Sixth Conference of ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information ConcludesThe sixth conference of the ASEAN ministers responsible for information concluded Friday in Hanoi after issuing a joint press statement, calling for efforts in raising awareness of ASEAN.The conference, which began on Monday, agreed to strengthen the existing cooperation on exchanges of television programs and to give additional airtime for broadcasting ASEAN news, programs and features. The meeting requested member countries to further explore the involvement of private broadcasting channels to take part in the promotion of ASEAN awareness. The ASEAN ministers also agreed that ASEAN should explore further cooperation and opportunity in making full use of the Internet as an effective vehicle for ASEAN awareness. The Internet Forum will be held regularly with the objective of exchanging views and experiences in minimizing the negative impact, particularly on children and youth, and maximizing the benefits of Internet technology. The ministers held that the national information agencies of member countries and ASEAN committee on Culture and information continue to undertake promotional activities, campaigns and programs in support of Hanoi Plan of Action. ASEAN ministers also signed a memorandum of understanding on the implementation of the national communication plans to promote ASEAN awareness and understanding. The conference was attended by Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Manh Cam, Vietnamese Minister of Culture and Information Nguyen Khoa Diem and other ASEAN countries' ministers. |
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