(VOVworld) – The UN and ASEAN will continue to strengthen co-operation and institutional ties within the framework of the Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Partnership between the two organisations. The importance of ASEAN-UN relations was reaffirmed at a recent meeting between the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Miroslav Jenča, and ASEAN’s Secretary-General, Le Luong Minh, in Jakarta.

UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Miroslav Jenča (L) shakes hands with ASEAN Secretary-General, Le Luong Minh in a meeting in Jakarta. (Photo: ASEAN)

Both sides agreed to consider formulating a long-term plan for ASEAN-UN co-operation, taking into account ASEAN Community Building Post-2015 and the UN’s Post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Acknowledging ASEAN’s important role in promoting regional peace and stability, Mr Jenča looked forward to further collaboration with ASEAN in several fields under the political-security pillar, including strengthening co-operation to address trans-national threats such as maritime security, violent extremism, international terrorism, and people trafficking.
Secretary-General Minh expressed his appreciation to the UN and its agencies for their support to the ASEAN Secretariat over several years. The two leaders also discussed initiatives to enhance the effectiveness of the ASEAN Secretariat, in order to tackle challenges in the future.