HANOI, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- The sixth ASEAN People's Forum (APF) opened here on Friday, drawing over 700 representatives from friendship organizations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.

In his opening speech, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan said he expected representatives at the forum to have fruitful discussions to give recommendations to ASEAN governments as well as to figure out practical measures to enhance ties and coordination among ASEAN people.

The forum will help promote mutual understanding and friendly cooperation between Vietnam friendship organizations and other friendship organizations in the Southeast Asian region as well as in the world, said Nhan.

Vu Xuan Hong, President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations said at the opening ceremony that increasing solidarity and cooperative relations between friendship organizations in the Southeast Asian region is of great importance.

Vienam expected through the forum, ASEAN friendship organizations can closely cooperate with each other and further contribute to promote peace, equal and sustainable development, democracy and social progress in the region, said Hong.

According to the schedule of the three-day forum, representatives will discuss a variety of topics including integration, economic and trade cooperation, agriculture and rural development, climate change, natural resources, as well as the development of children, women and the handicapped.