“Southeast Asia is quite important to us and we therefore strive for good relations with ASEAN. Vietnam plays a key role in ASEAN and the region. The country’s seat in the UN’s Security Council has made its role more important,” he said.

In his meetings with Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry officials, Marciel applauded the country’s early appointment of its ambassador to ASEAN and gave strong support to Vietnam assuming ASEAN’s presidency in 2010.

Reported by Thu Net