On behalf of ASEAN ambassadors, Mr. Cuong congratulated Mr. Kono for his reelection as the Foreign Minister on November 1.Mr. Cuong expressed his sincere thanks for the Japanese Government’s support for Vietnam hosting the APEC Year 2017, especially the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Da Nang next week. He affirmed that ASEAN appreciated Japan’s assistance for ASEAN central role and solidarity, and its initiatives to promote Japan-ASEAN strategic partnership, such as a ‘Partnership for Quality Infrastructure', Mekong-Japan connectivity, management and sustainable use of Mekong water resources and human resource training in maritime security.

Minister Kono in turn said he was very pleased to return to Vietnam to attend the APEC Ministerial Meeting and wished that Vietnam is successful in organizing the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Da Nang.Mr Kono and 10 ASEAN ambassadors exchanged views on issues of shared concern that will be raised for discussions at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, ASEAN Summit, East Asia Summit, and related meetings in Vietnam and the Philippines in November.