9th ASEM Foreign Ministers' Meeting calls for enhancement of political dialogue

HANOI, May 26 -- Ministers attending the 9th Foreign Ministers'

Meeting of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) here on Tuesday unanimously agreed to

enhance political dialogue between Asia and Europe to advance mutual

understanding and friendship.

According to the Chair's Statement passed in the meeting, ministers

reiterated their support for the progress made in ASEAN Community building,

regional integration of East Asia and South Asia.

Ministers welcomed the preparedness of the European Union to accede to the

Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in South-East Asia upon completion of the

relevant legal progress to amend the Treaty, said the statement.

Ministers also exchanged views on the situations of some Asian countries

like Afghanistan and Myanmar with commitment to support for national

reconciliation and stable development, and confirmed their desire to seek a

negotiated and peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.

Regarding nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, ministers continued to

support the Six-Party Talks and called on relevant parties to take positive

steps towards early and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a

peaceful manner, contributing to peace and stability of Northeast Asia, said the

statement.

The meeting, running from May 25 to 26, drew foreign ministers and heads of

delegations of 45 ASEM members.