Pyongyang, August12 (KCNA) -- Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung highlighted the role of ASEAN in maintaining regional peace and development ahead of the 44th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Aug. 8.

He said ASEAN has actually become an important and indispensable factor for peace, stability and development in Southeast Asia, and a momentum to promote dialogue, cooperation and connectivity in the East Asian and Asian-Pacific regions.

He called upon ASEAN member nations to cooperate with each other and make more positive efforts to implement the roadmap to build the ASEAN Community.