(VNA)-The first ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Women, themed “Strengthening gender prospects and partnership among ASEAN women for a sustainable environment”,  took place in Vientiane today/ on Friday.  The fourth meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Women plus 3 (ACW+3) opened in Vientiane, Laos the day before to discuss ways to boost regional cooperation in women-related and sustainable environment issues. Addressing the event, President of the Lao Women’s Union Sysay Leudedmounsone said the event is also to share experience and strengthen cooperation in women-related issues between ASEAN China , Japan, and the Republic of Korea. Participants touched upon the ACW’s Action Plan for the 2011 – 2015 period, which addresses environmental issues, ways to narrow the gap in gender inequality, and promoting women’s leadership role.