(VOVworld) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc leads a Vietnamese delegation to the ASEAN Summit and related meetings held in Vientiane, Laos, from September 6 to 8. Through the summit, Vietnam continues to uphold its responsibility, to strengthen the unity of ASEAN, and to implement ASEAN Vision 2025.
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| Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his wife arrived at Wattay international airport, Laos, on September 6, 2016 |
The 28th and 29th ASEAN Summits are attended by leaders from the ten ASEAN member countries, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the US, Russia, India, Australia, and New Zealand and the UN Secretary General. Themed “Turning Vision into Reality - a Dynamic ASEAN Community,” the Summits will provide opportunity for the leaders of ASEAN countries and their partners to exchange views since the ASEAN Community was formed on December 31, 2015. Leaders will discuss measures to boost ASEAN connectivity, ASEAN’s central role, cooperation between ASEAN and its partners, and regional and international issues.
Positive progress in realizing ASEAN Vision
The formation of the ASEAN Community marked a milestone in regional connectivity. The Association has achieved major results in implementing the ASEAN Vision 2025 and Master Plans on the three pillars of the Community. Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung said: "The most prominent achievement of ASEAN since its formation has been its implementation of plans, for example, 200-300 plans of action relating to peace and security. Economically, ASEAN has promoted its connectivity with outside partners and realized agreement under the framework of ASEAN Economic Community. The second achievement has been its continued attraction of attention and support from the international community. The birth of the ASEAN Economic Community and its prestige has been recognized worldwide.”
In 2016, ASEAN’s cooperation with its dialogue partners continues to be fruitful through the implementation of plans of action for the 2016-2020 period. 86 countries have sent their ambassadors to ASEAN and 50 ASEAN Committees operate in different parts of the world. Most recently, ASEAN has agreed a proposal to join the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) of Chile, Iran, Egypt, and Morocco. It has issued partnership status to Switzerland and has established a partnership for cooperation with Germany, and is considering many other proposals.
Strengthening solidarity within ASEAN
During its formation and development, ASEAN has yielded numerous benefits thanks to the regional environment of peace and stability. But ASEAN is facing security challenges, including tensions in the East Sea, which some people fear will divide the Association. Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh said:“It’s important for ASEAN to maintain a peaceful and stable environment. Additionally, ASEAN needs to create a framework and forum for linking with bigger partners and establishing a regional code of conduct. ASEAN is doing very well in these three respects. Without ASEAN, the interactions between major and smaller countries will not always be for the common benefit of the region. In the course of its development, ASEAN may have faced ups and downs, but continue to play a very important role in the region.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Malaysia Pham Cao Phong said: "ASEAN is a house of commons and all member countries need to contribute to this family. The ASEAN Community belongs to all ASEAN members, so it needs joint cooperation to develop.”
Vietnam continues to be proactive, responsible member
As a member of ASEAN, Vietnam works to contribute to the common success of ASEAN. To realize ASEAN Vision 2025, Vietnam is upholding its responsibility, together with other members, to build a strong and united ASEAN.