The ninth ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM 9) opened in Hanoi Monday.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said the meeting was taking place at a time when the global financial crisis was inflicting great losses and plunging the world into a very difficult and unstable period.

“We are coping with the adverse impacts caused by the crisis politically, economically and socially; as well as various global challenges, particularly climate change, epidemics, energy security and terrorism.”

In this context, the ASEM should not only serve as a forum to exchange views, but also should initiate specific and practical action, Dung said.

Vietnam has always participated actively and responsibly in ASEM, through political dialogue, economic cooperation and other actions, including hosting the fifth ASEM Summit (ASEM 5) and many other important conferences and forums, he noted.

The PM expressed pleasure at the outcome of cooperation within the ASEM framework, saying that many ASEM members are now strategic and leading partners with Vietnam in economics, trade, investment, development cooperation, education and training.

This is the first meeting of foreign ministers since the ASEM increased its membership from 39 to 45.

During the two-day meeting, the delegates will discuss a wide range of issues, including measures to strengthen Asia-Europe cooperation to cope with the world economic crisis, global challenges, and the future of the ASEM.

Source: VNA