Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen hosts a welcome ceremony for Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. (photo: VOV)

The 40^th and 41^st ASEAN Summits and related meetings are taking place in a context of global and regional instability and disturbances such as the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, the situations in the East Sea and Myanmar, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and tension on the Korean Peninsula.

These are the first direct meetings of ASEAN’s heads of state with their partners after 3 years of COVID-19.

ASEAN identifies new momentum, directions, and solutions

ASEAN countries have overcome a difficult period, demonstrating their vitality and strong resilience. Recent complications have posed both challenges and opportunities for ASEAN to continue affirming its central role and ability to solve shared problems.

At the ASEAN Summits, members will continue to promote a strong, united, and cohesive community and discuss new driving forces, directions, and solutions to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth, digital transformation, and a digital economy.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu said: “Themed ‘ASEAN: Addressing Challenges Together’, many key issues will be discussed, such as cooperation for regional economic recovery, coordination in finding solutions for the region's hotspots, and upgrading partnerships between ASEAN and major countries, like China, the US, and India.  The results of the ASEAN Summits, ASEAN meetings with partners, and numerous bilateral activities will contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and around the world.”

ASEAN will announce the establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the United States and India. The leaders are expected to ratify more than 100 cooperation documents between ASEAN members and its partners.

Vietnam contributes to building an ASEAN Community

Over the last 27 years since Vietnam joined ASEAN in July 1995, Vietnam has consistently pursued a motto of “cooperation-responsibility-creativity-harmony” in ASEAN. That’s the secret of Vietnam's success in gaining the support and respect of other ASEAN countries and ASEAN partners.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu (photo: baoquocte.vn)

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu said: “To keep up with rapid and profound changes, Vietnam has participated in ASEAN cooperation with an innovative and creative approach and initiatives which have been praised internationally. For example, Vietnam proposed emergency measures for overcoming the COVID-19 epidemic in a spirit of solidarity. Vietnam’s balanced and harmonious approach has always been seen as a "bridge" to narrow differences between ASEAN countries and between ASEAN and its partners. We try to maintain a balanced and objective stance, promote dialogue and cooperation, and resolve disagreements and disputes in accordance with international law.”

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will deliver a keynote speech on Vietnam’s stance and initiatives to reinforce ASEAN’s unity, cohesion, and central role, strengthen regional linkages, promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest, strengthen ASEAN’s relations with partners, and exchange views on global and regional issues with a balanced and harmonious approach. He will attend multiple meetings with national leaders and partners to discuss issues of mutual concern.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s attendance at the ASEAN Summits shows that Vietnam is a responsible member in implementing the bloc's commitments and a leader in promoting ASEAN’s role on global issues.