two countries should review their 10-year cooperation and jointly work out drastic measure to enhance their bilateral friendly and cooperative relations.

PM Khai attended a banquet given by Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah this evening and heard ASEAN Secretary General Rodolfo Severino reporting on the implementation of decisions and initiatives of the fourth informal ASEAN summit in Singapore last year and on the mid-term implementation of the Ha Noi Plan of Action.

PM Khai and other ASEAN countries' leaders also approved the report by the Executive Director of the ASEAN Foundation and adopted measures to fight terrorism.--VNA