As the ASEAN president in 2010, Vietnam will pay particular attention to supporting the activities of youth because they have a role in fostering cooperation among member nations, the prime minister said Friday.

Dung was in Thailand to attend the 15th ASEAN annual summit.

Also on Friday, Dung held unofficial meetings with the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary organization and ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC).

“To strengthen dialogue channels between officials and businesses as well as activities aiding businesses will be among Vietnam’s priorities during its presidency in 2010,” Dung told ABAC.

On the sidelines of the three-day summit that opened Friday, the Prime Minister also attended the inauguration of ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, which works to promote and protect human rights through activities like providing advisory services and capacity building to government agencies and ASEAN bodies.

Source: Government website