Present there on invitation were DPRK Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun and officials concerned.

On hand were Lao Ambassador to the DPRK Chaleune Warinthrasak, Cambodian Ambassador Chhorn Hay, Vietnamese Ambassador Le Van Cu, Malaysian Ambassador Rahimi Bin Harun, Indonesian Charge d'affaires ad Interim Fitri Riyanti and staff members of embassies here.

The Lao ambassador in his speech at the reception said that the ASEAN member nations, out of their common responsibility for comprehensive security, have made efforts to make the organization a powerful and future-oriented body, he said.

He referred to the fact that the DPRK foreign minister visited Southeast Asian countries and participated in the ARF, adding that this is a clear proof of the efforts exerted by the DPRK to boost the multilateral cooperation with ASEAN countries.

Pak Ui Chun voiced the expectation that the ASEAN would as ever fulfill its mission and role as a prestigious organization united closer in the idea of independence, equality, mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs.

He declared that the DPRK government would continue to make efforts to boost the friendly and cooperative relations with ASEAN countries.