Vientiane (VNA) - Leaders of Japan and ASEAN countries met on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 10th ASEAN summit to discuss a broad range of issues from free trade talks to anti- terrorism efforts.

The leaders issued a joint statement calling for the start of negotiations on the comprehensive economic partnership in April 2005.

They also adopted the action plan, which enumerates about 120 items to enhance regional cooperation at various levels in the economic, security and human resources sectors, at their last meeting in December 2003 in Tokyo. It includes Japan's pledge to provide 1.5 billion USD in aid to the development of the Mekong River region over three years.

The leaders also approved another statement renewing their resolve to prevent and combat terrorism in the region.

Addressing the summit, Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai highlighted Japan's help in narrowing the gap of development among ASEAN member countries, saying "Viet Nam spoke highly of Japan's 1.5 billion USD aid for this goal."

The Vietnamese leader also reiterated Viet Nam's bid to join the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and said he hoped that Japan would hasten its talks with Viet Nam in this regard in order to complete the bilateral negotiations during the first quarter of next year.

PM Khai asked Japan to increase its cooperation with ASEAN countries in ensuring energy supply in the context of surging oil prices. He said Viet Nam welcomed the signing of the ASEAN-Japan joint statement on anti-terrorism.