"Vietnam's accession to ASEAN on 28/7/1995 was a historic strategic decision, opening a new chapter in the process of integration and the beginning of the country's strong rise," deputy prime minister and foreign minister Bui Thanh Son said in an article on 7/8 commemorating Vietnam's 30 years in ASEAN and the 58th anniversary of ASEAN's establishment.
According to Son, Vietnam has been a vital link in ASEAN for the past three decades, sharing strategic goals and visions, and promoting consensus and unified action.
"In a world full of change, Vietnam once again has the opportune time, advantageous location, and harmonious people to contribute more to ASEAN in the new era," Son wrote, outlining five key directions for Vietnam to continue contributing to ASEAN's success.
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Deputy prime minister and foreign minister Bui Thanh Son. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
Deputy prime minister and foreign minister Bui Thanh Son. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
First, Vietnam needs to continue working with other countries to strengthen consensus, enhance strategic trust, maintain ASEAN's central role, promote principles and norms of conduct, and uphold the rule of law to maintain a strategic space for regional peace and stability.
The second direction is to expand economic space, promote initiatives to exploit the intra-bloc market, effectively utilize free trade agreements with partners, and diversify linkages with dynamic and potential partners.
Vietnam and other member states also need to build a space for innovation, making ASEAN a destination for groundbreaking ideas and solutions based on digital transformation, science and technology, and innovation.
The next direction is to shape an inclusive development space where people, businesses, and localities benefit equitably and are facilitated to participate more extensively in community building.
ASEAN members need to connect cultural and social spaces to enrich the community's identity and enhance friendship and understanding among people. This is an endogenous source of strength that binds the community together, creating a solid foundation for a united, sharing, and cohesive ASEAN.
"Looking back over the past 30 years, every commitment, every action, and every initiative portrays a proactive, responsible Vietnam that strives for ASEAN. It's not just a journey of integration, but a journey of affirming resilience, spreading values, and sharing a future with the region," Son emphasized.
Nhu Tam
