Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh led a Vietnamese delegation to the meetings, which aimed to prepare contents for the retreat, scheduled to open on August 14.  

Vietnamese delegates at the event

This retreat will focus discussions on various issues such as developing orientations towards ASEAN’s 2015 vision; reinforcing peace, stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia ; and enhancing the grouping’s strategic role in the regional architecture.

It will also be a chance to find ways to boost ASEAN’s strategic partnership with China on the occasion of the 10 th anniversary of its establishment.

The ministers will consider the position of all ASEAN member states on the East Sea dispute before the ASEAN-China special meeting in Beijing later this month.

VNA