VIENTIANE, Oct. 30 -- The 15th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (15th IAMME) officially opened here on Thursday.

In his opening speech, Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Environment Committee Asang Laoly emphasized the value of dialogue in identifying and tackling environmental issues and challenges.

"We will review our current strategic plan and discuss measures to build our strong regional cooperation and to agree on the Strategic Framework for ASEAN Cooperation on Environment," Asang said.

"Our meeting today will also allow us to view the role of natural resources and environment which significantly contributed to the socio-economic development under the green growth framework and drive ASEAN to achieve sustainable development and poverty eradication."

The official highlighted the abundance of natural resources throughout ASEAN and the benefits of sustainable socio-economic development.

Drawing parallels to the Laos, Asang stressed the importance of adequate provisions to protect the environment and stave off ecological disaster.

"I do hope to see our frank discussion on the concrete measures to increase the cooperation in ASEAN Community as well as with our dialogue partners towards the overarching goal of sustainable natural resources and environmental protection."

Meetings for the 15th AIMME started unofficially on Oct. 27 and will conclude on Oct. 31.