(VOVworld) - The highlight of ASEAN cooperation in 2016 was strengthening unity and consensus to maintain ASEAN’s central role in dealing with regional challenges, particularly the East Sea conflict.
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A performance to promote ASEAN Great Unity – A Vision, An Identity, A Community
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2016 was the first year of implementing the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and Blueprints for 3 pillars of the Community. ASEAN has adopted action plans for the 2016-2020 period, ASEAN Connectivity until 2025, ASEAN external relations, and organizational reform.
ASEAN continues to promote its central role and expand relations
In 2016 ASEAN made progress in developing the ASEAN Community on 3 pillars: politics and security, economics, and culture-society and narrowing the development gap between countries. ASEAN established strategic a partnership with 7 partners, and dialogue mechanisms with Norway, Switzerland, and Germany. The ASEAN Treaty of Amity Cooperation (TAC) now has 25 member countries.
Vu Ho, Deputy Director of the ASEAN Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, says: “ASEAN solidarity has been maintained and internal affairs were resolved in accordance with the interests of all members, contributing to regional peace. Relations with major countries and partners are managed within ASEAN’s frameworks. ASEAN has strengthened its role in the regional structure.”
ASEAN has clearly expressed its stance on the East Sea which has contributed to regional peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation. Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh said: “ASEAN places special importance on maintaining a peaceful and stable environment, sets up frameworks and forums to connect partners and sets standards for regional relationships. Without ASEAN, relations between countries would not always serve regional interests.”
Vietnam in the integration process
Vietnam has gotten actively involved in all cooperative efforts in ASEAN and asserted its role in ASEAN initiatives, declarations, and statements. Deputy Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung said: “Vietnam has made contributions to ASEAN and worked with Laos, who holds the ASEAN Chair in 2016, to promote ASEAN’s central role. Vietnam’s initiative on maritime collaboration among law enforcement agencies was adopted at the ASEAN Regional Forum in Laos. The initiative was practical way to address the East Sea issue.”
In 2017, ASEAN will mark its 50th anniversary and the 10th year of ASEAN Charter. Global complications have challenged ASEAN’s solidarity and central role and demanded that the Community generate fresh momentum for its future.
Vietnam will continue to take an active and responsible role in ASEAN cooperation, focus on ASEAN’s blueprints until 2025, work with the Philippines as ASEAN Chair 2017 to pursue ASEAN’s priorities, and strengthen ASEAN’s solidarity, consensus, and central role in the regional structure. Vietnam and ASEAN will work to effectively implement the DOC, en route to the realization of the COC.