Hanoi (VNA) - At least three dialogue partners of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) expressed their plans to appoint ambassadors for the grouping, the ASEAN chief said on July 23.
The decisions show recognition of the importance of the relationship between those countries and ASEAN, Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan was quoted by foreign media as saying.
Under the ASEAN Charter, to take effect when all of ASEAN members ratify it by the ASEAN Summit in Bangkok in December, major countries that become dialogue partners are encouraged to appoint ambassadors to ASEAN to work with the secretary general and the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN in Jakarta.
The United States was the first ASEAN dialogue partner to appoint an ambassador to ASEAN.
ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.-Enditem
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