VOV: Can you tell us about the main theme of the 38th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM-38) and its significance to the current situation in the region?

Mr Phung: The theme of this year's meeting is "Towards the harmony, dynamism and integration of ASEAN, with a greater role in the association in the current context". "Harmony" is not only in each country but also in the relations between ASEAN-member countries and other non-ASEAN member countries. "Dynamism" is an urgent requirement to develop the economy and meet ASEAN demands in the new period. Close and comprehensive "Integration" among ASEAN member countries is compulsory requirement for success.

VOV: Regional countries are facing a number of difficulties, especially in terms of energy. Will the meeting discuss measures to address the issue?

Mr Phung: Energy security has drawn much attention not only from Vietnam and ASEAN member-countries, but also other countries around the world. Energy demands are increasing while supplies are limited. Therefore, ministers of ASEAN countries are scheduled to hold a meeting with partners to discuss measures to strengthen co-operation in energy to effectively cope with the current situation. Ministers will discuss technical and financial support to develop clean energy to replace oil. In addition, they will also discuss measures to stabilise oil prices for sustainable development among ASEAN-member countries and other countries in the world.

VOV: Could you talks about Vietnam's major contributions to ASEAN during the past 10 years?

Mr Phung: Vietnam has actively contributed to forming a united ASEAN, assembling 10 Southeast Asian nations and promoting the admission of Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia to become ASEAN members in Hanoi. Vietnam also successfully organised the 6^th ASEAN Summit in 1998 and helped build the Hanoi Plan of Action (HPA). The country provided solutions to translate ASEAN's vision into deeds by 2020 as president of ASEAN Standing Committee. From July 2000 to July 2001, Vietnam successfully hosted many important events, particularly the 34^th ASEAN Foreign Ministerial Meeting. During the meeting, the Hanoi Statement was approved to narrow the development gap between members. The country is one of initiators of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and also took an active role in building ARF into an important dialogue forum about regional security, in which Vietnam consistently maintained the forum's natures and principles and fulfilled a major role in ASEAN.

In addition, during the past 10 years, Vietnam has tried its best to protect ASEAN's basic principles, such as consensus and not interfering in each member's internal affairs. The country was a good co-ordinator in negotiation relations between ASEAN and powerful countries like Japan, Russia and the United States. Currently, Vietnam is a co-ordinator in negotiations between the organisation and Australia.

VOV: Thank you very much.