ASEAN Secretary-General Le Luong Minh Visited ACC

On 16 October 2013, H.E. Mr. Le Luong Minh, Secretary-General of ASEAN, visited ASEAN-China Centre (ACC), where he met with H.E. Mr. Ma Mingqiang, Secretary-General of ACC, and had interactive dialogue with members of ASEAN Committee in Beijing (ACB).

Secretary-General Ma extended a warm welcome to Secretary-General Le Luong Minh and expressed his appreciation for ASEAN Secretariat’s strong support extended to ACC. Secretary-General Ma expressed that Chinese leaders have on many occasions emphasized how much China has committed to engage with ASEAN as ASEAN has always been China’s priority in its relations with neighboring countries. This year marks the 10th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership. ACC will work harder to implement projects in line with the outcome of the 16th ASEAN-China Summit on 9 October 2013 in Bandar Seri Begawan, and further deepen ASEAN-China cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, education, culture and tourism. ACC will continue its efforts to promote good-neighborly relations and mutual trust, facilitate functional cooperation and enhance the friendship between ASEAN and China. Miss Lada Phumas, Director for Information and Public Relations Division, briefed the delegation on behalf of ACC on ACC’s roles and functions as well as activities held and to be held by ACC.

Secretary-General Le Luong Minh mentioned that among ASEAN’s relations with its dialogue partners, ASEAN-China relations is the most dynamic, comprehensive and fruitful, which enjoys sound foundation and great potential for future development. He said within the short span of two years, ACC made the best use of its own advantages and undertook many diverse, substantial and effective activities. The achievements of ACC have been fully recognized, well received and contributed to the advancing of ASEAN-China cooperation. The ASEAN Secretariat is willing to work closely with ACC to move ASEAN-China relations to a higher level.

Secretary-General Le Luong Minh, Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN Madam Yang Xiuping and ACB had an in-depth exchange of views on the 16th ASEAN-China Summit and ASEAN-China relations.

As part of High-end Dialogues with ASEAN VIPs Programme of ACC, Secretary-General Le Luong Minh received a joint interview at ACC Headquarters by 7 Chinese media and 2 Vietnamese media, and answered questions on ASEAN-China relations and Vietnam-China relations.

Secretary-General Le Luong Minh also toured the Photo Exhibition on ASEAN-China Relations and ACC, and watched a painting demonstration by Master Tang Yi, a famous Chinese painter.

At the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Secretary-General Le Luong Minh pays his first official visit to China during 16-19 October 2013. This is one of the commemorative activities to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership, organized by China. This is also Secretary-General Le Luong Minh’s first visit to ACC.