ASEAN attaches great importance to Iran

Kuala Lumpur, July 9, IRNA – Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan described the Islamic Republic of Iran as a vital country in the region and the world.

Talking to IRNA on the sidelines of the first meeting of ASEAN economic ministers, Pitsuwan underlined that this association attaches great importance to expansion of ties with Iran.

Pointing to the emerging Iranian market, he said the Islamic Republic could be regarded as an export target for ASEAN members.

The ASEAN secretary general also called for enhanced ties with Iran in the fields of energy, tourism and joint venture.

He added ASEAN members consider Iran as a safe and stable market for boosting trade transactions.

ASEAN is a geo-political and economic organization of ten countries located in Southeast Asia, which was formed in 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Since then, membership has expanded to include Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

Its aims include the acceleration of economic growth, social progress, cultural development among its members, protection of the peace and stability of the region, and to provide opportunities for member countries to discuss differences peacefully./end