17th ASEAN Summit successfully ended

www.go6tv.com BANGKOK, 31 October 2010 – The 17th ASEAN Summit and other related meetings in Hanoi have come to a close. The meeting is considered a success , with all members agreeing to cooperate with one another in solving the region's economic downturn. 

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said of the meeting with 3 dialogue partners: China, Korea, and Japan that the panels have determined to push forward the cooperation of ASEAN plus 3 by urging member countries' finance ministries to closely cooperate in the regional macroeconomic policy. Free trade areas in the region should also be promoted help stimulate the bloc's economy in the wake of economic crisis. 

Additionally, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has also expressed his sympathy for Thailand’s floods and expected the country to get back to normal as soon as possible. Mr Key has also expressed his country's interest in joining the ASEAN market, given economic growth in the region is expected. 

Meanwhile, bilateral meetings with other dialogue partners including India, Australia and Russia, have been considered successful. The 17th ASEAN Summit as well as the 5th East Asia conference have all ended in success.