(VOVworld) - Representatives of the Asia-Pacific Alliance (APA) gathered on July 21 in Mexico with Ambassadors of ASEAN to discuss measures to bolster cooperation between the two economic blocs.

At the meeting, Vietnam Ambassador to Mexico Le Linh Lan spoke highly of broad cooperation between the two economies, which contributes to promoting peace and development in the region and the world. Ambassador Lan emphasized the similarity in culture, history and economies among member countries of the two regions, saying they have contributed greatly to success in building a solid mutually beneficial relationship. She said she is confident the close and broad cooperation between the two blocs will continue to bear fruit in the future.

Mexican Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs for Latin America and the Caribbean, Socorro Flores Liera and other ASEAN ambassadors in turn applauded Ms Lan’s effectiveness as chairwoman of the ASEAN Committee.

At the event they discussed a wide array of measures in the works to broaden competitiveness such as the opening of direct flights between the two blocs, setting up information exchange channels and improved education cooperation. In addition, they compared notes on global issues pertaining to poverty reduction, climate change and natural disaster prevention. They also approved an initiative proposed by Ms Lan for ASEAN and APA to expand the number of joint activities like business forums and other cultural activities to nurture relations and take them to the next level.