Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese Minister of TransportNguyen Van The has highlighted the need for ASEAN to continue enhancingtransport connectivity among its member countries.

The made the remark while chairing the 25thASEAN Transport Ministers’ Meeting (ATM 25) in Hanoi on November 14.

In his speech, The noted that over the years,transport ministers and officials of the member countries and the ASEANSecretariat have worked to obtain important achievements.

However, there remain many initiatives,proposals and cooperation mechanisms that need to be stepped up, especiallythose within the framework of the Kuala Lumpur Transport Strategic Plan for2016 – 2025, to strengthen connectivity among member nations, he said.

Meanwhile, the ASEAN and the EU have beennegotiating a bilateral air transport agreement. After eight negotiationrounds, they are now near the completion of the first new-generation aviationdeal between the two regions, creating a prerequisite for stronger connectivityin trade, tourism and transport.

The Vietnamese minister called on ASEANcountries to push on with internal consultation and complete negotiations so theagreement can be signed.

Reviewing measures for boosting maritimeconnectivity under the Kuala Lumpur Transport Strategic Plan, Thenoted agreements like the ASEAN Agreement on Aeronautical and Maritime Searchand Rescue Cooperation are being completed and will be signed in the nearfuture. Member countries have also worked towards the formation of a singleASEAN shipping market and roll-on/roll-off shipping routes, and in theharmonisation of safety and vessel examination standards in ASEAN.

He also applauded progress in the implementationof the bloc’s transport agreements, including the ASEAN Framework Agreement onMultimodal Transport, the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation ofGoods in Transit, the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation ofInter-State Transport, and the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation ofCross-Border Transport of Passengers by Road Vehicles.

At the meeting, Brunei Minister of Transport andInfocommunications Dato Abdul Mutalib Yusof hailed what have been achieved inthe implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Transport Strategic Plan for 2016 –2025.

Myanmar Minister of Transport and CommunicationsThan Sin Maung said regional countries have harvested positive outcomes sincethey pledged to cooperate in air services. 

He said he hoped that the ATM 25 will havesuccess so as to keep strengthening transport cooperation among the ASEANcountries, as well as between the bloc and partners.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Minister of TransportAnthony Loke Siew Fook highly valued host Vietnam’s preparations for the ATM25, along with the ASEAN Secretariat and working groups’ effective efforts tocarry out the initiatives on road, rail and maritime transport.

The ATM 25 and associated meetings with dialoguepartners will last through November 15./.