Rome (VNA) – VietnameseAmbassador to Italy Cao Chinh Thien chaired a regular meeting of the ASEANCommittee in Rome (ACR) on February 28. Representatives of ASEANcountries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Thailand attendedthe meeting while Chairman of Italian Senate Foreign Affairs Committee PierFerdinando Casini was present as a guest. Focusing on strengthening links andpromoting cooperation, the meeting approved action plans and activities tocelebrate the 50th founding anniversary of ASEAN. Participants also discussed thepolitical situation in ASEAN and Italy as well as measures to boost the twosides’ relations. ACR plans to hold sportschallenges and culture exchange programmes between ASEAN embassies in Italy andtheir partners. A field trip to Ancona in centralItaly is slated for mid-May to raise public awareness of ASEAN and to fostereconomic links between businesses and investors of both sides. Pier Ferdinando Casini affirmedthat Italy wishes to further develop its links with ASEAN and support the ASEAN Community. -VNA
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Participants at the meeting (Source: VNA) 
