Officials discusses on implementation of roadmap for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community

Senior officials of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have touched on the implementation of a roadmap for the planned ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), state media reported Thursday. Top on the agenda at a three-day 16th Senior Officials Meeting of ASCC, which opened in Nay Pyi Taw Wednesday, were development gap among ASEAN countries, closer cooperation after the emergence of an ASEAN Community and issues related to social development. Migrant workers and climate change will also be up for debate, the officials said. In order to disseminate detailed information, ASEAN will launch a website called ASEAN Virtual Learning Center later this year, the officials disclosed. Myanmar Deputy Minister of Information U Ye Htut held that Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV) under the ministry is responsible for the information sector of ASCC, revealing that ASEAN information ministers are to discuss the follow-up program in June. He highlighted the importance of the ASEAN chairmanship in strengthening international ties in the long run as leaders from 27 countries including U.S. President Barack Obama will attend the ASEAN Summit set for October-November. Myanmar Cultural Minister U Aye Myint Kyu, who is also chairman of Myanmar ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council, vowed to strive for promoting ASEAN awareness of cultural sector in cooperation with regional member nations. The 11th Ministers Meeting of ASCC is underway to discuss the role of ASCC sector, decisions and declarations.