ASEAN summit leaders agree on regional goals. Discussions at the 17th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, held in Âu Lạc (Vietnam) and chaired by Prime Minister Nguyễn Tấn Dũng, centered on ways to continue the formation of an envisioned ASEAN Community, with several agreements that were signed to enhance member states’ as well as partner countries’ cooperation. During the regional meeting, the United States and Russia also joined for the first time in the 5th East Asia Summit (EAS), and official invitations were extended to US and Russian presidents to attend future ASEAN meetings. In the closing ceremony, chairmanship was officially transferred to Indonesia for 2011, and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono pledged to further organizational goals as well as continuing the work begun by chairing country Âu Lạc this year.

Our accolades all leaders for your cordial cooperation and fruitful discussions. May all the people of the Southeast Asian nations, and beyond, flourish in peace, prosperity and friendship.