NAY PYI TAW, 22 Nov- Union Minister for Foreign Affairs U Wunna Maung Lwin attended ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting held in Bali, Indonesia, at 9:00 am on 15 November.

He accompanied as a member of the Myanmar delegation led by President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Thein Sein to attend the 19th ASEAN summit and its relevant meetings held in Bali, Indonesia.

The meeting concentrated on matters related to Timor-Leste's joining to ASEAN, establishment of dialogue partnership between UN and ASEAN, Myanmar's bid to ASEAN Chair in 2014, Brazil's participation in ASEAN's Treaty on Amity and Cooperation, implementation of Delcaration on South China Sea Regulations, cooperation in rescue and rehabilitation works in flood-hit regions, as well as issuance of ASEAN common visa for non-ASEAN nationals.

At the meeting, the Union Minister shared talks on developments in Myanmar. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers unanimously endorsed Myanmar taking over ASEAN Chairmanship in 2014 and confirmed to urge ASEAN leaders to decide in favour of Myanmar.

Afterwards, the Union Minister attended the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zone Commission Meeting.

On 16 November morning, he attended the 6th Meeting of the ASEAN Political-Security Community Council, and mainly discussed matters related to improvement of ASEAN Political-Security sector for implementation of the blueprint of ASEAN Political-Security Community.

The Union Minister attended the 9th Meeting of the ASEAN Coordination Council. The meeting considered the report of ASEAN Secretariat's Annual Operational Budget for FY 2012, report on Timor-Leste's bid to join ASEAN, and alternate assignment of ASEAN deputy secretary generals. The meeting assigned permanent representative to ASEAN Myanmar Ambassador U Nyan Lynn as deputy Secretary- General of ASEAN Political-Security beginning February, 2012, for three-year term.

Union Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin together with the ASEAN Foreign Ministers enjoyed the dinner hosted by Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Marty Natalegawa and wife at Amanusa Hotel in Bali in the evening.
On 17 November evening, the Union Minister participated in the signing ceremonies of MoU on establishment of ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance, agreement on declaration of Brazil's participation in ASEAN's Treaty on Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asian countries. The Union Minister on 18 November morning attended to sign MoU and agreements on cooperation in forestry sectors between ASEAN and ROK.

Union Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin held a discussion on bilateral cooperation between Myanmar and Vietnam with Vietnamese Foreign Affairs Minister Pham Binh Minh at 4 pm on 15 November.

On 18 November, the Union Minister met UN Deputy Secretary-General and Special Envoy of United Nations Secretary-General to Myanmar Mr. Vijay Nambiar. The meeting focused on promotion of bilateral cooperation between Myanmar and UN, as well as matters related to UN's assistance to Myanmar. The Union Minister on 17 November evening met US Assistant Secretary of State Mr. Kurt Campbell. The meeting concentrated on further cementing relationships between Myanmar and US, easing of sanctions imposed against Myanmar, and giving regular financial assistance of international financial institutions to Myanmar.

MNA